Schary and Nellie walked downstairs just in time to see Yvette slap Winona hard across the face. Winona was stunned, her mouth hanging open in shock. She had never been hit like that before. She wanted to get away from Yvette, but never expected her to fight back. The hatred in Winona’s eyes was almost palpable, but she held it in. She would make Yvette pay for this.
Zeke watched, taken aback. The servants were too scared to speak. Ms. Yvette Zeller was ruthless; Winona’s face was already swelling.
Winona saw Zachary approaching. Gloating over her perceived “victory,” she barely felt the sting. “What did I do wrong, Yvette? Did I upset you? Why did you hit me?”
Though Winona’s voice was small, Zeke heard every word. He knew her temperament but didn’t expect her impatience. Considering Yvette’s demeanor, Winona’s feeling threatened made sense. He thought, Attacking Yvette on the first day? What a malicious woman!
Zachary was furious. It looked like Yvette had slapped Winona for no reason. “Stop it, you ungrateful girl!”
Ungrateful girl? Yvette sneered silently. She wanted to be in control.
Nellie nearly lost it seeing her daughter’s swollen cheek. She knew Winona had likely provoked Yvette, but she vowed to make Yvette pay.
Zachary rushed to comfort Winona. Nellie and Zeke gathered around her, leaving Yvette alone in awkward silence.
“Dad, please don’t blame Yvette. We got back late, and she probably felt ignored. If she thinks hitting me will solve anything, then let it be.” She turned to show Zachary her face.
Nellie watched Zachary’s expression darken with satisfaction. Pretending to wipe away tears, she said, “Yvette, can’t we talk about this? Why resort to violence? Winona has to attend Mr. Griffin’s party next month. She can’t be delayed.”
Zachary felt a wave of anger. He stepped forward, ready to slap Yvette. She effortlessly blocked his raised hand.
“Want to hit me? You think you’re worthy?” Yvette finally spoke, her expression indifferent.
Zachary hesitated. If he hit her, he’d regret it. If he didn’t, what would people think? He felt his hand heavy and weak.
The crowd noticed Zachary’s predicament. Yvette stood firm; Zachary’s face darkened, veins bulging in his arm.
Nellie sensed Zachary’s embarrassment. “Honey, it was a heat-of-the-moment thing. They’re sisters. You can’t be too hard on them.”
Zachary sighed, lowering his hand. “Since you put it that way, I’ll let it slide this time. But if it happens again, Yvette, I’m not going to hold back. Now, apologize to Winona.”
“Apologize? After that slap?” Winona thought, Mom is right. Dad has a soft spot for that dead woman. Yvette is going to be a pain.
Even Zeke was surprised by Zachary’s leniency. His cheerful demeanor vanished.
Everyone was focused on the chaos; only Yvette noticed Zeke’s deceitful nature.
“You want me to apologize?” Yvette asked casually.
Winona wanted Yvette to beg, but she couldn’t voice it. She forced a smile. “I know you don’t mean that. But since you did hit me, people will think Dad isn’t teaching his daughter well. So, I guess I have to accept your apology.”