A silent $75 filled the private room. After Zachary left with Yvette, Winona persuaded Richard to return to his room. Before leaving, he declared, "I'll make sure Yvette pays for this." No one responded, especially Nellie, whose furious expression threatened to overwhelm her.
In Zachary's car, on the way back to the Chambers residence, Yvette hung her head, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. Zachary, unwilling to disturb her, remained silent, stealing occasional glances. He felt unsure how to guide his daughter. How would her stubborn nature fare in society? Who would protect her after he was gone?
Zachary suddenly recalled Jeremiah, who had previously visited the police station. He wondered if someone from Jeremiah's background might be interested in Yvette. He might have influence in Seacrity, but Jeremiah's family was prominent, likely one of Betrico's established affluent families. These families prized social standing and suitable matches, a thought that increasingly troubled Zachary. He sighed softly, unknowingly.
Yvette slowly opened her eyes, her expression calm, her gaze captivating. Turning to her father, she spoke calmly, "Why are you sighing?"
Zachary, lost in thought, hadn't noticed Yvette was awake. Her question startled him. "Oh, you're awake."
She nodded and repeated, "Why are you sighing?"
After a moment's hesitation, Zachary looked embarrassed. "Um, Yvette, are you interested in that major general who was at the police station?"
Yvette was surprised. "Why mention him?"
Zachary observed her closely. Her lack of unusual reaction made him question his own anxieties. Perhaps Yvette was genuinely uninterested in Jeremiah, a thought that eased his mind. He reflected that if he and Lilian hadn't faced such a vast family disparity, they wouldn't have encountered Matthew's opposition and endured so many hardships. Unlike Winona, whose marriage was arranged to solidify their status, Zachary truly hoped for Yvette's happiness.
Zachary chuckled and shook his head. "It's nothing, really. I was just curious."
She glanced at him before closing her eyes again.
Lucas waited at the door of the Chambers residence upon their arrival. Having awakened to find Yvette absent, he'd inquired and learned she hadn't returned. He'd also called Fabian repeatedly without answer, realizing something was amiss. Frantic, he was about to call Zachary when he received a reassuring message: Yvette was at the Exoir Hotel.
Lucas intended to fetch her personally, but a surprise visitor arrived just as he was leaving, delaying his departure. He greeted the staff gathered at the door, hurrying to welcome Yvette and Zachary respectfully.
"Mr. Chambers, Ms. Zeller, you're back. The person delivering the dress has arrived," Lucas announced.
Zachary nodded and turned to Yvette. "Let's go, Yvette. Check out the dress the Sterling family tailored for you. They say Sienna only makes five dresses a year. I thought she wouldn't take the job, but surprisingly, she agreed after asking who it was for, and we didn't even discuss the price."
Yvette paused, eyebrow raised. "Sienna?"
Zachary had often heard from Nellie and others about Sienna's difficulty. He knew little of the fashion world or her personality, only that she was notoriously difficult. He'd dismissed this as rumor; their phone conversation had seemed friendly and polite.
Lucas whispered something to Zachary, causing his expression to shift. He looked at Lucas incredulously. "Sienna came personally? She's in the living room?"
Lucas, equally surprised, mused, "Why would someone as busy as Ms. Sterling come herself just to deliver a dress? This is absurd."
Lucas confirmed, "Yes, Mr. Chambers. Ms. Sterling has been waiting for half an hour."
Zachary, realizing their impolite delay, quickly entered the living room, forgetting Yvette momentarily. She followed calmly.
A young woman, perhaps in her twenties, sat in the living room. She wore hot pants and a tank top, her long purple hair falling to her waist. Pink earrings and two-inch heels completed her outfit. Sienna was drinking coffee, seemingly unconcerned.
To Zachary's surprise, she showed no impatience, but rather excitement, scanning the room. Her disappointment at Zachary's initial solo arrival was palpable.
However, upon seeing Yvette, Sienna's eyes lit up. She stood, intending to hug Yvette, but Yvette stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. "I dare you to take another step."
Sienna stopped, her gaze pitiful, tinged with accusation. Yvette ignored her, seating herself on the couch. Zachary and Lucas remained standing.