Zachary’s emotions seemed to Nellie like a clear sign that he couldn’t get over Lilian. A mix of bitterness and resentment swirled inside her, but she maintained a neutral expression.

Nellie stepped forward, her eyes brimming with tears, as she carefully scrutinized Yvette. She tried to take Yvette’s delicate hand, but Yvette sidestepped, avoiding the touch. She disliked strangers getting too close.

The atmosphere grew tense. Yvette remained unfazed, but Nellie felt increasingly uncomfortable. "This wretch is really ungrateful," Nellie cursed silently, plastering on a gentle smile. "Yvette, you poor thing. Now that you’re back, just relax and consider this place your home. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I’m Nellie. Your mother was my best friend, and ever since she went missing, I haven’t been able to sleep a wink." She placed a hand on her chest, appearing as if she might faint.

Zachary, lost in thought, was startled by Nellie’s outburst. Noticing Nellie's distress, he rushed to help her to the sofa. "Nellie, you’re not well. I know you’re happy Yvette is back, but you can’t get too worked up. Lilian wouldn’t blame you for this."

To Yvette, Zachary and Nellie’s actions felt like a poorly staged play. A man who remarried his wife’s best friend two years after his wife’s death, and a woman who had snatched her best friend’s husband and now cried over their friendship… 'What a shameless match made in heaven!' she sneered inwardly.

However, she had to admit, Zachary looked decent. He possessed an elegant charm, and it was impressive he maintained his physique in his forties. No wonder Nellie had been so eager to marry him after his wife's death.

Lilian’s death remained shrouded in mystery. As her daughter, Yvette knew she must make those who had hurt Lilian pay.

"Have you finished crying?" Yvette’s icy voice caused Zachary and Nellie to shiver.

Nellie had hoped that revealing her vulnerability would earn Yvette’s sympathy, allowing her to manipulate the situation. But Yvette was unpredictable, and the following words caught in Nellie’s throat.

"Where’s my room? Show me," Yvette demanded.

Nellie quickly stood, signaling for the servants. "Hurry up. Take Yvette to the room on the second floor." She cast a cautious glance at Yvette.

The servants felt sorry for Nellie, witnessing their hostess being bullied by a younger woman.

Seeing her plan unfold, Nellie felt a wave of satisfaction. Rumors spread quickly—soon, everyone would know about Yvette’s poor manners. Which young man would want her then? Zachary wouldn't find her a suitable match. The daughter of "that bitch" would remain in the shadows forever. I'll never let her rise again, she vowed silently.

Just as Yvette left with the servant, Zachary, who had been excluded from the exchange, called out urgently, "Yvette, I’m your father!"

Yvette paused but didn't turn. "Yeah, got it," she replied, continuing upstairs. She didn't reappear until dinner. Zachary sat on the couch, dejected. Nellie saw this as an opportunity to win his favor.

Over the years, Zachary had been emotionally distant. Their seemingly perfect marriage was envied by many, but only Nellie knew that even after Lilian’s death, she remained more important to him than Nellie ever could be. If it weren’t for Nellie’s connections to the Smith family and their two talented children, Zachary would have grown tired of her long ago.

Nellie had grown bitter about the women in Zachary's life—they either possessed Lilian’s eyes or a similar expression. Now Lilian’s supposedly deceased daughter had arrived, a constant reminder of Lilian. Am I doomed to live in that woman’s shadow forever? No, I won’t accept it! Never! she raged silently.

She composed herself and turned to console Zachary. "Honey, Yvette just arrived. Don’t be mad at her. She’s Lilian’s daughter; her temperament might be…spirited. She probably just had some complaints. It’s my fault. The company had problems right when she arrived, and I wasn’t there to greet her.”

Her words were reasonable and heartfelt. Even Lucas, a silent observer, admired her. Zachary's expression softened.

In a better mood, he tried to comfort Nellie. "It’s not your fault, dear. Yvette just returned and needs time to adjust. It would be great if you could look after her. By the way, we need to throw a proper welcome party for Yvette next month. I want everyone to know that my daughter is back, and let’s see who dares to gossip after that.”

Nellie agreed, but hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Zachary looked at her, confused. "What’s wrong? Is there a problem?"

After a moment, Nellie replied, "Yvette is different from Winona and Zeke. I’m worried that with such a big event, she might struggle with the proper etiquette.”

Zachary understood. Yvette had grown up in the countryside and likely lacked knowledge of high society's rules and traditions. He felt conflicted—what if Yvette embarrassed herself in front of Seacrity's elite?