Richard ignored Zachary’s displeased expression and continued, “After Winona becomes my disciple, she will join the upper echelons of Betrico society. Seacrity can't hold her back. So, if anything happens to Winona again, I will seek justice for her, even at the cost of my reputation.”
After speaking, Richard sat down without a glance at Zachary.
Zachary was furious, but his anger wasn't directed at Yvette. Instead, it was aimed at several people at the table, including Nellie. They had clearly poisoned Richard’s mind against Yvette in just a few hours.
Zachary shot a look at Victor, who sat attentively beside Winona. His gaze darkened with discontent. Victor guiltily lowered his head; Zachary's bias toward Yvette, neglecting Winona, was undeniable.
Suppressing his anger, Zachary explained to Richard, “Mr. Griffin, we lost Yvette for over twenty years, and I only want to make up for the fatherly love she lacked. If you think I don’t care for Winona, that’s a misunderstanding. Winona and Zeke had privileged lives. But Yvette suffered, and I feel immense guilt. Please, understand.”
Richard’s face stiffened. A direct confrontation might have yielded a different response, but Zachary’s reasoned approach made it seem ungracious to remain unyielding.
The room fell silent. Nellie and the others remained quiet, sensing Zachary’s suppressed anger. Only Winona lowered her head, a small smile playing on her lips—precisely the outcome she’d hoped for.
Two men in their fifties, locked in unspoken hostility, filled the room with tension.
A knock broke the silence. Everyone assumed it was the food, but when the waiter opened the door, all eyes turned to Yvette, who stood behind him. Except for Winona, who anticipated her arrival, and Richard, who didn't recognize her, everyone was shocked.
Zachary reacted first. Yvette's arrival was ill-timed; Richard already favored Winona, and now Yvette had walked into a volatile situation. Confused, Zachary recalled instructing Lucas to take Yvette to the Chambers residence. What had gone wrong?
“Yvette? Why are you here? Didn’t Lucas take you straight home? You were supposed to try on dresses this afternoon,” Zachary asked.
Yvette paused, hands in her pockets, surveying the room with a cool gaze. Her eyes briefly met Winona's, confirming for Richard Victor's account of Yvette's bullying.
“Oh, Fabian sent me here. He said it was on your orders,” Yvette replied coldly, her characteristic detachment evident.
Zachary quickly understood: someone had plotted to bring Yvette to the hotel. He concluded it was Nellie, his disgust deepening. 'Once Sunday’s banquet is over, some things need to be addressed,' he thought.
Nellie, noticing Zachary’s gaze, knew he suspected her. She started to explain, but Winona interrupted. Approaching Yvette enthusiastically, she said, “Yvie, you’re here! Come sit. You can sit next to Dad. Excuse me, could we get another set of cutlery, please?”
Zachary gave Winona an approving look. At least she hadn't been completely misled.
Winona sighed with relief, her smile widening. She looked at Yvette as if she were a real sister.
Victor, however, felt Winona was too kind, fueling his anger at Yvette’s constant bullying.
Richard, recognizing Yvette, sized her up with a hostile gaze. Yvette met his stare, her calm yet sharp expression surprising him. 'This Yvette is no pushover,' he thought.
Ignoring Richard, Zachary affectionately pulled Yvette to sit beside him. “Come, sit with me,” he said, smiling indulgently.
Yvette nodded, hands still in her pockets, and slowly seated herself, completely unfazed by the attention.
Zachary doted on Yvette, serving her food, oblivious to the others. The shared meal seemed precious. The rest of the room faded into the background.
Richard, observing their unconcern, grew more displeased. Yvette lacked manners, he thought. He let out a cold snort, loud enough for all to hear. “Mr. Zachary Chambers, your daughter seems to lack respect. Does she not acknowledge my presence?”
The formal address highlighted Richard’s anger.
Zachary, equally unflappable, replied coldly, “Mr. Griffin, what are you trying to say? Are you suggesting I’ve been a poor host? If you’re unhappy with me, feel free to say so directly.”
Zachary subtly redirected Richard’s displeasure, signaling that any issues were between them.
Everyone understood, though their reactions varied. Winona gripped her fork tightly; Zachary's bias was profound. She'd planned to use Richard to discipline Yvette, but hadn't anticipated Zachary's willingness to offend him for Yvette's sake, disregarding her entirely. She glanced at Richard’s angry face. Things were spiraling out of control.
Seeing Zachary so openly favor Yvette, Richard felt humiliated. Accustomed to universal respect, he found Zachary's willingness to offend him over a newly reunited daughter shocking. It seemed he didn't fear Richard's potential retaliation regarding Winona's discipleship.