Upon hearing Nellie's words, Richard grinned slyly. He was pleased with her tactics against Yvette, though he felt they weren't harsh enough. Nellie, well aware of Richard's vindictive nature, thought, I'm not worried about him revealing any secrets. Given how Yvette disrespected him yesterday, I'm certain Richard wants her to further embarrass herself.

Richard and Nellie exchanged knowing smiles. Each harbored their own plans.

Winona entered, saw their smiles, but pretended not to notice. "Mr. Griffin, Mom," she greeted, prioritizing Richard to curry favor.

Besides the Cyanbird painting, Richard's apprentice, Winona, greatly gratified him. Smiling tenderly, he asked, "Winona, how did you sleep last night?"

Winona smiled warmly. "Mr. Griffin, please don't laugh, but I was so thrilled about officially becoming your apprentice that I couldn't sleep at all."

Richard laughed heartily, his gaze softening with affection.

Nellie was pleased with Winona's perceptiveness and ability to please Richard. She thought, I'm reassured my efforts weren't wasted. She'll be Zeke's best support in the future. What could Yvette possibly compare to Winona? After today, she'd be Seacrity's laughingstock, relegated to obscurity.

Winona engaged in polite conversation with Richard before turning to Nellie. "Mom, I heard from Lora that you sent my makeup artist to Yvie?" she asked, pointedly avoiding Yvette's first name to maintain her amiable persona.

Nellie shot Richard a knowing look, their shared understanding leaving Winona utterly confused. "Why would Mom be so kind as to send my makeup artist to Yvette? I can't understand it."

Richard, already understanding the reason, asked the perplexed Winona, "What's wrong, Winona? Are you upset? Unhappy?"

Winona immediately shook her head. "Mr. Griffin, why would I be? It's an honor Yvie chose my makeup artist. I'm just puzzled about the change. Why can't her stylist come?"

Nellie casually replied, "Oh, Yvette's makeup artist had a car accident."

Winona's heart sank at Nellie's expression. Wait, a car accident? The chances are incredibly low! Mom must have orchestrated this. Reflecting on past events, she mused, Mom couldn't have done this alone. Could her secret lover be involved again? She'd long suspected a secret lover but lacked any concrete evidence.

Winona, lowering her head, silently sipped her coffee, asking no further questions.

Meanwhile, in the main mansion's living room, Yvette had risen at five for a run, avoiding everyone. No one knew she'd been out; her nap upon returning made it seem she'd just awakened.

Lucas, after resting, encountered Yvette descending the stairs in her tracksuit and canvas shoes. He greeted her respectfully, "Miss, shall I prepare breakfast?" (It was almost noon, but he assumed she'd just woken.)

Yvette pulled a vanilla toffee from her pocket, unwrapped it, and ate it while silently staring at Lucas, making him uneasy. He wondered if he had something on his face.

Noticing Lucas fidgeting, Yvette tossed him another candy. He caught it incredulously. "Go ahead and eat it," Yvette warned. "Your heart isn't getting enough blood flow."

Lucas chuckled, though slightly concerned. Yvette's seriousness shook him; he'd get his heart checked after the banquet. This seemingly simple act would save his life.

Yvette nodded at the candy. Lucas, aware of her fondness for it, unwrapped and ate the quickly dissolving candy, initially sweet, then subtly medicinal. He found it quite refreshing.

Yvette went to the living room, pausing before a painting. Her calm expression belied the profound, cold look in her eyes. Oh, Zachary… a reminder will suffice, she thought.

Turning to the still-dazed Lucas, she said icily, "I suggest you take that painting down."

Lucas, embarrassed, approached her. "Ms. Zeller, pardon me. What did you say?"

Yvette patiently repeated, "Take the Cyanbird painting down."

Lucas was shocked. "Take it down? Mrs. Chambers stressed that it should be prominently displayed!" He pondered, Ms. Zeller wouldn't say this without reason. Why does she want it down?

He explained, "Ms. Zeller, I'm afraid we can't. Mrs. Chambers and Mr. Griffin insisted."

Yvette glanced at the painting, her gaze meaningful. She lowered her voice, "Oh, then suit yourselves."