Masked In Nobility Secrets Of Mrs.Chavez201-300

Novel Catalog

Chapter_252

James composed himself, though his usual calm was fleeting. Today was different. At his age, it was harder to maintain his usual composure, especially in front of someone like Yvette.

“I’m really embarrassed today. I’m sorry,” James said, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability.

Yvette, her face cool and composed as ever, nodded slightly in acknowledgment. “It’s fine,” she replied casually, her calmness unwavering.

James had always respected Yvette. She was a woman who had accomplished so much, yet seemed completely indifferent to fame or recognition. In many ways, she reminded him of himself when he was younger—dedicated, determined, and with a singular focus on the task at hand. He admired how she had remained so composed and unshaken, even in the face of the pressures that came with such great talent.

As the waiter placed the food on the table, the three of them continued to eat quietly. James, however, couldn’t help but notice how Yvette particularly enjoyed the shrimp. He called over the waiter to order another plate, a small gesture to make sure she was satisfied.

Near the end of the meal, James leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Yvette,” he began, breaking the comfortable silence, “Are you not planning to attend the new energy launch? The world’s media will be there, you know.”

Yvette sipped her juice leisurely, her eyes never leaving the glass. “Nope,” she answered flatly.

James wasn’t surprised by her response. He had always known that Yvette was indifferent to fame and fortune, just as Simon had said. She didn’t care for the spotlight. It was a trait that made James admire her even more.

At that moment, he thought to himself, Yvette is so young, yet her calm demeanor is something I can truly respect.

“Alright,” James said, sighing. “We’ll stick to the original plan. Just don’t turn down the credit when it’s offered to you.”

Yvette nodded slowly, her tone unhurried. “Okay.”

As the meal continued, James was pleasantly surprised by how well Yvette kept up with the conversation. It wasn’t just her calmness that impressed him—it was her intelligence. Her insights into physics were original and insightful, something he hadn’t encountered in years. It was as if he had finally met a kindred spirit, despite the age gap. Though he had spent a lifetime immersed in his work, Yvette’s thoughts on the subject resonated deeply with him.

“Yvette,” James said, his tone more serious, “Have you ever considered joining the physics lab? With your talent and abilities, you’d excel there.”

James was offering Yvette an opportunity, a backdoor into the prestigious physics lab. Usually, getting into the lab required rigorous evaluations, and only the best of the best were allowed in. Those who worked in the lab couldn’t afford to slack off, with quarterly evaluations determining who stayed and who was eliminated.

Over the years, James had never extended such an invitation to anyone, let alone a young woman in her twenties. But there was something about Yvette—her calm intelligence, her quiet strength—that made him believe she would thrive in the lab.

Yvette paused, considering his offer. She looked at James, who was expectantly waiting for her answer. Then, with a cool voice, she replied, “Thank you for the invitation, but I already have other plans. I don’t intend to go to the physics lab.”

James sighed. He knew better than to press the issue when Yvette had already declined. He couldn’t insist.

Just as he was about to change the subject, Michael suddenly piped up. “Yvette, let’s eat fish, big fish!”

Yvette nodded, smiling softly. “Alright, you eat some too.”

Michael grinned sheepishly, scratching his head.

James, noticing the exchange between the two, had a sudden thought. The physics lab might not work out, but there might be another way to bring Yvette closer to the Owens family. He considered the idea for a moment before turning back to Yvette, a sly smile creeping across his face as the wrinkles on his own face deepened.

“Yvette,” James said, his voice suddenly more serious, “What do you think of me?”

Michael’s fork clattered onto the table in surprise.

Yvette paused mid-bite, her bright eyes fixing on James with a mix of curiosity and confusion. “What?”

James quickly realized that his question hadn’t come out right. He scrambled to explain. “Yvette, what I meant was—I’d like to become your grandfather. If you agree, I’ll host a small gathering with friends and family to celebrate. What do you think?”

He felt a pang of nervousness as he quickly added, “Yvette, I’ve always wished for a granddaughter. It’s been my dream for years, but it’s never come true. I’m getting old, Yvette. This is my only wish.”

The words seemed to hang in the air, awkward and sincere. It was an odd sight—a young woman with a calm, expressionless face, and an old man pretending to cry without tears.

Yvette remained silent, her expression unchanged. James, seeing she wasn’t agreeing immediately, doubled down. He was determined to bring her into the Owens family, no matter what it took.

Yvette calmly sipped her sweet soup, wiped her mouth, and then looked at James, who was on the verge of making a bold move. She crossed her legs, speaking slowly. “Did you and Mr. Chavez attend the same school?”

James blinked, momentarily confused. “Are you talking about Jase?”

It was then that he realized Yvette must be referring to Jase, a name he hadn’t expected her to know. Jase, after all, was the only “Mr. Chavez” who was well known in Betrico.

“You know Jase?” James asked, incredulous.

Yvette nodded slightly, her eyes narrowing in amusement. “I met him yesterday. You two are quite similar.”

James’s mind began to race. For years, neither he nor Jase would ever back down from a challenge. Although Jase was now an old commander, they had grown up together as carefree kids, and they knew each other well.

“Yvette,” James said, a glint of mischief in his eyes, “Don’t let that old guy, Jase, fool you. His acting skills are nowhere near mine.”

Yvette put down her glass of water and stayed silent. Meanwhile, across town, Jase suddenly sneezed during a meeting, prompting his security guard to rush over in alarm.

As James continued recounting the most embarrassing stories from his youth, most of them involving Jase, Yvette listened patiently. She didn’t mind—it was oddly comforting.

After nearly half an hour, James finally paused to sip his coffee, his throat feeling dry from talking so much. Yvette, however, remained quiet, her phone now in hand. She glanced down at it, a small smile appearing on her face.

“I’m coming to pick you up. What’s the address?” the message read. Yvette tapped the screen, sending the address, before looking up at James.

“I agreed,” she said simply.

James froze. He hadn’t expected her to say yes so quickly. “I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d have a granddaughter,” he muttered, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Could you call me Grandpa just once?” James asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s okay if you can’t.”

Yvette stared at him for a few seconds before finally saying, “Grandpa.”

Michael clapped his hands and grinned foolishly. Hearing Yvette call him “Grandpa” sent a wave of joy through James’s heart. Overcome with excitement, he pulled a small box from his pocket—one he had been saving for just the right moment.

Yvette’s eyes widened slightly as she recognized the box. Is it the emerald hairpin that Michael mentioned, the one belonging to Mary?

James, with a gleam in his eye, handed her the box. “Yvette, keep this gift. I’m not sure if you’ll like it, but if you do, wear it. If not, just keep it for now. It’s not much, but it’s the only thing I have to offer you.”

As he spoke, James’s excitement grew. This was just the beginning. There were a hundred ways he could spoil Yvette, and he intended to do just that.

Next Chapter