The hustle and bustle began around 8 a.m. on Saturday at the Chambers residence. Nellie, already up, donned her dark green gown—tailored for this occasion and adorned with her priceless gemstone necklace—looking royally elegant. The president of the Art Association, Richard, was visiting Seacrity today, and Nellie, despite the flight's 10 a.m. arrival, had been preparing since 7 a.m.

Finishing her preparations, she went downstairs, finding Zeke still asleep. The housekeeper confirmed this. Annoyed, Nellie went upstairs to rouse her son. "What time is it? Trying to annoy me? Did you forget what day it is? I told you to get to bed early! Why are you still up? The impression you'll make on Mr. Griffin! Get up now! You have half an hour before we leave for the airport," she fumed.

Zeke, impatiently ruffling his messy hair, dared not argue with his furious mother. "Leave me alone, Mom," he mumbled. "I have no clothes on. I promise I'll be downstairs in half an hour."

Nellie nagged him briefly before heading downstairs. Knowing the occasion's importance, Zeke quickly washed and dressed.

The previous night, at Victor's condominium, Winona tossed and turned, sleepless. Going to the living room for water, she saw his light was still on. Thoughtfully, she fetched him a cup.

Just as she was about to knock, Victor's voice drifted out: "Be good. I'll come over next week. Didn't you like that limited-edition bag we saw? I'll get it for you if you behave."

Winona, clenching the cup, her eyes clouded with grim determination, paused, let out a snort, and walked away. Inside, Victor, oblivious, continued flirting with a model.

Winona lay in bed, staring motionlessly at the ceiling until dawn, her eyes filled with madness and hatred. Suddenly, her phone rang repeatedly for ten minutes. Finally, she twitched, got up, and answered, checking the caller ID first. "Hello, Mom," she said.

Nellie's frustrated tone filled the line. "Where have you been? You stayed out all night and didn't answer your phone. Mr. Griffin is landing soon! Have I been too lenient? Do you know how worried I was?"

Sarcasm twisted Winona's face. Worried? More like afraid I'd ruin the apprenticeship ceremony and jeopardize my brother's future, not to mention her own standing among Seacrity's elite, she thought.

However, she showed no dissatisfaction. "My bad, Mom. I'm at Victor's. I'll be home soon. My phone died."

Nellie immediately probed, "Winona, did you… did you and Victor… you know?"

Winona, slightly shy, replied, "Don't worry, Mom. We were in separate rooms."

Nellie relaxed, trusting her daughter's honesty. Her tone softened. "Alright, Winona, I'm just looking out for you. Men don't cherish what comes easily. You need to keep Victor intrigued. Trust me."

Winona knew Nellie's sincerity was feigned. If she were truthful, she wouldn't have shared Dad's bed and used Zeke and me to blackmail him into marriage, she mused. Nellie's words felt like a joke. Winona hadn't slept with Victor to keep her options open.

"I know you wouldn't," Winona replied. "Mom, is Lucas bringing Yvette home today?"

Nellie's voice sharpened. "Yes. Your dad commissioned a gown from the Sterling family. She'll deliver it personally."

"The Sterling family?" Winona exclaimed, shocked. "Is it Sienna Sterling?"

Nellie confirmed it, surprised herself, wondering if Zachary had been subtly informing her. Sienna Sterling was notoriously difficult, having studied fashion design abroad and recently achieving international renown with her Vibe brand. Vibe's second clothing line had generated $300 million in its first quarter, propelling the Sterling family into Seacrity's upper echelon.

"Yes, it's Sienna. She usually makes five custom gowns a year. She accepted your dad's order; he must have paid handsomely. I was hoping she'd make one for you, but it's too late. I've contacted Eminence Couture," Nellie said.

Winona felt a pang of jealousy at her father's generosity towards Yvette. Checking her watch, she said, "Mom, I'll pack my things here at Victor's and meet you at the airport."

Nellie, preoccupied, agreed. After Winona hung up, she woke Victor.

Seeing Winona's haggard look, Victor was astonished. "What's wrong, Winona? You look exhausted!"

Still resentful, Winona merely nodded. "Nothing. Hurry, we're picking up Mr. Griffin."

Victor, understanding the importance of Richard's visit, quickly dressed in a formal suit. Winona's help with his tie cemented her image as the perfect partner, making him feel appreciated. He knew the significance of the Art Association president's visit.