Nellie dared not show any attitude toward Zachary, so she smiled and said, “Darling, I was just in a hurry. Please forgive me. I’ll let you know before my next visit.” Her smile was bright, yet the fine lines on her fifty-year-old face were undeniable, a stark contrast to a woman in her twenties, especially beside Yvette. Zachary frowned slightly at Nellie's coquettishness. Didn't she see Yvette was right there? So inappropriate, he thought.

Nellie hadn't anticipated her attempt to appease Zachary would backfire, further upsetting him. The atmosphere grew awkward. Yvette rose, hands in pockets, tilted her head, and with a raised eyebrow, resumed her carefree demeanor. "I'm leaving," she said.

Zachary's attitude shifted immediately. Worried she'd leave, he quickly said, "Yvette, let's put that aside for now. See me when you've considered it. Your welcome home party this Sunday is most important. You must come. Lucas will pick you up from school. I'll have a designer create your dress. Any other requests? I'll do everything."

Beside them, Nellie's smile froze, her teeth clenched. She looked ghastly pale. The party was supposed to highlight Winona's apprenticeship ceremony, but Zachary's words prioritized Yvette's welcome home celebration. Nellie knew how much Zachary had cared about Winona's apprenticeship, but everything changed with Yvette's return. Winona was no longer the star. Nellie's fury and hostility toward Yvette were palpable.

Lucas briefly glanced at them, then lowered his gaze. Mr. Chambers favors Ms. Zeller so openly, disregarding Mrs. Chambers' feelings. Doesn't he see how grim Mrs. Chambers' face is? What if she finds out about the will? he thought, also wondering if Nellie's Smith family would intervene.

Yvette paused on her way out, nodding slightly without looking back. That small gesture exhilarated Zachary; he knew it meant agreement. He could finally relax, having been prepared to swallow his pride to persuade her otherwise. Years of working together had clearly aligned their thinking.

Nellie, too, suppressed her jealousy at Yvette's nod; her plan wouldn't work without Yvette at the party. Yvette's return was exactly what Nellie wanted.

Yvette's demeanor remained cool as she opened the door. "When Yvette returns, I'll find her a top design team. Don't worry, darling," Nellie said.

Zachary's expression softened. Turning slightly, he showed Nellie more kindness than before. "Okay. Put in the effort. Money's no object. Make sure Yvette's happy."

Nellie noted his doting fatherly expression when speaking of Yvette. Suppressing her annoyance, she maintained a sweet demeanor. "Okay, darling. I got it. I'll ensure you see a gorgeous Yvette. The tailors are downstairs; I'll call them now."

Having resolved a major issue, Zachary felt happier and decided to overlook Nellie's uninvited visit. He nodded. "Let them come up. I still have work after the measurements, so you should leave." He dismissed her without mercy.

Nellie almost dug a hole in her bag, but maintained her composure. "Okay," she said.

When the tailors arrived, Nellie planned to examine the documents Zachary had put away while he tried on his suit. But as if reading her mind, he gestured for her to sit and had Lucas assist him.

While Nellie sipped her coffee, Zachary quickly placed the document in the office's safety deposit box. Though distracted, Nellie watched him, pausing when he secured the document, then resuming her coffee as if she'd seen nothing. What kind of document needs a safe? she wondered, increasingly certain it was important. She had to find a way to see what Zachary showed Yvette.

The next day, Yvette was summoned to the Principal's office, halfway through her physics class. Simon had already finished his work and brewed coffee, filling the air with its aroma. Snacks and nuts adorned the table—it resembled a tea party more than a principal's office at prestigious Argrol University.

Simon, though disliking coffee, kept a box for Yvette, anticipating her future visits. He’d also stocked snacks he thought girls might like. When Yvette entered, his eyes lit up as he scanned her. Good. She's fine. If she were hurt, Mr. Owens might come charging over, he mused, then said, "You're here, Yvette. Have a seat."

Yvette nodded politely, greeting him calmly. She glanced at the treats, sat casually, and lowered her gaze. Simon, used to her aloofness, smiled kindly. "Sorted everything? Need any help? Don't be shy," he offered.

Yvette looked up. "Everything's fine, Mr. Sunderland." Simon didn't press further, moving the snacks closer. "These are for you. I wasn't sure what young girls like, so I had a selection gathered. Try them and let me know your preferences. I'll keep some here for you."

Yvette paused, glancing at the tempting snacks. A brief silence followed, before she looked up and sincerely thanked Simon. His smile widened.

Clearing his throat, Simon addressed Yvette, who was munching on chips. "The Chambers family sent an invitation for Sunday's event. They've combined Winona's apprenticeship ceremony with your welcome home party." Yvette took a bite of her chip and replied, "All right."