Chapter 5

Yvette's stride slowed. She ended the call, suppressing an inward sigh. She mused to herself, "Why do people always have to sneak up and speak from behind me?" Turning around, she found Zachary looking unimpressed. After a brief pause, she said, "It was nothing. Some old colleagues were curious about my plans after quitting, so I joked that I was going home to take over my family's company." Zachary frowned, realizing she wasn't the type to joke around. A subtle uneasiness settled in him. Just as he was about to say something, Yvette had moved several steps ahead. She turned and called, "Aren't you coming? There are still a few jewelry collections to see." Assuming she was interested in purchasing some jewelry, Zachary nodded and followed her. When Zachary returned to the auction hall, he placed high bids to acquire all the remaining jewelry collections. Once they were carefully packaged, he gave them to Yvette. Yvette glanced at the boxes she was holding and quietly said, "I don't usually wear this kind of jewelry." Zachary chuckled and gently tousled her hair. "You'll grow accustomed to it eventually. Don't fret about the price. I'll keep buying you diamonds for the rest of your life." She opened her mouth to speak, but ultimately kept her thoughts to herself. It wasn't that she lacked priceless jewelry. Every piece in her collection was worth hundreds of millions. As the auction concluded, the attendees started to leave one by one. Zachary, Yvette, and their group also left shortly thereafter. Each person had arrived in their own vehicle, so they could easily leave on their own. Just as Zachary and Yvette were getting into their cars, Jasmine tapped on the passenger side window. The window slid down gradually, exposing Jasmine's shy expression. She spoke flirtatiously, gone was the arrogance she'd displayed to Yvette in the toilet, "Zachary, my car isn't working. Would you mind giving me a ride home?" Zachary hesitated, ready to refuse. But she quickly added, "Your parents asked you to look out for me. You remember that, right?" Zachary's face clouded a bit as if a thought crossed his mind. Eventually, he gave in. Jasmine's smile widened when Zachary agreed. She pressed on, addressing Yvette. "I get carsick if I sit in the back. What should I do?" Zachary glanced at Yvette. Before he could utter a word, Yvette stepped out of the car and moved seamlessly to the back seat. Her actions were so swift and graceful that Zachary had no time to respond before she was comfortably seated in the back. The words he intended to say remained in his throat, making him feel uneasy. He paused, tempted to mention that it was only a seat and not worth the fuss. However, when he looked in the rearview mirror at the back seat, he saw she had already shut her eyes. It seemed that she was ready to rest without a care. Jasmine quickly got into the car. As she shut the door and noticed Yvette resting with her eyes closed in the back seat, a triumphant smirk appeared on her lips. "Yvette, even if he still has feelings for you now, everything I desire will eventually be mine. Winning his heart is just a matter of time!" With this thought, her mood brightened. She spoke softly and gently, her eyes appearing shy and modest as she glanced at Zachary, "Is Ms. Sutton feeling tired? Let her rest for a bit." Perhaps sensing that Yvette was different from usual, Zachary kept his conversation with Jasmine to a minimum. He simply nodded and quietly started the car. Yvette had truly fallen asleep. When she awoke, the car was parked in the Lawson garage, and Jasmine had already left the vehicle. Zachary gently touched her face. "You're awake? You were sleeping so deeply that I couldn't bring myself to disturb you." Still feeling a bit groggy, she nodded, opened the door, and stepped out of the car. Without waiting for Zachary, she headed toward the villa. When Zachary finally stepped out of the car, she was already at the door. He quickly followed her and stopped her in her tracks. "Are you upset? Jasmine is truly just the daughter of a family friend. Please don't be bothered by it." She responded with a quiet hum. Believing she was still annoyed, Zachary gently took her hand. In a soft, pleading tone, he said, "She really is just a family friend's daughter. You know you're the only one I love, sweetheart." After he finished speaking, he noticed the fragrance of roses surrounding her. It dawned on him that it had been some time since he'd been this near to Yvette. Swallowing, he bent down, aiming to kiss her, but she pushed him away. Seeing his startled expression, Yvette quickly turned and beelined to her room. "I'm on my period and not feeling well. I'm going to my room to rest." With that, she securely locked the door, leaving no opportunity for Zachary to enter. … The following morning, while Yvette and Zachary were enjoying breakfast in the dining room and her phone began to ring. It was a reminder she had set earlier, accompanied by the note. "Day to meet the parents." Zachary noticed those words as well. Previously, she intended to reveal her true identity to him. She suggested he went with her to meet her parents, to which he agreed. They exchanged a look. Yvette was contemplating how to call off the meeting. Suddenly, Zachary's phone rang. The call was from Jasmine. Whatever was discussed on the other end wasn't known, but his expression shifted slightly. When he ended the call, he looked apologetic as he said, "Yve, something urgent has come up. Can I meet your parents another time?"