Noticing Zachary was still struggling with the situation, Nelle decided to be direct. “Zachary, it’s not that I dislike Yvette. But Mr. Grillin is coming from Cloudity, and what if he sees something he doesn’t like and changes his mind? Winona has worked so hard to get on his radar. I didn’t want anything to mess that up because of Yvette.”

Zachary paused, realizing Nelle had a point. He held her hand and asked gently, “So, do you have any ideas? Time is running out. If Yvette starts learning etiquette now, it may be too late.”

Nellie had been waiting for that question. After a moment’s pretense of pondering, she suggested, “Zachary, if you don’t mind letting Yvette experience a little tough love, I might have an idea. But I can’t promise it will work.”

Zachary replied urgently, “What is it? Just tell me.”

“I have a cousin who’s an etiquette teacher at Argrol University. She specializes in training girls from wealthy families like Winona. I’ve heard she has a great reputation, and the ladies she’s transformed have made real changes. If Yvette is willing, I’d be happy to take her to meet my cousin. I believe she’ll give me some face.”

Zachary, mainly worried about Yvette embarrassing him, was pleased with Nelle’s suggestion. Even though their bond was more of a partnership than a deep friendship, she had helped him a lot over the years.

With Zachary’s agreement, Nellie thought triumphantly, ‘So what if you’re Lilian’s daughter? You’ll still be at my mercy, Yvette.’

Unknown to Zachary, Nellie’s cousin had a notorious reputation for harsh discipline. Being from the Smith family, the young women from less prominent wealthy families didn’t dare resist her methods.

That evening, Zeke and Winona finally arrived. They had spent the day playing golf with Victor and, certainly, used the opportunity to gossip about Yvette.

Just then, Yvette came downstairs gracefully and bumped into them. All three looked quite different from Zachary—Yvette took after Lilian with her strikingly cool beauty, while Zeke and Winona shared some of Nelle’s facial features.

Zeke was Nellie’s pride and joy. Matthew had allowed her to marry into the once-prestigious Chambers family mainly because she was pregnant with Zachary’s child. From Zeke’s birth, Nellie had doted on him endlessly, but he hadn’t become spoiled. Instead, he excelled, often ranking at the top of his class.

Zeke and Winona already knew about Yvette. They had considered ways to keep her away from the Chambers family, but the people they sent had all vanished strangely. They hadn’t seriously suspected Yvette, but figured she lacked the power to orchestrate anything.

Growing up in high society, they knew that even if they wanted to target Yvette, they had to be discreet, especially since their father felt so guilty toward her. Having one more person in line for the inheritance was a threat. Zeke and Winona exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing to handle Yvette behind the scenes.

Zeke acted surprised and quickly apologized to Yvette for being late. He happily welcomed her to the Chambers family. Winona played along, and together, they created a lively scene.

“You must be Yvette, right? I’m Zeke. If you need anything, just come to me. I’ll take care of you,” said Zeke warmly.

Winona watched Yvette’s stunning features, and a wave of jealousy washed over her. She considered herself one of the top beauties in their social circle, challenged only by Rebecca Carter. But Yvette was in a different league entirely…Her photos didn’t do justice to her stunning presence.

Her biggest fear was that Yvette might catch Victor’s eye, jeopardizing their engagement—which had originally belonged to Yvette. Panic swelled inside Winona.

Out of the corner of her eye, Winona spotted two figures. Yvette’s back was turned to the stairs, so she didn’t see them coming. Seizing the opportunity, Winona stepped closer and whispered, just loud enough for Yvette to hear, “Your mother is dead. Why even come back? This house has no place for you.”

Winona had used this tactic for years—provoking others and then showing kindness and grace. It had always worked, and she was sure Yvette would be no exception. Get angry, Yvette! Better make a scene so Dad can see just how trashy you are, she thought.

Winona thought she had it all figured out, but she was about to meet her match. Yvette was a woman who could face the underworld without flinching—this petty trick wouldn’t faze her.