Bonnie called, “Yve, come here; there’s a seat.” Ruby, having made Yvette perform early morning backstage cleaning as retribution, had just finished. Bonnie found only second-row seats available.
Zachary immediately looked toward the stage upon hearing Yvette's name. Rebecca and Nellie, previously chatting with Jaiden, followed suit. Intrigued, Jaiden joined them, spotting a stunning girl near the stage.
Yvette, still in her usual black tracksuit and new canvas shoes, replacing her worn-out pair, became the immediate focus of attention. She frowned, clearly annoyed. Her fierce, defiant gaze – dangerous yet captivating – was unmistakable when she looked up. Zachary rose, saying, “Yvette, do you need a seat? Come sit here.”
The auditorium, already hushed upon their arrival, fell even quieter. Most Argrol University students recognized Jaiden and his companions, keeping their voices low to impress. Favor with this group often translated into post-graduation job offers.
Following Zachary’s offer, hushed whispers erupted. Jaiden narrowed his eyes, asking, “Who’s that?”
Rebecca, mockingly, replied to Nellie, “You haven’t heard? She’s the daughter the Chambers family recently found—Mr. Zachary Chambers’ ex-wife’s child. He dotes on her; she’s his beloved daughter.”
Nellie, forcing a smile, internally questioned Rebecca’s motives. “You are right, Ms. Carter. A daughter is the apple of her parents’ eye. I hear you are even more treasured than Victor at the Carter residence.”
Nellie’s words struck a nerve. Rebecca’s elevated status within the Carter family stemmed less from affection and more from her relationship with Claude. Matthew's preference for women staying home, supporting their husbands, and raising children was well-known. Rebecca's face hardened.
Jaiden, however, remained focused on Yvette, who leaned against the wall, hands in her pockets, perfectly at ease. She strongly resembled her mother, Lilian. Jaiden recalled meeting Lilian at a banquet over twenty years ago; her beauty had been unforgettable. No wonder Zachary had fallen for her, even severing ties with his family.
Yvette gave Zachary a cold assessment, replying lazily, “No need.”
To everyone's surprise, Zachary, instead of being offended, smiled warmly. “Yvette, how about I help you find a seat?” The room fell silent.
Based on Winona’s whispers, most students believed Yvette was neglected, unloved, and relegated to the dorms. Zachary’s reaction baffled them. “Isn’t she supposed to be ignored? Look at Mr. Chambers! His tone, that warm smile—he couldn’t possibly dote on her more!”
The rumors of Yvette's neglect were clearly false. Nellie, seething, thought, “Does Zachary not care about Zeke and Winona at all? Is Yvette the only one who matters?” She smiled sweetly at Zachary, clinging to his arm. “Darling, if Yvette doesn’t want to sit with us, that’s perfectly fine. The school has probably already arranged seats. No need to worry.”
Rebecca, feigning agreement, interjected sarcastically, “Mr. Chambers, I’m sure the seats are already assigned. We’re just guests; there’s no need to bother the school. Besides, look at Victor and Mr. Lewis—they’re sitting with the students. It wouldn’t be appropriate for Yvette to sit with us, don’t you think?”
Zachary, unable to counter Rebecca’s comment, shot Nellie a look of clear displeasure, which she ignored. She couldn't bear Zachary's kindness towards Yvette.
Meanwhile, Ruby guided Simon and Andrew through the auditorium, overhearing mention of Yvette. Andrew quickened his pace, followed by Simon, leaving Ruby struggling to keep up in her three-inch heels. Soon, they arrived. Ruby recognized Andrew’s importance instantly; anyone who commanded Simon’s attention was significant. His LV shirt and jacket—luxury items rarely seen so quickly in Seacrity—confirmed this. She had attempted conversation during their walk, but Andrew, unimpressed by countless beautiful women, gave only minimal responses.
Simon boomed upon entering, “What’s going on here? It looks lively.”
Students greeted Simon—Andrew remained largely unrecognized. He quickly located Yvette and Bonnie, then observed the front-row group. He only recognized Zachary, having seen him at the police station.
Before Andrew could speak, Ruby, still huffing, stormed toward Yvette, ignoring all questions. “Yvette, why do you always cause trouble wherever you go?”
Andrew thought, ‘What is she doing? Who gave her the nerve?’
Yvette’s icy gaze met Ruby’s. “Just remember to take your medications,” she retorted.
The auditorium erupted in laughter. Andrew, about to intervene, paused. He knew Yvette wouldn't back down, but her sharp retort surprised him. He reflected, ‘Impressive! She’s clearly Jeremiah’s partner—there’s a reason she’s at the top of her game. If she weren’t capable, Betrico’s sharks would have taken her down!’
Simon’s throat clearing restored silence. “Can someone explain to me what just happened?” he asked, his voice calm but authoritative.