Chapter 115
Chapter 115:
She had her suspicions the moment Bella handed her the lot with that overly sweet smile. There was something off about it—Yelena was certain Bella had set a trap. After all, Bella’s last attempt at the resort had backfired, so she was clearly up to something again.
But Yelena wasn’t about to let that rattle her. If she drew the lot, so be it—she would just go up and share her knowledge about the tea. She had learned about it from her teacher, a man with an almost obsessive love for nothing but the world’s finest tea, a tea snob who wouldn’t touch anything less than perfect. Under his watchful eye, Yelena had become a master at the art.
If this was Bella’s trick, it was going to fall flat.
Yelena carefully opened the slip, and as expected, the word “Yes” stared back at her. She had drawn the lot. Wasn’t that exactly what she had expected?
Bella, playing her part, gasped dramatically and asked, “What now? Looks like you’re the one who drew the lot p>
Yelena fixed her with a cool stare. “Isn’t that just what you were hoping for p>
Bella, clearly caught off guard, stammered, “I have no idea what you mean p>
With that, she quickly turned her gaze elsewhere, trying to hide the unease creeping up on her.
Sonya, watching the exchange, was taken aback. Was the Harris family’s young lady really talking to Yelena like they knew each other? What was going on? Were they connected somehow? Could they be related?
Now it made sense why Yelena was here—Sonya was sure Yelena must have been brought along by the Harris family.
How utterly vain Yelena was!
Sonya had assumed Yelena was just another staff member—someone quietly blending into the background. But now, it seemed she had drawn the lot, and that twist of fate was a sight to behold. Sonya couldn’t help but think she would just sit back and enjoy the show. Others might be fooled, but Sonya knew better. There was no way Yelena could have any clue about the delicate art of tea.
As Yelena held up the lot, the crowd paused, stunned. How curious that the newly returned daughter of the Harris family was the one who drew it! Everyone had heard the rumors of her adoptive family’s troubled past—did she even know how to hold a teacup like a lady?
Cynthia, ever the sharp observer, smiled slyly. “What a coincidence—looks like it’s the Harris girl who drew the lot p>
Donna’s brow furrowed. How could it be Yelena? She doubted her daughter had any experience in this, and she was starting to wonder how they would get out of this awkward situation.
“Yelena, since you’re not familiar with this, why don’t we let Bella step in for you?” Donna whispered softly, concerned about Yelena’s self-esteem.
Bella couldn’t hide her smugness at that suggestion. This was exactly what she’d been waiting for. Now Yelena would have to admit she wasn’t up to the task and ask for Bella’s help. Bella was practically glowing with smug satisfaction, eagerly waiting for Yelena to ask for her help. It was a perfect setup—everyone would soon see who the real gem of the Harris family was and who the failure turned out to be.
But to Bella’s surprise, Yelena didn’t flinch. She didn’t ask for Bella’s help. Instead, she gave a calm, reassuring smile. “Mom, it’s okay. I’ve learned a little about this before. I can do it p>
Yelena spoke with quiet humility, not wanting to cause her mother any unnecessary worry.