Nathan paused. “Are you really going to go through with that?” he continued, his tone harsh. “Yvette, you’re really ruthless. If I can’t stop Braydon…”

Yvette let out a cold laugh. Nathan should have known her answer.

“Fine,” Nathan said. “I’ll do my best to keep Braydon away. I promise he won’t show up in front of you within a year.”

Yvette hung up the phone without hesitation. “What a cowardly guy! A year? Playing word games with me, huh?”

Meanwhile, in Winona’s room, Nellie silently administered medicine to Winona, her face impassive. A knot tightened in Winona’s stomach.

Everyone always said Nellie was kind and gentle, a good mother. Growing up, Winona had been forced to learn piano, dance, calligraphy, horseback riding, and art. Nellie claimed Winona could follow her passions, but that was a lie. She forced Winona to learn, never allowing her to fall behind other noble girls; otherwise, there would be consequences.

The memory sent chills down Winona’s spine. She remembered a dance competition against Rebecca, whose skills were incredible. Nellie had dunked her in cold water for half the night. Winona cried and pleaded, but it was no use. She developed a high fever that night, which Nellie used as an excuse to withdraw her from the competition.

Her fever lasted a week. Only when Zachary came home at night did Nellie gently stroke her head. Winona realized she was merely a tool for her mother to maintain appearances and win her father’s favor. Since childhood, she understood that some things had to be fought for, no matter the cost; otherwise, the consequences would be even worse.

“You did something stupid today, you know,” Nellie said.

Winona’s heart sank. “I’m sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to. I just couldn’t hold back.”

Nellie stared at her for a long moment. Under that gaze, Winona felt suffocated.

Finally, Nellie softened. “Forget about today. That woman isn’t so easy to deal with. We need to plan carefully. Next time, do anything stupid without confidence. I’ve been teaching you all these years, yet you haven’t made any progress at all.”

Seeing Nellie wasn’t angry anymore, Winona felt relieved and voiced her worries. “Mom, I’m worried about Victor…”

Seeing Winona’s fearful expression, Nellie rolled her eyes. “Are you worried he’ll be attracted to Yvette and won’t want you anymore?”

Winona nodded. She had to admit that Yvette was stunning.

Nellie smirked dismissively. “Winona, relax. As long as I’m a Smith and you’re still your grandfather’s favorite, he won’t have the guts to look elsewhere. Even if his engagement was arranged by Mr. Carter and Lilian, what does that matter? Those years are long gone, and I’m the lady of the Chambers family now. Nobody’s taking your spot!”

With total certainty, Nellie continued, “Gather yourself. Next month is your apprenticeship ceremony. You must show Yvette the difference between a noble girl and a country bumpkin like her. She might be pretty, but what else does she have that compares to you? Once Victor sees the gap between you two, he’ll understand who he should marry.”

Winona’s confidence soared. She had been thrown off by Yvette’s beauty, but her mother was right—the Carter family wouldn’t marry someone like Yvette, who was all looks and no talent.

Before leaving, Nellie asked about Zeke’s whereabouts. Winona hesitated, and after her mother pressed her, admitted he was at a nightclub. Nellie was furious. Zeke never listened to her and chose foolish adventures right before exams. She needed to figure something out for him.

As Nellie stormed out, Winona lifted her head slowly, a sinister smile creeping onto her face.

In the nightclub, Zeke was having a wild time with his friends, drinking and laughing. Lately, he had been spoiling a C-list celebrity. When they first started hanging out, she seemed innocent and unconcerned with money. But in just three months, she was driving the luxury car he bought her, living in a mansion, and flaunting designer clothes that were once out of her reach—she had been completely corrupted.

Zeke knew there was something twisted in him. He got a kick out of ruining beautiful things. That feeling filled a void inside him that he couldn’t shake.

He leaned back in his chair, watching the celebrity dance on a pole in the private room. He lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around his face, trying to hide the darkness within. Yet, his mind kept wandering back to Yvette and her icy, alluring smile.

When the celebrity finished her dance and approached him, Zeke simply said, “This woman’s for you guys to enjoy.”

His friends quickly agreed. “Thanks, Zeke!” “You’re such a nice guy, Zeke!”

The celebrity’s eyes widened in shock as she lunged for Zeke, trying to grab his leg. But with a swift kick, he sent her sprawling to the floor.