Outside the Chambers residence, a seemingly endless line of cars stretched out. Some were even custom-made. For this banquet, the Chambers family had invited nearly every celebrity in town. Many lesser-known celebrities eagerly sought invitations, but most were unsuccessful. Even those few who received invitations were carefully vetted; Zachary personally oversaw this, ensuring no unsuitable individuals infiltrated the event. He had meticulously researched everyone's background.
In the Chambers family's garden, Zachary and Nellie mingled with wealthy second-generation elites. Amidst the clinking of glasses and lively conversations, Jamie, a lecherous man with an ugly mole near his left eye and owner of a hotel chain, approached Zachary. He was crude and openly lustful, his eyes fixed on Yvette. Seeing Jamie's lascivious gaze, Zeke knew he’d already written off Yvette. However, seeing the expectant faces around him, Zeke subtly spread rumors about Yvette's temper, implying she was uncouth and unsuitable.
The wealthy heirs, upon hearing this, immediately downgraded their perception of Yvette. At that moment, a maid ushered Victor’s family—Robert, Victor, and Yulia—into the garden. Rebecca was absent, attending to business abroad. Robert, without pretense, approached Zachary with Victor and Yulia in tow. “Zachary, congratulations! We’re here to support Winona.” Though the event celebrated two individuals, Robert only mentioned Winona. Zachary's tone cooled slightly upon noticing this omission. After Robert's greeting, he subtly nodded to Victor, who dutifully greeted Zachary and Nellie. Nellie warmly welcomed Victor and Yulia, her tone affectionate and protective.
The onlookers instantly understood; this was a significant alliance between the families. This development would bode ill for businesses at odds with either the Carter or Chambers families. Robert, initially annoyed by Zachary’s earlier coolness, remained silent after Nellie’s words. While the families appeared to be engaged in lively conversation, only Nellie and Yulia actively maintained the dialogue to avoid awkward silences.
By 3:30, most guests had arrived. The only absentees were the evening's two main attractions. Everyone, except Zachary, anticipated Winona’s apprenticeship ceremony with far greater excitement. Then, at the garden entrance, Winona made a dramatic entrance, fashionably late, arm-in-arm with Richard. She wore a striking long, red strapless gown with a seven-foot train, requiring two servants to carry. Her bold makeup accentuated her beauty. Winona’s choice of a red gown, unlike her usual white attire, stunned everyone present.
Even Victor, usually drawn to more innocent types, was momentarily captivated by her beauty.
Gasps of admiration filled the air. Comments such as, "Wow, Winona looks absolutely gorgeous!", "That outfit must have cost millions!", and “The Chambers family really spares no expense,” echoed throughout the garden. The contrast between Winona’s opulence and Yvette’s perceived unsuitability was a frequent topic. Many speculated that Yvette wouldn’t dare appear, fearing humiliation. The consensus was that the banquet was primarily focused on Winona, her entrance solidifying this perception.
As Winona moved through the crowd, her satisfaction grew with each admiring comment. Richard, too, felt a surge of pride; Winona was to be his final student, making her success a reflection of his own.