Winona unexpectedly encountered Nellie and Zeke at the Seacrity Airport entrance. After exchanging greetings, they proceeded into the lobby together. During their conversation, Nellie subtly urged Victor to maintain a respectful distance from Winona before their marriage, cautioning against impulsiveness. Victor nodded with a smile, his understanding uncertain. Nellie, unsure if he truly grasped her meaning, chose not to elaborate further, given her seniority.

Winona remained quiet. Zeke lagged behind to walk beside her, sneering coldly. "Look how much Mom worries about you, Sis," he said unkindly. "She's afraid Victor might take advantage of you, but I think she worries too much. If you don't sleep with him, plenty of women are waiting to pounce, hehe…"

Winona gave him a sideways glance, accustomed to his sarcasm from their strained childhood relationship. "You don't need to worry about me," she retorted, "but you should watch yourself. With Dad spoiling Yvette, are you sure you'll inherit the Chambers family? Instead of mocking me, focus on your grades. If Dad discovers you're using a substitute for your exams, it won't end well."

Zeke's face darkened, his glare sinister. "I'm warning you," he hissed, "if you dare to betray me, I'll have Mom deal with you. You know whose side she's on, right?"

Winona understood her precarious position. She knew she couldn't challenge Zeke in front of Nellie; their fates were intertwined—they prospered and suffered together. "I haven't the time to bother with you," she replied, "so don't make fun of me. Our common enemy is Yvette. Focus on dealing with her. If things continue like this, will we even have a place in Dad's heart, or in the Chambers family? Think carefully."

Winona knew Zeke's priorities: inheriting the Chambers family and his father's shares. Her words struck a chord; he looked down, silent. She knew he was taking her seriously. "Good," she thought, "let them fight. I'll benefit as a bystander."

Richard arrived with two thirty-year-old, fifth-level members of the Art Association, their positions secured through his influence. Winona immediately spotted him; his insistence on wearing a morning suit made him conspicuous. He looked like a typical elderly man, his distinguished position aside.

"Mr. Griffin, over here!" Winona called. Nellie glanced over to see Richard in his navy suit, followed by two men carrying suitcases. Nellie had met Richard a few times over the years, during Winona's art lessons. Their interactions were limited, due to their age difference and lack of common ground. She had personally paid him fifteen million dollars to secure Winona's apprenticeship.

Richard also noticed Winona and was pleased. While the money had played a part in his decision, Winona's talent, and particularly the Cyanbird painting she possessed, proved crucial. This painting provided leverage against Cole Pavben, addressing the doubts of many association members.

He approached them, looking fondly at Winona. "You're still as beautiful as ever," he remarked. "Have you been under a lot of pressure? You look tired." He then acknowledged Nellie, who introduced Zeke. Zeke, quick-witted, presented Richard with flowers and greeted him politely. Richard approved, noting the young man's bright future. He then noticed Winona's dark circles, puzzled by their cause.

Winona made no attempt to hide them. Before Richard could comment further, Victor interjected, "Mr. Griffin, Winona is being bullied by her sister. You have no idea…"

Winona pleaded, "Victor, please don't."

Victor, feeling sympathy and indignation, persisted, "Why not? Yvette has bullied you, and you're still covering for her."

Richard, unfamiliar with Yvette and unaware of Seacrity's local news, was confused. Victor introduced himself as Winona's fiancé, Victor Carter, from one of Seacrity's prominent families. Richard, having heard of both Victor and the Carter family, asked about Yvette.

Victor explained, and Winona interjected, suggesting they go to the hotel first, concerned about Richard's comfort and sensitive stomach. Richard, touched by her care, agreed, eager to learn about Yvette and those who dared to bully his apprentice. Nellie was pleased; this development boded well for their plans. Ethan and Zeke took the suitcases from the men.

As they arrived at the hotel, Winona's phone rang.