Chapter 156
Chapter 156:
Then the thought of the birthday banquet filled Bella with giddy excitement. The stage was set for her scheme, and she could hardly wait to see the drama unfold in such a grand setting.
The next morning, Yelena woke later than usual, taking her time to prepare. Her style was understated yet elegant, with her hair pulled back neatly and her outfit exuding quiet sophistication. She picked up the gift box and headed downstairs, her plan clear in her mind.
Cayson had reminded her the night before—she only needed to show up on his behalf, deliver the gift, and then she could leave whenever she wished to. It was a perfect arrangement for someone who preferred to avoid unnecessary socializing.
Yelena descended the stairs with effortless grace, her thoughts focused on completing the task at hand. But the sound of heels clicking on the floor soon drew her attention. She glanced up to see Bella making her entrance—more like a performance, really.
Yelena’s lips quirked into a faint, bemused smile. Bella looked like she was ready to command a runway rather than attend a birthday banquet.
Her outfit was a dazzling display of extravagance—a figure-hugging, fringed dress that shimmered with every movement. The off-shoulder design added a touch of allure, while her meticulously applied makeup emphasized every angle of her face.
Bella basked in the attention she always sought, her look practically demanding all eyes be on her. Today was no exception.
Bella couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction as she eyed Yelena’s understated outfit. Still, she couldn’t resist delivering a veiled jab. “Yelena, are you seriously wearing that? Don’t you think dressing up a bit more would show some respect for the birthday honoree p>
Yelena shot Bella a bored glance and replied with a calm but pointed edge, “Well, at least I won’t end up stealing the host’s thunder. Or is someone gearing up for a little attention-seeking tonight p>
𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 ⳓ𝙘𝙤𝙢
Bella stiffened, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. “Attention-seeking? Oh, please. Could it be you’re a little envious? No need to worry. If you’re feeling out of your depth, I can lend a hand. Let’s just say I have a knack for elevating… styles.” She smiled sweetly, though inwardly, her opinion of Yelena’s lack of social savvy couldn’t have sunk lower.
Yelena, as cool as a cucumber, brushed her off. “Thanks, but I’ll pass p>
What Yelena hadn’t bothered to mention was that Cayson had given her the inside scoop yesterday. The birthday bash was set to be casual, in keeping with the understated elegance the host family was known for. The Sugden clan had a penchant for simplicity, preferring the charm of calligraphy and paintings over glitz and glamour.
A flashy outfit, Yelena figured, would stick out like a sore thumb. Besides, she only planned to drop off her gift and make a swift exit, so she didn’t fuss over the finer details.
Checking her watch, Yelena decided it was time to head out. Bella, trailing her like a shadow, caught sight of the long box in Yelena’s hands. A sly smile crept across her face. Perfect. It seemed Yelena was blissfully unaware.
Unbeknownst to Yelena, Bella had tampered with the package the day before. Trusting Cayson completely, Yelena hadn’t thought to double-check its contents. That oversight was music to Bella’s ears. Imagining the birthday person’s reaction, she could barely suppress her glee. This would be the moment Yelena’s reputation crumbled.