Masked In Nobility: Secrets Of Mrs. Chavez novel Chapter 83

Chapter 83
It was a Wednesday morning at the Chambers residence.
Zachary returned last night. Thrilled, Nellie instructed the housekeepers to prepare his favorite breakfast in the morning and asked Zeke and Winona to come downstairs earlier to eat.
Nellie’s words a few days ago had made Zeke behave himself for several days. Recently, he had been coming home early to have dinner with her.
Winona had not contacted Victor often lately. Aside from attending classes, she had been home practicing her painting.
She considered next week’s apprenticeship ceremony more important than anything else.
Winona kept a secret that nobody knew. With each passing day leading up to the apprenticeship ceremony, she grew more
anxious.
Recently, Winona lived in fear daily and even dreamed of her secret being exposed, leaving her troubled.
Nellie noticed it but did not think much of it, assuming the stress was taking a toll on Winona,
She did not comfort Winona, believing that pressure was what drove motivation. Winona was expected to outshine the other girls.
The others picked up the forks only when Zachary sat at the table.
Zachary noticed most of the dishes were his favorites, and when he saw Nellie looking at him expectantly, he nodded and uttered in his usual tone, “Thanks.”
Nellie felt disappointed. No matter how hard or perfect she tried, Zachary always treated her this way, indifferently. Although Nellie was not happy deep down, she still maintained a facade of grace and virtue. “Don’t mention it. As long as you and the kids enjoy the meal, that’s all that matters.”
Winona glanced at the bourbon-glazed meatballs before Zeke, then at the pistachio cake closest to her..
She lowered her eyes, thinking, ‘What a great mom. I bet she has forgotten that I’ve been allergic to pistachios since I was young. She only remembers what Dad and Zeke like to eat. How ridiculous.
Lucas walked in with an invitation card. Winona and Zeke immediately recognized it was the university’s Art Festival invitation.
Zeke asked, “Lucas, is it the university’s Art Festival invitation?”
Lucas nodded respectfully. “Yes, Mr. Zeke Chambers. This just arrived from Argrol University.”
Zachary motioned for Lucas to bring over the invitation. The latter understood and respectfully handed it over with both hands.
Zachary opened it and saw that the Art Festival was on Friday, only two days away.
Argrol University would invite the four major families to attend the Art Festival yearly. He was away on business trips and missed them in the past two years, so he was determined to attend this year.
After their unpleasant parting at the police station last time, Zachary did not have a chance to see Yvette again. He had countless questions and was determined to ask her face-to-face.
During this period, Zachary could not sleep well. The thoughts of Yvette and the people around her had become a knot in
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Chapter 83
his heart.
Zachary said, “Keep it safe. I have no plans on Friday, so I’ll go.”
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Nellie assumed Zachary was going to support Winona, so she was excited. Turning to Winona, she said, “Winona, your dad is coming to watch your competition. Make sure you do well!”
Although Zachary did not have feelings for Nellie, he was quite fond of Winona. “Winona, you’re still participating in painting this year, right?”
Winona nodded with a smile, a hint of pride in her voice. “Yes, Dad, oil painting. Our department’s teacher helped me register right away.”
Zeke chimed in with a hint of amusement, “Mom, Dad, you probably still don’t know. Yvie is competing too.”
Surprised, Nellie shot Winona a reproachful look, wondering why she had not been told earlier.
Winona’s fingers tightened around her fork as she hastily picked up a piece of food and popped it into her mouth, only to realize it was her least favorite-pistachio cake.
Nellie chuckled and felt a bit relieved seeing Zachary’s calm expression. “Which event has Yvette signed up for?”
Zeke stated, “Mom, unlike Winona, Yvie didn’t just sign up for oil painting. There is also music, chess, and calligraphy.”
Zachary’s hand, poised to pick up food, froze mid-air as he glanced at the grinning Zeke. “Really? Doesn’t the Art Festival allow one to sign up for only one category?”
Zeke restrained himself, knowing how highly Zachary valued Yvette, and quickly stopped smiling. “Yes, it’s true. If you don’t believe me, ask Winona.”
Winona lifted her head. “Yes, Dad. Yvie has signed up for four events, and the list is already out.”
Zachary stayed silent for a long time before leaving with Lucas.
Nellie, Zeke, and Winona were left behind, exchanging glances.
Nellie exclaimed, “Has Yvette gone crazy signing up for four events? Does she think she’s so smart?”
Zeke agreed with Nellie. They vented their frustrations about Yvette at home.
This time, Winona did not say anything and kept her head down as she ate. She despised Yvette and disliked the two in front of her just as much. One was her mother, while the other was her brother.
The Argrol University Art Festival started as scheduled.
Early in the morning, the university was already bustling with activity. When one stepped onto the campus, huge banners were hanging on both sides of the road, with the prominent message: [Wishing the Argrol University Art Festival Great Success].
The auditorium had been decorated early, filled with balloons, string lights, flowers, and various small decorations, which created a vibrant atmosphere. Every seat even had colorful ribbons tied to it.
The students were excited.
Throughout the year, aside from winter and summer breaks, all departments were free from classes only during the three days of the Art Festival’s opening and competitions. The students were allowed to enjoy the event freely.
Since the auditorium had limited seating, a large screen was set up on the field for a live broadcast so the students could watch the performances and competitions..
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The Argrol University Art Festival committee not only invited some renowned entrepreneurs and artists from Seacrity but also media outlets for interviews.
The entire Argrol University was filled with the vibrant spirit of youth.
In the VIP room at Argrol University, Ruby prepared a luxurious lounge, separating it from the main guest area to curry favor with the four major families.
However, this year, Simon decided to take an interest in such minor matters. He rejected the suggestion and insisted on treating all guests equally, mandating that everyone use the same room.
With no other choice, Ruby had to rearrange everything again. However, she was clever enough to list the Lewis and Carter families first, with the Chambers and Smith families following behind.
Zachary arrived with Nellie.
Nellie wore a purple gown that accentuated her curvy figure. Around her neck hung a stunning emerald necklace while matching emerald earrings dangled from her ears. Her thoughtful choice of attire added to her allure, making her stand out at the event.
Zachary did not look much different. He was still wearing his usual dark suit from the office. Standing together, they looked like a perfect match.
When Zachary and Nellie arrived, they coincidentally met Rebecca at the gate.
Unlike Winona, Nellie was older than Rebecca. In front of so many people, Rebecca politely showed respect, greeting her with a warm smile. The media at the scene quickly captured this moment.
While taking the pictures, they even thought of a headline: [Ms. Carter Goes Out of Her Way to Win Over the Chambers Family for Her Brother’s Marriage to Ms. Winona Chambers.]
The three of them smiled awkwardly, posing for the cameras, but secretly, they were plotting their plans.
“Rebecca, Mr. Chambers, Mrs. Chambers, it’s been a long time,” someone said.-
Those still in the photo shoot were momentarily taken aback. They were surprised to hear the voice.
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