Masked In Nobility: Secrets Of Mrs. Chavez

Yvette raised an eyebrow, surprised at Zachary’s resolve. She replied with a calm, deep gaze, “When I have proof, I’ll deal with Claude myself.”

Zachary knew it wouldn’t be easy. Even if they gathered evidence, the Carters had moved to Mysonna, a place riddled with powerful underworld ties. Tracking down Claude there would be no small feat. He nodded, though his face remained tense, clearly still worried.

“Alright,” he said quietly, “I’ll follow your lead.” He tried to mask his concern, but the strain was evident.

Noticing his unease, Yvette closed her eyes, pressing her lips together before murmuring, “He won’t escape.”

Zachary took her words as a reassurance, thinking she was merely trying to comfort him. Only later would he understand the weight of that promise–no matter how far he ran, Claude would never be beyond her reach.

The following morning, after the police came by for their routine inquiries, Lucas handled their questions and saw them off. He then arranged the driver’s duties as instructed before heading to Zachary’s study.

“Mr. Chambers,” Lucas said respectfully, “the police have left, and everything you requested has been handled. Ms. Zeller went to school this morning and will return in the afternoon.”

Zachary put out his cigar, his face serious as he sat in contemplation. Lucas remained silent, waiting patiently by his side. After a long pause, Zachary looked up with a pensive expression and asked, “Do you think my health might not be as good as it used to be? I’m feeling a bit weak these days.”

Lucas blinked, momentarily thrown off. He had ho idea what to make of Mr. Chambers‘ words. After a pause, he carefully responded, “Mr. Chambers, you’re still as strong as ever. You even had an extra bowl of yogurt this morning. There’s no need to worry yourself.”

Zachary eyed Lucas and wondered why he wasn’t catching his hint. He thought, ‘Am I being too subtle?‘

Zachary sighed, rubbing his temples, appearing genuinely distressed. “My health,” he murmured with feigned concern, “it must be deteriorating. If not a physical illness, then it’s a psychological one–a serious ailment, indeed.

And with such an illness, how can I keep up with work at the company? And if I’m unwell, who will lead the Chambers Group?”

Zachary’s tone turned wistful. “I only have Yvette, but I don’t know who else could help shoulder this responsibility.”

Finally, Lucas understood, a glimmer of realization dawning on him. Mr. Chambers wasn’t simply concerned for his health -he wanted Ms. Zeller to step up at the Chambers Group.

Lucas chuckled inwardly at Zachary’s roundabout way of hinting, knowing that Yvette would resist any direct offer. Mr. Chambers certainly had his tactics.

Lucas, playing along, asked, “Mr. Chambers, psychological conditions are quite serious. Perhaps I should inform Ms. Zeller?” Zachary nodded approvingly. “Yes, yes. Although…” he hesitated, feigning reluctance, “I wouldn’t want to trouble her.

Lucas could barely keep a straight face, finding this role more exhausting than his actual work.

Just as Lucas was about to put the phone, Zachary quickly added “Yes, give Yvette a call, She’s so concerned about me I can’t keep this from her. No, she has to know.

Lucas nodded, fully on board now, and dutifully made the call.

The cafeteria at Argrol University buzzed with chatter as news of Winona’s death hit the headlines, sparking conversation among students.

Yvette, however, sat unfazed in front of five plates, each filled to the brim with pork ribs. She raised an eyebrow, taking a moment before settling in to eat.

Andrew, poking at his measly three ribs, sighed. “Yvette, someone spread a rumor that you love ribs, huh? Looks like you’ve got a secret admirer doing the heavy lifting lining up for you.”

With a mischievous grin, Andrew snapped a photo and sent it off to Jeremiah, knowing the jealous streak it would surely ignite in him.

Chuckling to himself, Andrew’s smile faded as he thought about Bonnie. Ever since he left, she had been taking an unusual amount of time off, claiming to be back in her hometown.

Calls went unanswered, or when Bonnie did pick up, she brushed Andrew off with a rushed “I’m busy.” He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

“Yvette,” Andrew asked, a bit gloomy, “have you heard from Bonnie at all?”

Yvette paused, savoring a rib before answering, “She reached out three days ago. She mentioned being busy but didn’t elaborate.”

Andrew sighed, losing his appetite. S sensing his mood, Charles silently pushed his own plate of ribs over to Andrew, who looked up in surprise.

“Ribs? Nah, I’ve lost my appetite,” Andrew grumbled.

Charles was about to offer comfort, knowing dealing with love troubles is tough. But before he could speak, he saw Andrew pick up the ribs and eat them with gusto.

Charles muttered under his breath, “So much for no appetite…”

Lowering her eyes, Yvette calmly said, “One week. If she’s still not back by then, we’ll go find her.”

Andrew’s spirits lifted immediately. “Yvette, you’re the best! Unlike Charles here, trying to fatten me up. What am I supposed to do if I lose my charm?”

Charles rolled his eyes in resignation.

Just then, Yvette’s phone rang. Lucas’s voice came through the line, unusually solemn. “Ms. Zeller, you should return as soon as possible. There may be an issue with Mr. Chambers‘ health.”

Yvette’s set down her fork. Without another word, she stood, her face expressionless as she turned to Andrew and Charles. “I have to go.”

With that, she left the cafeteria, her commanding presence, parting the crowd around her. No one dared to block her path- after all, a force like Yvette’s wasn’t something anyone wanted to mess with.

**

Yvette sped all the way back to the Chambers residence. As soon as she stepped inside, she found Lucas pacing anxiously in the living room.

“Where is he? Yvette asked calmly.

Lucas, his eyes still red from being irritated by the peppers in the kitchen, approached Yvette sheepishly.

Lucas stepped forward. “Ms. Zeller, you’re finally back! Mr. Chambers wasn’t himself this morning, and he started running a slight fever by noon. He’s been in a strange mood, sighing non–stop. He’s upstairs resting now.”

Lucas lowered his head, feeling the strain of his involvement in Zachary’s scheme. Mr. Chambers had gone to lengths to sell the act, even sweating it out in the sauna and using hot towels on his forehead to mimic a fever.

Yvette raised an eyebrow and unexpectedly sat on the sofa, making no rush to go upstairs. She glanced at Lucas with an unreadable expression, speaking slowly, “Did he see a doctor?”

Lucas felt a flicker of doubt. He thought, ‘Does Ms. Zeller actually care that much? She seems calm… maybe Mr. Chambers overestimated her reaction?‘

Quickly, Lucas replied, “Mr. Chambers wouldn’t allow it. Just took some medicine and went upstairs, but he didn’t even eat lunch. How is his body supposed to hold up like this?”