Chapter 662 You Leave
Winona followed her gaze and spotted Zachary surrounded by people. Maeve stood beside him, her hands nervously clasped in front of her.
It was Maeve's first time at a high-society event. Despite her efforts to stand tall and hide her nerves, her humble background made it impossible for her to blend in naturally like the wealthy heirs who frequented these gatherings. She stood out like a sore thumb, every strand of her hair screaming that she didn't belong.
Even if Maeve tried to mimic Winona's experiences and reactions, she could never be exactly like her. Winona, despite her later hardships, had never neglected her early training in etiquette and poise.
Rebecca noticed Winona's lack of surprise. "You knew Zachary would bring Maeve? But the Fields family isn't influential enough to invite Zachary."
"That's because the invitation wasn't for Zachary; it was for Maeve."
That day in the car, Zachary had taken a call in front of her with an air of arrogance, only to turn around and change his attitude, accompanying Maeve to the event and keeping it from her.
Wednesday night engagement? What a joke.
The situation was a bit complicated, but Winona quickly pieced it together. Zachary was here as Maeve's date. She instinctively rolled up her sleeves. "That little snake, trying to climb the social ladder? I'll teach her a lesson today. She needs to know not to covet what's not hers."
Winona stopped her. "Don't go over there yet."
She wanted to see what Maeve was up to. Did she want Winona to see this and get jealous, causing a scene with Zachary so Maeve could benefit?
Since Winona arrived, Zachary had been cold and distant. He ignored the people trying to talk to him, which was only tolerated because of his strong background. Anyone else would have been given the cold shoulder.
Winona didn't know the Fields family well and recognized few people at the party. Rebecca, on the other hand, seemed to know everyone and quickly found familiar faces.
Winona headed to the food area alone. She hadn't eaten since she came straight from the museum after work.
"Winona," Zachary's voice came from behind her. "What are you doing here?"
Without turning around, Winona focused on picking out food. "I'm here for the engagement party, of course. Not just to grab a free meal."
Zachary frowned. "You don't know anyone from the Fields family. I'll have the driver take you home."
Winona didn't have any connections with the Fields family and wasn't the type to crash parties. She was curious why she was here, but now wasn't the time to discuss it.
"I just met Ms. Fields. She even invited me to go shopping with her," Winona said, finally turning around with a plate of dragon fruit. She looked past Zachary to Maeve and nodded towards her. "Your date's waiting. Go to her. Don't bother me while I'm eating. I don't want to see you right now; it'll ruin my appetite."
Zachary caught the sarcasm in her voice and frowned. "Go home. I'll explain everything tonight."
Winona asked, "Did you say those things in the car on purpose?"
"No," Zachary replied firmly. "Winona, it's not what you think."
Winona didn't respond, changing the subject instead. "I'm hungry. I came straight from work and haven't eaten."
Zachary, who had been about to call the driver, put his phone away. It would take at least two hours to drive back to Regal Oaks. "Then eat something first."
Maeve watched as Zachary attentively served Winona food. People around them whispered and glanced at her, their comments reaching her ears.
"Is that the woman Mr. Bailey brought today?"
"What is Mr. Bailey thinking? Bringing someone so out of place? Women at these events should be on their date's arm, not standing like a server."
"She does look like a server. I almost asked her for a drink."
"Maybe she tried to link arms, but Mr. Bailey didn't let her. Her face was priceless."
They laughed openly, not caring if Maeve heard.
This circle was very exclusive. Unless you had power or a strong backing, someone like Maeve, with no money or connections, would be ridiculed.
"Mr. Bailey," Maeve called out.
Zachary, though showing impatience, actually stopped. Winona smirked and handed him the plate of dragon fruit. "I want to eat this, but not the seeds."
After tossing the plate to him, Winona walked away.
She went to the poolside, soon hearing the click of high heels approaching. The sound stopped behind her. "I've liked him since I was fifteen."
"What?"
Winona was taken aback. She had thought Maeve's interest in Zachary started when he helped her in the parking garage.
Maeve didn't explain. "I can help him get what he wants."
Winona smiled mockingly. "What do you want me to do? Break up with him? Hand him over to you? Zachary isn't an object to be given away."
Maeve fell silent, then changed the subject. "I heard Lydia is in the hospital. She was so good to you. Can you bear to see her live in fear for the rest of her life?"
That hit a nerve. Winona narrowed her eyes. "Were you behind the trouble a few days ago?"
"I'm just a college student. I don't have that kind of power. But I can help Mr. Bailey find the person responsible. I can help him, but you can't."
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