Lucas lowered his head. "All right, Mr. Chambers. I have something else to report. Yvette's makeup team encountered a problem between Betrico and Seacrity, and they may not arrive on time. Should we call for the backup makeup artist?"

This was unforeseen. Fortunately, Lucas, experienced in such matters, had a backup plan; he'd hired two makeup artists. If one had a problem, the other could step in. This is why he remained calm while reporting to Zachary.

Zachary wasn't overly concerned. "Just get it sorted," he replied. "Have the other makeup artist come immediately. Yvette's probably still asleep. When they arrive, have the staff wake her. Let her rest; it's going to be a long day."

Nellie sat, head down, suppressing her hatred. She picked up her milk, concealing the malice in her eyes as she scoffed inwardly, "Makeup artist? I wonder which makeup artist is brave enough to do Yvette's makeup!"

Lucas immediately called the backup artist. The call connected, but after a brief exchange, Lucas nodded mechanically and hung up, his expression stiff and stoic.

Zachary sensed something unexpected. His face fell. He pursed his lips. "What happened?"

Lucas was forced to be honest. "Mr. Chambers, the backup makeup artist was in a car accident and taken to the hospital. He can't make it," he explained.

Zachary hadn't anticipated this. Since the man's hospitalized, I can't force him to come, he thought, frowning.

This was tricky. Zachary knew good makeup artists booked well in advance. Finding a replacement now seemed impossible, and he didn't want to compromise. If Yvette used an average artist, the guests might gossip. I don't want Yvette to suffer unnecessary embarrassment, he worried.

Then Nellie spoke. "Darling, if Yvette doesn't mind, she can use Winona's makeup artist. I've coincidentally hired two for Winona; they could each have one. It would work perfectly."

Zachary still doubted Nellie, but he didn't think she'd openly sabotage Yvette. He hesitated before agreeing. "All right. Two makeup artists—one for Yvette, one for Winona—to avoid conflicts."

Nellie was pleased, understanding his hesitation. She scoffed inwardly. In the end, it's his distrust. Hmph! But fine. He believes I wouldn't dare hurt Yvette. Too bad. I have a plan, and even if discovered, no suspicion will fall on me.

At lunchtime, Winona and Zeke greeted Zachary warmly, devoid of awkwardness from the previous day's events. "Good afternoon, Dad."

Zachary was pleased. His expression softened. "Winona! Zeke! Lora has kept your share. Go and have a bite."

Winona and Zeke exchanged glances. Leftover food? They felt disappointed. Normally, they wouldn't eat it, but they knew Zachary disliked waste, so they pretended otherwise.

Yesterday's events left them uneasy. Though unsaid, their displeasure with Zachary grew. They knew Yvette's importance to him. Regardless of their unhappiness or appetite, they sat and ate, slowly, barely touching their plates after ten minutes.

Winona looked around, noticing Nellie's absence. "Dad, where's Mom? Why haven't I seen her?" she asked sweetly.

Zachary's expression turned cold. Winona felt anxious. Did I say something wrong?

"She's at the west mansion entertaining the temperamental Mr. Griffin. He refuses to come here and insists on arriving only at the event's start," Zachary grumbled. Winona felt uncomfortable.

Zeke, having noticed Zachary's unfairness, knew he and Winona were aligned. Even if they disliked each other, they were family. Winona apprenticed under Richard, paving their future. Zeke wasn't stupid; he knew who to support.

"Dad, it's normal for someone like Mr. Griffin to have a temper. Besides, yesterday, Yvette upset him, and Winona calmed him down. Without her, today's party might have been a disaster," Zeke grumbled, rolling his eyes. He seemed to speak for Richard, but reminded Zachary of his unfairness.

Zachary remained silent. The mood lightened slightly.

Winona looked at Zeke, surprised. Is Zeke supporting me? Does he finally understand our mutual enemy?

Seeing Zachary head upstairs for a nap, Winona and Zeke put down their forks. Winona went to the west mansion, leaving Zeke behind.

Zeke, a large man, wasn't satisfied. He asked for grilled fish and steak. Unlike Winona, he didn't need to maintain her figure for the banquet.

At the west mansion, Richard, deliberately refusing to go to the main house, seethed over yesterday's events. He'd barely slept, determined to vent his anger at the party. What would happen to my reputation if word got out that I, as chairman, allowed such humiliation? he fumed.

Nellie patiently tried to calm him, failing. She revealed her plan.