It was a Wednesday morning at the Chambers residence. Zachary had returned the previous night. Thrilled, Nellie instructed the housekeepers to prepare his favorite breakfast and asked Zeke and Winona to come downstairs early. Zeke had been behaving himself for several days after a recent reprimand from Nellie, even coming home early for dinner. Winona, aside from her classes, had been home, focused on her painting, prioritizing next week's apprenticeship ceremony above all else.

She harbored a secret, a source of growing anxiety as the ceremony approached. Daily, she lived in fear of its exposure, her dreams troubled by the possibility. Nellie noticed her distress but attributed it to stress, believing pressure fueled motivation and expecting Winona to excel.

The others waited for Zachary to begin eating. He noticed his favorite dishes, and with a nod and a quiet "Thanks," acknowledged Nellie's efforts. Nellie felt the familiar pang of disappointment; despite her meticulous preparations, his response remained indifferent. Maintaining her composure, she replied, "Don't mention it. As long as you and the children enjoy it, that's all that matters."

Winona glanced at the bourbon-glazed meatballs before Zeke, then at the pistachio cake. Lowering her eyes, she thought, What a great mom. She's forgotten my pistachio allergy. She only remembers Dad and Zeke's preferences. How ridiculous.

Lucas entered with an invitation. Winona and Zeke immediately recognized it as the university's Art Festival invitation. Zeke confirmed this with Lucas, who respectfully presented it to Zachary. The invitation revealed the festival was only two days away, on Friday. Zachary, having missed the past two years due to business trips, was determined to attend. He also hoped to see Yvette again, after their unpleasant encounter at the police station. Her image had become a constant worry, disrupting his sleep.

"Keep it safe," Zachary said. "I'm free Friday, I'll go."

Nellie, assuming Zachary's attendance was to support Winona, was elated. Turning to Winona, she exclaimed, "Winona, your father's coming! Make sure you do well!"

Zachary, though not emotionally invested in Nellie, was fond of Winona. "Winona, you're still participating in painting this year, right?"

Winona nodded proudly. "Yes, Dad, oil painting. Our department teacher helped me register."

Zeke added, with amusement, "Mom, Dad, Yvette's competing too."

Nellie's surprised, reproachful glance at Winona was met with a hasty, nervous bite of pistachio cake—Winona’s least favorite. Nellie chuckled, relieved by Zachary's calm demeanor. "Which event has Yvette signed up for?"

"Unlike Winona," Zeke explained, "Yvette's entered oil painting, music, chess, and calligraphy."

Zachary paused, mid-bite, his gaze fixed on Zeke's grin. "Really? Doesn't the festival allow only one category?"

Zeke, aware of Zachary's regard for Yvette, quickly composed himself. "Yes, it's true. Ask Winona."

Winona confirmed, "Yes, Dad. Yvette has signed up for four events, and the list is already posted."

Zachary remained silent before departing with Lucas, leaving Nellie, Zeke, and Winona to exchange uneasy glances.

"Has Yvette gone crazy?" Nellie exclaimed. "Does she think she's so smart?"

Zeke agreed, and they vented their frustrations. Winona remained silent, her dislike for both her mother and brother simmering beneath her quiet demeanor.

The Argrol University Art Festival commenced as scheduled. The university was abuzz with activity, adorned with banners proclaiming, "[Wishing the Argrol University Art Festival Great Success]". The auditorium, decorated with balloons, lights, and flowers, was vibrant, each seat marked with colorful ribbons. Students were ecstatic, enjoying the festival's three-day reprieve from classes. A large screen on the field provided live coverage for those without auditorium seats. The committee had invited entrepreneurs, artists, and media outlets from Seacrity. The entire campus vibrated with youthful energy.

In the VIP room, Ruby had planned a luxurious, segregated lounge for the four major families, but Simon overruled this, insisting on equal treatment. Ruby, reluctantly rearranging the seating, strategically placed the Lewis and Carter families before the Chambers and Smith families.

Zachary arrived with Nellie, her purple gown and emerald jewelry creating a striking contrast to his dark suit. Their arrival coincided with a meeting with Rebecca at the gate. Rebecca's respectful greeting, captured by the media, sparked speculation: “[Ms. Carter Goes Out of Her Way to Win Over the Chambers Family for Her Brother’s Marriage to Ms. Winona Chambers.]” The three exchanged awkward smiles for the cameras, concealing their underlying agendas.

"Rebecca, Mr. Chambers, Mrs. Chambers, it's been a long time," a voice interrupted, startling the group mid-photo shoot.