Yvette’s indifference broke Zachary’s heart. He truly didn’t know how to handle his daughter. He rubbed his head, frustrated. Yvette was ready to leave.

Zachary quickly said, “Come home, Yvette. I was just angry…”

The hair on Yvette’s forehead fell as her brow furrowed slightly, a hint of impatience in her cold, firm demeanor. “No need. The dorm is fine.”

Zachary steadied himself, his tone tired. “Yvette, if you don’t want to return to the Chambers family, you can stay at the mansion I’ve given you. It’s…” He paused, lost in memories of happier times with Lilian. Since she left without saying goodbye, he rarely went there, afraid of the emotions it evoked.

Yvette looked up. The sadness in his eyes annoyed her. “If you’re done talking, I’m off.”

Zachary’s thoughts snapped back. “That’s the place where your mother and I used to live. I’ll have Lucas bring you the keys tomorrow.”

Yvette didn’t respond and left. Zachary instructed Lucas to pay Yvette’s bill, assuming she was with classmates.

Ten minutes later, Lucas returned, looking shocked. After a pause, Zachary asked, “What’s the matter? Did you pay Yvette’s bill?”

Lucas hesitated, the news difficult to convey. “Mr. Chambers, I asked the front desk where Miss Yvette was sitting, and they said she was in the VIP Room.”

Zachary sobered. The VIP Room? He knew the steakhouse was owned by Wyatt, a fact discovered only after seeing Wyatt’s wife managing it. They couldn’t book the VIP Room; it was reserved for honored guests. How did Yvette manage a meal there?

Lucas’s reply was shocking. “Mr. Chambers, someone had already paid her bill.”

“Who?” Zachary asked.

Lucas’s voice trembled slightly. “Sir, it was Wyatt!”

Confused, Zachary repeated, “Who?”

Lucas firmly said, “Sir, it was Wyatt Langford.”

Zachary’s eyes widened. Lucas’s expression confirmed the truth. “How did Yvette get involved with Wyatt?” He imagined the worst – Yvette as Wyatt’s mistress. It was the only explanation he could conceive.

The thought enraged him. “My daughter is only twenty, and Wyatt is much older! How disgraceful!”

Lucas initially shared the thought but reconsidered, finding it unlikely. He didn’t think Yvette would become anyone’s mistress.

Seeing Zachary clutch his chest, Lucas quickly gave him his medicine. After taking it, Zachary felt slightly better but spoke weakly, “Bring Yvette back. I need to speak to her. If she has disgraced the Chambers family, I won’t forgive her.”

Lucas felt Zachary was overreacting. He thought, Their relationship has already hit rock bottom. If he keeps blaming her without understanding, their bond might be severed.

Lucas said, “Mr. Chambers, I don’t think Ms. Zeller would do something like that. Wait a bit. There might be a misunderstanding.”

Zachary looked displeased but called Yvette.

When Yvette returned to the private room, only Jeremiah remained. His dark eyes sparkled, his skin pale, his voice husky. “You’re back,” he murmured seductively.

Yvette nodded. “Where are Bonnie and the others?”

Jeremiah replied, “Andrew gave your friend a ride home, and Mr. Sunderland left with that guy from your class.”

“Andrew?” Yvette frowned.

Jeremiah explained, “No need to worry. Andrew just talks big. He won’t do anything. Your friend is safe.”

Yvette looked puzzled, her tone confused. “Safe? That’s not what I meant. I’m worried it might not be safe… for Andrew.”

Jeremiah didn’t understand.

Yvette sniffed and spoke slowly. “Bonnie mentioned she acts up when she drinks. We just had steak, and I saw her secretly drinking. The wine you ordered is pretty strong, so…”

Jeremiah understood. He stood, picked up his coat, and draped it around Yvette’s shoulders. Their eyes met.

“Let’s go. Andrew knows what to do. No need to worry,” Jeremiah said.

Yvette glanced at him but said nothing.

In the Jeep, Yvette texted while Jeremiah drove.

“How’s your driving?” Jeremiah asked.

Yvette put away her phone. Her slightly hoarse voice sounded pleasant. “Not bad.”

Jeremiah nodded. “Compared to your Frixyia?”

Yvette considered. “I can’t compare. I don’t really know Frixyia.”

Jeremiah, noting her thoughtful response, knew she was telling the truth. Such a mysterious lady! he thought.

He focused on driving. Yvette closed her eyes to rest. As they neared Argrol University, Yvette’s phone rang with a unique piano melody. She hung up, then turned it off when the calls persisted.

Zachary’s subsequent call went straight to voicemail, enraging him. He threw his phone on the ground.

After dropping Yvette off, Jeremiah met Simon. The next day, Jeremiah became a substitute physics teacher.

Early that morning, Bonnie arrived to class, seeing Yvette asleep at her desk. Whispers circulated about the Sharon incident. Some criticized Yvette as harsh and unkind; others supported her. No one dared speak to Yvette directly, however.

That morning, Sharon withdrew from school. Bonnie glared at the whispering students, silencing them. It wasn’t Bonnie they feared, but Yvette.