Chapter 26 " But , I sense that Yvie doesn't particularly care for me ... " Serena ventured , mustering her courage . " I used her room and jewelry for my birthday celebration yesterday . My cousin offended her ... Maybe that's why she dislikes me . " She gently bit her lower lip , her eyes wide and glistening , projecting an image of vulnerable remorse . Alfredo was momentarily taken aback , his expression turning serious . " Why would you think that ? Yvie has always been magnanimous and understanding , not one for petty grievances . Rena , you are compassionate and good - natured . I sincerely hope you and Yvie can build a good relationship . " Serena was bewildered . Alfredo's reaction was utterly unexpected . Yvette's dismissal had been blatant , a direct slight to Alfredo's authority . Given his character , he should have felt slighted and resentful . " My apologies ! " Serena hurriedly said , her eyes welling up with tears . " I ... I suppose I'm just anxious . Worried that Yvie cannot accept my presence here ... " Her voice caught feigned emotion as she whispered , " Perhaps ... Perhaps the adoption should be reconsidered ... I could return to the countryside and live a simple life ... " Alfredo stared at the face so hauntingly reminiscent of his wife and daughter , his mind . drifting for a fleeting moment . His wife had been fiercely independent , never revealing vulnerability . Yvette had inherited this trait in full measure . No , perhaps Yvette was even more reserved and unreadable than Roxanne had been . Roxanne had , on rare occasions , shed tears in his presence . Yvette never did . The Hawley family's upbringing had instilled in her a formidable composure and intellect . Even at the peak of her worry for her mother , she would only show distress before Orlando , never revealing weakness to him , her father . 0.00 % 07:06 : Chapter 26 1288 Vouchers Alfredo snapped back to the present and frowned . " Do not speak such nonsense . Return to the countryside ? How would you manage ? Set your mind at ease . I will discuss the matter of the adoption with Yvie properly . " The flurry of events since Yvette's return had left him unsure how to broach the subject . He was aware that this situation had caused Serena some distress . " Yvie has only been back for a few days . We must not rush this . Allow some time for you both to become accustomed to one another before I raise the topic , " Alfredo said , his demeanor softening as he looked at her . " Once Yvie agrees , I will host a grand banquet in your honor . For the time being , I ask for your patience . " Serena knew well enough that haste was counterproductive . She had been overly eager today , unsettled by the sight of Yvette's crape myrtle blooms . She lowered her gaze , her voice submissive . " I understand , Mr. Duckworth . I should not indulge in such doubts . " *** Upstairs , Yvette surveyed the walk - in closet now filled with clothing . The outfits Everett had sent her were , in terms of both brand and style , nearly identical to those he had given Serena . The closet was filled with pristine , angelic white dresses , each designed to radiate a cool , ethereal grace . Anyone seeing her in one would assume she and Serena were wearing coordinated sister outfits . Furthermore , her height was significantly above average for a girl . That particular brand specialized in a cute , youthful aesthetic , and their sizes consistently ran small . These clothes had suited her at fifteen , but at eighteen , they were no longer a good fit . At the very least , they suited Serena far better . If she wore one , Serena would be accentuated , appearing even more delicately petite and ethereally charming . Yvette , with her tall stature and long legs , would only make the dresses 38.99 % 07:06 Chapter 26 1288 Vouchers seem inappropriately short and awkwardly out of place . After a moment's thought , she made a call . " Cameron , what's the fastest you can have my custom order ready ? I sent my measurements to Helen this morning . " A brief rustling sounded from the other end before a robust , cheerful voice answered , " Yvie ! You finally appreciate my design ? I've been telling you , a young woman shouldn't dress so austerely all the time ! " Yvette's eyes crinkled into a smile . " I've always admired your designs , Cameron . They're vibrant , daring , and completely lacking in vulgarity . Just looking at them makes me happy . " Her previous preference for white had been because Roxanne favored it . Later , after Roxanne's grave illness and her own battle with leukemia , which led to years confined in hospitals , she had grown utterly weary of the color white . Now that she was determined to live fully and fight hard , why shouldn't her life be filled with brilliant , dazzling color ?