As soon as Patrick arrived at the Chambers residence, Lora, Nellie’s home lookout, messaged Nellie. Halfway through her coffee break, Nellie excused herself and headed back. At the door, she ran into Winona, returning from piano class. Although they missed Patrick, Lora reported he looked furious and cursed as he left.
Nellie felt a surge of satisfaction. It seemed Yvette had angered Patrick; perhaps there was a problem with her Argrol University application. Either way, it was good news for Nellie. Winona shared her amusement.
Inside, Nellie and Winona struggled to conceal their glee. Zachary, confused, asked, “What has you two so happy?”
Nellie, linking arms with Zachary, replied, “Oh, honey, nothing serious. I just got a limited-edition handbag I’ve been wanting forever.”
Zachary didn't understand her excitement.
Winona chimed in, “Dad, you just don’t understand us women. A good bag makes everything right.”
Zachary shrugged, letting them revel. “Alright, if it makes you happy. Eve has even better news.” He glanced at Yvette, glued to her phone, and sighed.
“What is it, honey?” Nellie asked.
“Come on, Dad! Spill it!” Winona shook Zachary’s arm, glaring at Yvette.
Yvette remained unfazed.
Lucas, having just seen off a grumbling, poker-faced Patrick (an encounter that left him annoyed and sweating), interrupted Zachary: “Mr. Chambers, I’ve sent Patrick away.”
Zachary nodded. Though the Chambers family wasn't Seacrity's top family, he wouldn't be pushed around by a school dean.
Winona sharply rolled her eyes at Lucas's announcement. He wondered what he’d done wrong.
Nellie exaggerated, “Patrick? The Argrol University dean? Oh! Didn’t we send him a gift to help Yvette get in? Why was he here?”
Winona gasped, “Oh no, Dad, it can’t be about Yvette’s application, right? Oops, never mind! I’m talking nonsense. Yvette, don’t mind me.”
Seeing their silence, Nellie thought Winona might be right. Observing Yvette’s quiet, downcast gaze, Nellie felt even more satisfied. “Honey, since Mr. Williams said Yvette can’t go to Argrol, how about Baity University? It’s less prestigious, but easier.”
She turned to Yvette with a pretentious air. “Yvette, if you want to go to Baity University, I…”
Zachary interrupted, “That’s not it. Patrick wasn’t here about Yvette…”
As Nellie spoke, Lucas noticed a partially visible piece of paper: “Argrol University Recommendation Letter.” It was from Simon, delivered by Patrick, for Yvette.
Lucas was stunned. He’d been right—Yvette wasn’t ordinary. He’d never seen a country girl so unmoved by the Chambers’ wealth, barely glancing at the villa, jewelry, or Argrol.
Two days earlier, he'd been unsure about Yvette, but now he knew he needed to treat her better. This decision would later save his life.
“Wait, this is about Yvette getting into school? What else could it be? How does Patrick know Yvette?” Nellie felt uncertain.
Winona’s happiness vanished.
Zachary looked at Yvette softly, “The Argrol principal, Simon, asked Patrick to deliver Yvette’s admission recommendation letter.”
Winona exclaimed, “That’s impossible!”
Nellie was equally stunned. “I saw the letter myself. It’s real,” Zachary confirmed.
They noticed the letter. Winona examined it, disbelief and disappointment dawning as she saw the official seal. Nellie saw it in Winona’s face.
Winona mused, “You’re really awesome, Yvette. You know Mr. Sunderland? Dad wouldn’t have worried. How could a girl who hasn’t finished elementary school have this connection? Something doesn’t add up.”
Yvette, cool and impatient, left without a word. Zachary, proud, called out, “Get home early.”
Winona, jealous, thought, “Why is Yvette favored? When I was the only girl, Dad preferred me. I have to get rid of Yvette. I could kill her!”
Zachary scolded, “Winona, watch your mouth around Yvette. That’s out of line. You’re starting your apprenticeship next month. Mind your manners.”
Winona, bitter, thought, "Just because she’s the child of the woman Dad adored? She acts so entitled." She blamed Nellie for losing Zachary.
She mumbled, “I understand, Dad. I’m sorry.”
Nellie, glaring at Winona, leaned on Zachary, “Honey, Winona was surprised. Don’t be angry.”