Zachary arrived at the police station ahead of everyone else. Winona had only mentioned that Yvette had been taken away on an assault charge. Frustrated and concerned, Zachary wondered what Yvette had done this time.
Does Yvette even care about her reputation? Which prestigious family would want a daughter-in-law who’s been to the police station? he cursed internally, a headache forming. Plus, is this a big issue? Did the police investigate properly before arresting her? Don’t they know she’s my daughter? Does my prestige mean nothing to them? He continued fuming.
When Zachary attempted to bail Yvette out, the police refused. Lucas quietly bribed a young officer, who revealed that Yvette had crossed Daniel. She had apparently caused Ethan such distress that he was hospitalized.
Zachary was upset, but he couldn't stand by and watch Yvette get convicted. He began figuring out how to secure her release. If worse comes to worst, I can ask Yvette to apologize to Ethan later. There’s no way Daniel wouldn’t at least give me some respect after an apology, he thought resignedly.
Just then, Lachlan, who had been questioning Yvette, stepped out for a smoke. The young officer approached him and whispered. Lachlan glanced at Zachary doubtfully before approaching him. "Who are you?" he asked.
Zachary, too proud to speak, allowed Lucas to answer. "Hello, sir. Yvette is the Chambers family’s eldest daughter. Could you tell us how we can arrange for her bail? We will fully cooperate with any follow-up," Lucas stated.
Lachlan observed the stoic Zachary, recognizing him as the head of one of the four prominent families. He was shocked to learn Yvette was the Chambers' eldest daughter.
But her surname is Zeller, while Zachary’s is Chambers! How could they be related? However, Zachary has personally come to the station, so it couldn’t possibly be a lie! Lachlan thought, feeling nervous. "Mr. Zachary Chambers, I'm surprised to see you here. As a low-ranked officer, I can't decide on this. Perhaps you could call the chief, Jonathan Quigley, yourself…" he said.
A furious voice cut through the lobby. "Bail? Yvette hurt Ethan, yet you still want to talk about bail?" Daniel had arrived and overheard the conversation.
Recognizing Daniel's voice, Zachary stood to greet him. However, Daniel deliberately ignored him, walking past as if Zachary were invisible.
Zachary felt embarrassed. Daniel's public disregard signaled a major fallout. Unaware of the truth and believing Yvette was at fault, Zachary forced a smile and approached Daniel. Daniel could no longer pretend not to see him.
"Mr. Brooks, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Yvette didn’t know who Ethan was; otherwise, she wouldn't have harmed him. I’ll cover all his hospital expenses and compensate for his emotional damages. And I promise to bring Yvette to apologize in person. Can we settle this privately?" Zachary asked humbly.
Daniel snorted. "Mr. Chambers, it’s easy for you to say that since Yvette’s not hurt, but Ethan is still in the hospital. Do you think the Brooks family can’t afford his medical expenses?" He looked at Zachary and sneered. "The Chambers family’s eldest daughter sure knows how to make an entrance. Just yesterday, at Sky Nimbus, Yvette made a massive 100 million dollar bet."
"It seems like you really spoil her. She's only just returned to the family yet has such substantial fortune. I’m sure you’re still unaware, but the duty manager, Justin, said Yvette already knew Ethan’s identity at the casino and wasn’t intimidated by it. So stop with the misunderstanding story. It seems like, to Yvette, my reputation carries no weight at all," scoffed Daniel.
Zachary's face stiffened. "100 million dollars? So the rumored girl betting 100 million dollars yesterday at Sky Nimbus was Yvette?"
Daniel shot an annoyed glance at Zachary. "Do you think I would lie about this and frame Yvette?"
Zachary knew Daniel wouldn't lie. That morning, the news of the 100 million dollar bet had spread, and Zachary had even joked with Lucas about the gambler's identity, never imagining it was Yvette.
He recalled the Frixyia competition Yvette had mentioned. Lucas had delivered mansion keys to Yvette and reported her victory, leaving Zachary surprised and proud. He'd also heard rumors that the Sullivan family, whose daughter competed against Yvette, had gone bankrupt and left Seacrity—rumors attributed to Yvette, which Zachary hadn't believed. He'd later unexpectedly met Yvette at a steakhouse, where Wyatt had paid the bill.
If Yvette was the gambler, then the whole situation is even more puzzling. Where did she get the 100 million dollars? Zachary thought. Since leaving the Chambers residence, Yvette had only taken her backpack and the Heart of Lorry. The mansion transfer papers had just been finalized. There’s no way she could have turned the mansion into cash that fast, which means she got the 100 million dollars on her own.
Zachary realized he couldn't underestimate Yvette. What has she experienced all these years? Just like Lilian, who vanished suddenly, what secrets is she hiding? he wondered.
Sensing Zachary's silence, Daniel turned to Lachlan. "Where’s Yvette? Take me to her."
Lachlan, intimidated by the important figures, nodded. "Follow me. We’ve got Yvette locked up in the isolation room."
Zachary was anxious. How could they lock a girl up in an isolation room? he fumed. He knew it was Daniel's order. Since he’s using this method against Yvette, things won’t be resolved smoothly today, he thought. "As Yvette’s family member, I have the right to see my daughter, don’t I?" he demanded.
Daniel anticipated this. He frowned but maintained a businesslike demeanor. "Of course, but I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. As the victim’s family member and Seacrity’s deputy mayor, it’s my duty and responsibility to question her personally." With that, he followed Lachlan into the isolation room.