Richard put down his fork. Everyone at the table held their breath. Only Yvette, head down, continued eating, seemingly unconcerned. This lack of concern, in Nellie's and others' eyes, suggested Yvette heartlessly allowed Zachary to bear the brunt of Richard's displeasure. Nellie silently cursed Yvette, seated across from her. Richard, too, noticed.

"Mr. Zachary Chambers," Richard announced, his voice tight with displeasure, "since you don't appreciate my gesture, I have nothing more to say. But your daughter is in her twenties. Bullying her own sister is inexcusable. Everyone is here today, so she should explain herself. Can she truly rely on the Chambers family to protect her forever once she enters society?"

He fixed Yvette with a pointed stare, making it clear he expected an explanation. Zachary's anger flared. He wondered what Richard meant by "bullying," knowing Yvette wouldn't stoop to such behavior. "You—"

"Who are you?" Yvette interrupted calmly.

Richard's eyes widened. Does she not know me? She must be doing this on purpose, he thought. Doesn't she know who her family invited? He felt insulted.

Winona stood, nervously glancing at Yvette. "Mr. Griffin, it wasn't intentional. She just returned from the countryside and may not recognize you. Please don't be upset." She then addressed Yvette softly, "Yvie, please apologize. Don't make this difficult for Dad, okay? Please. Mr. Griffin's health isn't good."

Winona's sincerity touched Victor and others. Nellie realized Winona was using Richard to pressure Yvette. She, too, intervened. "Yvette, Winona's right. Even if you don't know Mr. Griffin, he's an elder. Just apologize."

Already displeased, Victor urged Richard to reprimand Yvette. "Yeah, Yvette, you were out of line. How could you disrespect Mr. Griffin?"

Zeke relished the drama, Yvette's ingratitude freeing him from any concern for her. Winona was right; Yvette was their mutual enemy. He watched her with glee, wondering how she'd maintain her composure.

"Yvie, Mr. Griffin's older than Dad. Apologize. Why make this harder?" Winona pressed.

Richard smirked. With everyone supporting him, he was certain Yvette would apologize, giving him the opportunity to humiliate her. He waited, everyone's gaze condemning Yvette.

Yvette leaned back, casually crossed her arms and legs, and sipped her coffee. With a cynical gaze, she pressed her lips together. "You want me to apologize?"

Richard sneered. "As your elder, an apology will suffice. We've all been young and reckless. Apologize to me and Winona, and we can move on."

Winona's excitement was barely contained. She envisioned Yvette's humble apology.

Yvette scoffed. "Do you think you're worthy of my apology? Many have expected it, but…" she paused, a dangerous glint in her eyes, "…most are dead now. If you're willing, I wouldn't mind sending you their way."

The others were stunned by the intensity in her eyes, briefly believing her threat. Richard, furious, clutched his chest, appearing to faint. His companions quickly produced medication, supporting him and giving him pills. Richard suffered from a severe heart condition and always carried medication. His companions trembled; harming Richard would jeopardize their position in the Art Association.

Winona rushed to his aid, helping him breathe while glaring at Yvette, her pleasant demeanor gone. Zachary massaged his temples. Yvette is determined to drive Richard crazy. This is bad for us if Richard suffers a mishap, he thought.

Victor, Zeke, and Nellie were shocked by Richard's reaction. They attended to him while Zachary remained with Yvette.

Once Richard calmed down, his glare intensified. He couldn't believe her refusal to apologize and her mocking threat.

Yvette stood, glancing at them impassively, as if looking at corpses. She turned to Zachary. "Are we leaving?"

Zachary paused. He understood the choice: leaving meant choosing Yvette, while staying meant abandoning her in her eyes. He smiled bitterly. If that happens, she won’t attend the event tomorrow.

He saw the hope in Nellie and Winona's eyes. Yvette, irritated by Zachary's indecision, turned to leave.

Zachary gritted his teeth, then looked at Yvette with determination. "Yvette, let's go home."

Nellie slumped onto a bench, her eyes red and frantic, clinging to a sliver of hope: Even if he didn’t choose me, he can’t leave Zeke and Winona. They’re his children. Aren’t they more important than Yvette?

Winona showed little outward reaction, but a trembling hand betrayed her inner turmoil.