Chapter 76
Chapter 76:
Given his weakened condition, Austin didn’t press the matter any further, knowing she had her reasons.
Besides, knowing who she was now, Austin was confident he could track Yelena down again if ever the need arose.
Yelena, feeling the weight of a long day, made her way home, the exhaustion from her work beginning to catch up with her.
Meanwhile, in the Harris family’s living room, a polished, middle-aged woman was chatting with Donna. She shared a striking resemblance to Callum, a subtle mirror of his features.
“Donna, I’m terribly sorry I missed Yelena’s welcome home party. I only just got back last night,” said Katelyn, Callum’s younger sister.
She had married into the wealthy Herrera family and had just returned from a long overseas trip with her husband.
Their only daughter, Bernice Herrera, had also recently gone to college.
“No need to apologize,” Donna replied, her voice warm and understanding. “We know you’ve been busy abroad and all. We’re family, after all—no need for all the formality p>
“Still, Donna,” Katelyn continued, her tone turning a bit sharper,
“I’ve heard some troubling things about that girl. Apparently, she wasn’t raised well, and I’m told she even dropped out of high school. Don’t spoil her too much—after all, she wasn’t exactly brought up by you. She might’ve picked up some p>
bad habits along the way.” Katelyn had learned this from her daughter, Bernice, who had heard it from Bella.
Bernice and Bella, being close in age, shared a natural camaraderie. They often confided in one another, their bond strengthened by their shared experiences and youthful chatter. Thanks to Bella’s “colorful embellishments,” Yelena had become the talk of the family—a reckless, disrespectful troublemaker who had dropped out of school.
And now, with those rumors swirling, Katelyn felt justified in casting Yelena in a less-than-flattering light.
Your imagination thrives at Fiuntocom
Donna’s smile faltered, though she tried to mask her annoyance. “Katelyn, who told you that? Those are just idle rumors. My daughter is refined and well-educated. She’s attending Kheley University, and the admission letter was hand-delivered by the dean of studies himself p>
Her tone carried a subtle edge, betraying her irritation. Donna couldn’t fathom how Katelyn, Yelena’s aunt no less, could entertain such nonsense.
After all, Katelyn hadn’t even met Yelena but was already giving credence to baseless gossip.
Caught off guard, Katelyn fumbled for words. “Oh, I was just making conversation. Don’t take it to heart.” Her laugh was nervous, betraying the awkwardness in the air.
She hadn’t anticipated such a sharp reaction from Donna, though, in hindsight, it made sense.
Yelena had been raised elsewhere for years, and there was bound to be a rift between the mother and daughter.
Besides, Katelyn had heard whispers about the family who had raised Yelena—a flashy new-money crowd. What kind of young lady could come from that?
Katelyn silently huffed, thinking Donna was making much ado about nothing.
Just then, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Yelena had entered the room.
Yelena approached gracefully as Donna gestured to her with a warm smile. “Yelena, dear, come here. I’d like you to meet your aunt, Katelyn p>