Nellie remained silent, feeling wronged that Zachary never confided in her. How could she have known he knew Howard? Winona, observing the furious Dennis from the couch, displayed a shrewd expression. Mustering her courage, she spoke timidly, "Grandpa, I believe the situation isn't as dire as it seems. A prominent figure like Howard wouldn't act without a compelling reason. Zachary must have offered him a substantial incentive—perhaps a significant share of the Chambers Group's equity. If we propose an even more attractive offer, we might still change the outcome."
Dennis, his stern expression softening slightly, turned to the visibly trembling Winona. He found her words plausible. Someone like Howard wouldn't assist the Chambers Group without substantial gain. Perhaps, as Winona suggested, Zachary had reached a dead end and sought Howard's help, offering him considerable benefits. Whatever the Chambers Group could offer, the Smith family could match.
Dennis nodded approvingly. "Your words are sensible, Winona. Tomorrow, I'll visit Howard, and you'll accompany me. Look your best. I hear Howard has a son. Even if marriage isn't possible, becoming his mistress, given your standing, would be fortunate."
Winona's expression shifted. Zeke, standing with his head bowed, mused, "Does Grandpa see us both as worthless?" He glanced at Winona, acknowledging her good looks, even compared to Yvette. He wondered if Winona securing a connection with the Yates family could alter his fate, a thought that ignited a predatory gleam in his eyes as he looked at her.
Dennis dismissed Winona's thoughts with a wave of his hand. He then instructed Nellie to send Winona and Zeke away. Once alone with Nellie, he helped her sit down. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke, "Dad, if Winona does this and the Carters find out, her engagement will be jeopardized. She's my daughter; she cannot be reduced to a mistress." Dennis' fierce gaze silenced her.
He sneered, "Do you still consider Winona part of the esteemed Chambers family? Now that the DNA test results are public, everyone knows she's illegitimate. What respectable family would want such a daughter-in-law? Before, we could keep it secret, but now, do you think the Carters still want her? Frankly, without my leverage over Claude, would he even allow Victor to marry her? Winona's only remaining value is her beauty; otherwise, no one would consider her even as a mistress. We must use her to benefit the Smith family. We don't support freeloaders."
Nellie, gritting her teeth, thought, Compared to wealth and prosperity, Winona truly isn't that important. After all these years, it's time for her to repay me. "Dad, I'll listen to you. Tomorrow, I'll ensure Winona looks beautiful."
Dennis nodded, satisfied. "Regarding Hayden Johnson, I've handled him. Don't worry, he'll take the blame. It's impressive how you earned his loyalty. Someone suggested he distance himself, but he agreed to take full responsibility." Nellie looked proud, having almost forgotten Hayden, a man she'd manipulated for over a decade, until Dennis mentioned him.
Dennis cautioned, "Be careful. Zachary has substantial evidence. The Smith Group's PR team will manage the situation. Bide your time. You're not as young as you once were, so act accordingly." Nellie nodded, welcoming a break from her recent exhaustion, even if it meant forgoing her male escort.
Meanwhile, in prison, Hayden stared blankly at the television. Has Nellie deceived me? All these years, she claimed I was her only one. Who are those men in the photos? Anger reddened his eyes as he vowed revenge upon his release.
The next day, Dennis had someone locate Howard's hotel and escorted an elegantly attired Winona there. Howard was having breakfast with Yvette when Liam announced Dennis and Winona's arrival. Howard sought Yvette's opinion: "Should I meet them?" Yvette, after a thoughtful pause, calmly said, "No." Liam was astonished by both Yvette's boldness and Howard's immediate acquiescence. After Liam left, Howard turned to Yvette, "Ms. Zeller, what do you plan to do about the Smith family? Do you have any plans?" Yvette, leaning back with a mischievous smile, replied, "In three days, there won't be a Smith family left in Seacrity."