Masked In Nobility: Secrets Of Mrs. Chavez by Selina Gorges

Zachary's emotions seemed to Nellie like a clear sign that he couldn't get over Lilian. A mix of bitterness and resentment swirled inside her, but she kept her expression neutral.

Nellie stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears as she carefully scrutinized Yvette. She tried to take Yvette's delicate hand, but Yvette sidestepped, avoiding the touch. She never liked strangers getting too close.

The atmosphere grew tense. Yvette remained unfazed, but Nellie felt much uncomfortable.

This wretch is really ungrateful, Nellie cursed silently while plastering on a gentle smile, saying "Yvette, you poor thing Now that you're back, just relax and consider this place your home. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I'm Nellie, Your mother was my best friend, and ever since she went missing, I haven't been able to sleep a wink. As she spoke, she put hand on her chest, looking as if she might faint at any moment, Zachary was lost in his thoughts until Nellie spoke up. Noticing Nellie almost fainted from crying, he rushed over to help her to the sofa. “Nellie, you're not well. I know you're happy Yvette is back, but you can't get too worked up. Lilian wouldn't blyou for this" To Yvette, Zachary and Nellie's actions felt like a bad show. A man who remarried his wife's bestie just two years after his wife died, and a woman who snatched her bestie's husband and now cried over their friendship... What a shameless match made in heaven!' she sneered inwardly.

But she had to admit, Zachary looked decent. He had an elegant charm, and it was impressive he managed to keep his shape in his forties. No wonder Nellie was desperate to marry him when his wife was dead.

Lilian's death was still shrouded in mystery. As her daughter, Yvette knew she must make those who had hurt Lilian pay for it, and there's no escaping.

"Have you done crying?" Yvette's voice was icy, causing Zachary and Nellie to shiver.

Nellie thought that by revealing her vulnerabilities, she might earn ssympathy from Yvette, and then, she could play along to win more favor. But Yvette was unpredictable, and the following words caught in Nellie's throat.

"Where's my room! Show me," asked Yvette.

Nellie quickly stood up, signaling for the servants. "Hurry up. Take Yvette to the room on the second floor. With that, she cast a cautious glance at Yvette.

The servants couldn't help but feel sorry for Nellie. It was hard to watch the hostess of the household getting bullied by a younger lady.

Sering her plan unfold, Nellie felt a wave of satisfaction. Rumors spread quickly-soon, everyone would know about Yvette's poor manners. Which young man would want her then Zachary wants to find her a good match? No way. The daughter of that b**h would stay in the shadows forever. I'll never let her rise again.

Just as Yvette turned to leave with the servant, Zachary, who had been left out of the conversation, called out urgently, "Yvette, I'm your dad!" Yvette paused but didn't turn around. She replied, “Yeah, got it, and continued upstairs. She didn't cdown until dinner. Zachary sat on the couch, feeling down. Nellie saw this as a good opportunity to win his favor.

Over the years, Zachary had been hot and cold with her. Everyone envied their seemingly perfect marriage, but only Nellie knew that even though Lilian was gone, she still meant more to him than Nellie ever could. If it weren't for Nellie's connections to the Smith family and their two talented kids, Zachary would have grown tired of her long ago.

Nellie had already grown bitter about the women around him-they either had eyes like Lilian's or expressions similar to hers. Now cLilian's supposed-dead daughter, who would definitely remind Zachary of Lilian frequently. Am I doomed to live in that woman's shadow forever? No, I won't accept it! Never! Nellie shouted in her mind.

She steadied herself and turned to console Zachary. "Honey, Yvette just got back. Don't be mad at her. She's Lilian's daughter, so her temperament should be good. She probably just had scomplaints. It's my fault. The company had problems right when she chome, and I wasn't there to greet her." Her words were reasonable and heartfelt. Even Lucas couldn't help but admire her. Sure enough, Zachary's expression softened.

In a good mood, he tried to comfort Nellie. "It's not your fault, dear. Yvette just returned and needs stto adjust, would be great if you could look after her. By the way, we need to throw a proper welcparty for Yvette next month. I want everyone to know that my daughter is back, and let's see who dares to gossip after that." Nellie promised, yet immediately, she hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back.

Zachary looked at her, confused "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

After thinking for a moment, Nellie replied. "Yvette is different fromm that Winona and Zeke. I'm worried with such a big event, she might have trouble with the proper etiquette."

Zachary understood. Yvette had grown up in the countryside and probably didn't know idn't know much about the rules and traditions of high society.

He felt torn-what if Yvette embarrassed herself in front of Seacrity's elites then? X