At the Smith residence, since Nellie and her two children returned the previous night, she had barricaded herself in her room, refusing all visitors. Even the maids delivering her meals were met with harsh rebuffs.

Zeke and Winona, aware their only remaining support was the Smith family, remained subdued in their rooms until Jason summoned them downstairs, explaining Dennis's return and his desire to see them.

Jason stood before Nellie's door, lost in thought, his expression complex. He raised his hand to knock, but Nellie's sharp voice cut through the silence: "Get lost, all of you!"

Jason sighed softly, his voice gentle. "Ms. Smith, please come out. Mr. Smith has returned. If you don't come out, he will come up himself."

The mention of Dennis silenced Nellie's outburst. She opened the door, regarding the man who had been infatuated with her for years with undisguised disdain. He still looked at her with such affection; it was, she thought, disgusting.

Jason noted Nellie's contempt, suppressing the familiar bitterness. He had long grown accustomed to it. She was from a wealthy family; he was merely the son of a driver. Without his own striving, he wouldn't even have this opportunity to speak to her.

He bowed respectfully. "Ms. Smith, Mr. Smith is downstairs. He wishes to see you, Mr. and Ms. Chambers."

Nellie snorted coldly. Her domineering nature resurfaced when amongst the Smith family; she only feigned kindness for Zachary. Waving her hand impatiently, she said, "Got it. I'll tidy up and be down shortly."

Her fear of her father softened her tone towards Jason, a testament to her father's enduring trust in him. "Jason, if my dad…"

Before she could finish, Jason anticipated her meaning. "I understand, Ms. Smith. Don't worry. I know what to do."

Nellie nodded, a rare smile gracing her lips, captivating Jason. Though her beauty had faded, he still recalled her youthful radiance.

Her smile quickly vanished, replaced by disdain at his stunned reaction. She could manipulate him with a single smile; he was, she thought, merely a man without ambition, fit only to carry her shoes.

In the living room, seventy-something Dennis sat on the sofa, his cane resting beside him. His face was framed by a short, stiff mustache; his eyes were sunken and clouded; his meticulously groomed gray hair betrayed his frail frame.

Nellie led Zeke and Winona downstairs. Dennis sat calmly, sipping coffee, Jason standing beside him. His composure, Nellie knew, masked a simmering fury.

Zeke and Winona held their breath.

Nellie approached cautiously, whispering, "Dad."

Zeke and Winona quickly added, "Grandpa."

Dennis glanced at them, lowering his gaze, and continued sipping his coffee.

Their apprehension grew. Nellie finally sought Jason's aid.

He recognized Dennis's deliberate silence and saw the need for intervention. "Mr. Smith, Ms. Smith hasn't eaten since last night. Perhaps you could allow her to sit and talk."

Dennis looked at Jason, set down his cup, then fixed his gaze on Nellie. His voice was hoarse. "Do you realize the folly of your actions?"

Nellie understood. She had been foolish, deceived by Zachary for years, believing in a love that was ultimately a sham.

Her head bowed, her eyes reddened. Her voice, chilling in its quiet intensity, delivered her confession: "I was wrong, Dad. I never expected Zachary to maintain this charade for so long. He knew Zeke and Winona weren't his children. You warned me he wasn't a simple man when I married him, and you were right. He's far from simple."

Zeke and Winona stared at Nellie in disbelief. "We aren't Zachary's children? Then whose are we? No wonder he left us nothing; we aren't even related to the Chambers family."

Zeke, fists clenched, demanded, "Mom, what are you talking about? If we aren't Dad's children, who is our father? Didn't you marry into the Chambers family because you were pregnant with Winona and me?"

Nellie's face hardened. Her voice was laced with impatience. "You and Winona are the result of a one-night stand in a bar. I don't even know who your father is. I was drunk. Don't blame me. Without my lies, do you think you could have enjoyed this luxurious life for so many years? If I hadn't married into the Chambers family, I would have gotten rid of you both."

Zeke was stunned. This was a side of Nellie he had never seen. The revelation of his illegitimacy was too much to bear. He fled.

In the living room, a stunned silence remained.

Winona accepted the truth more readily. Without the Chambers family's support, the Smiths were her only recourse. She wouldn't act rashly like Zeke.

Dennis snorted coldly, watching Zeke's departure with disdain. "A bastard is indeed worthless. He overreacts to such trivialities. He's destined for nothing."

A hint of satisfaction colored his voice as he turned to Winona, who stood obediently beside him. He was already aware of yesterday's events. Winona, though lacking subtlety, possessed pragmatism. He saw her potential. His tone softened. "Winona, I will help you marry into the Carter family. But understand, the Smiths are your only support. Once you marry into the Carters, you will know what to do. The Smith family's well-being is yours. You've always been more sensible and obedient than Zeke. I'm willing to swallow my pride to support you, but don't disappoint me. If you do, the Smith family will cast you aside."

Winona nodded meekly, her voice restrained. "Grandpa, I understand. Rest assured, if you help me marry into the Carter family, I will obey you from now on."

Dennis wasn't concerned with her assurances. "Go. Tomorrow, I'll take you to meet the Carters. Compose yourself. No one wants to see a dejected face, understand?"

Winona's face paled. "Yes, Grandpa. I understand."

Winona left, and Dennis dismissed Jason.