Inside the villa, Sienna looked at Yvette, guilt etched on her face. She shrank back, stammering, “Yve, I didn’t mean to hide my pregnancy. Nathan tampered with the condoms.”
Yvette sniffed, raising an eyebrow. Her expression was unreadable, causing Sienna to lower her gaze. She muttered, “Blame me for caring about appearances—it wasn't much, and he has nothing left.”
Frankie discreetly grabbed a cup of water, distancing himself from the women. His experience told him to avoid women's disputes.
Yvette, her jawline striking, spoke calmly. “It’s your choice whether to keep the child. No one can take responsibility for your life.”
Sienna felt a pang of sadness. Does Ms. Zeller blame me? she wondered.
Yvette crossed her legs, frowning slightly. “Don’t worry about the child. It should be easy to raise. I raised myself just fine.”
Frankie spat out his water in surprise. “Yvette, you raised yourself? What do you mean?”
Yvette shot him a look that clearly asked, “Are you an idiot?” After a brief silence, her dark gaze lingering, she continued, “I cook, dress, study, and earn a living. Does that confuse you?” She didn't mention her self-taught skills or her lack of understanding of others' struggles.
Frankie stared, pondering life's unfairness. What did God deny Yvette? Beauty? No, she was stunning. Talent? Clearly not. She was Cyanbird, an international artist whose painting once fetched 160 million dollars. He conceded that life was unjust and Yvette flawless.
Sienna looked at Yvette sheepishly. “Yve, you’re not mad at me, are you?”
Yvette replied, “Hmm.” Sienna’s relief was palpable.
Meanwhile, Emmett and Chris returned to the villa within ten minutes. “Yvette, Frankie, are you two okay?” they called.
Frankie, Sienna, and Yvette turned as Emmett and Chris entered. Emmett noticed Sienna and frowned, assuming she was another of Frankie’s girlfriends. Frankie quickly explained, “This is Sienna, a good friend of Yvette’s. She’ll be staying here for a while.”
Emmett relaxed. He and Chris became more courteous. Emmett greeted, “Hello, I’m Emmett, Yvette’s friend. Feel at home.” Chris nodded. “I’m Chris.” Sienna politely replied, “Hello, I’m Sienna. I apologize for the trouble. I’ll move out as soon as things are settled.”
They anxiously turned to Yvette and Frankie. “Yvette, Frankie, was a man here? Did you see him?” Emmett didn’t mention Nathan.
Frankie nodded, then shook his head, confusing them. Emmett glanced at Yvette, absorbed in her phone. “Yvette, did a man with flashy looks come by?”
Yvette glanced at a text: “[Hey Dulcem, we’ve reserved a judge position for you for this year’s International Piano Competition.]” This was the third year she'd received the invitation. She replied, “[No need.]” Then, looking at the others, she said, “Yes, he came and left.”
Sienna quietly asked, “Was that Nathan?” Emmett and Chris were surprised she knew him. Nervously, she moved closer to Yvette. How many enemies had my ex-boyfriend made? she thought.
Frankie explained, “No, don't scare her. That scumbag is why Sienna is hiding here. He’s her ex-boyfriend. She wanted to break up, but he refused and chased her. Yvette brought her here for safety.” He mentioned Nathan had cost him over a billion dollars three years ago, and the Goodman family had also faced repercussions from Jeremiah's actions.
Emmett and Chris weren't interested in Sienna and Nathan's issues, but they were concerned about Nathan knowing Sienna's location. Emmett asked, “Ms. Sterling, are you sure you want to break up with Nathan?”
Sienna’s expression was resolute. “Yes, but I don’t want to involve anyone else. If this is inconvenient…”
Emmett cut her off. “Ms. Sterling, you’re overthinking it. You’re Yvette’s friend, so you’re ours too. Nathan is vindictive. Leaving him was the right choice. Stay here.” He jabbed at Nathan again.
Yvette stood, phone in hand, her voice nasal. “It’s just Nathan. If he becomes a hassle, just kill him.”
Emmett and Chris found Yvette ruthless. Frankie wanted to calm them down; Yvette had already decisively dealt with Nathan. Emmett reminded Yvette that the Goodman family wasn't to be trifled with. Chris hesitated. “Yvette, the Goodman family has significant power.”
Yvette smirked. “Neither am I.”