Chapter 276
Chapter 276:
Donna’s heart ached as she silently lamented the unfairness her daughter had to endure. She knew Elianna’s behavior stemmed from a grudge. Donna hadn’t been the picture-perfect daughter-in-law Elianna had envisioned.
For that reason, Elianna always had a knack for finding fault with Donna, who had borne the brunt of it with quiet resolve. Donna usually quietly endured it since she didn’t want to stir up trouble or burden Callum with family squabbles. But this time was different. When it came to her daughter, Donna couldn’t just grin and bear it.
Even so, Donna chose her words carefully, softening her tone out of respect for Elianna. “It’s getting late. Let’s all call it a night. Yelena understands, and she’ll come home earlier from now on p>
“Every home has its rules, just like every kingdom has its laws,” Elianna responded, her jaw set. “If she’s crossed the line, she needs to face the music and learn her lesson.” Elianna was unyielding, determined to put Yelena in her place and reaffirm her authority.
Bella, ever the actress, added with a sugary smile, “Grandma, it’s true that Yelena has slipped up before, but I’m sure she won’t do it again. Let’s give her one more chance p>
“Bella, you’re too softhearted. Some people are just untamed by nature,” Elianna quipped, her sharp gaze landing on Yelena.
Bella pressed her lips together, playing the part of the demure and obedient granddaughter, and let the matter drop.
Elianna turned her attention back to Yelena, her tone decisive. “Tonight, you’ll stay in the meditation room and think about your behavior. You’ve become far too headstrong and disrespectful p>
Donna opened her mouth to protest, but Elianna wasn’t having any of it. “That’s final,” she snapped before letting Bella guide her back to her room.
Donna furrowed her brow, her voice tinged with frustration. “How can this be happening? It’s so unfair p>
Yelena offered a reassuring smile. “Mom, it’s really fine. I’ll stay in the meditation room tonight. It’s no big deal p>
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“But… it’s just not right. It breaks my heart to see you treated this way,” Donna sighed, wishing she could shield her daughter from such injustice.
“Maybe I should talk to your father,” Donna suggested. Callum was away on a business trip, but if he were here in person, perhaps he could smooth things over with Elianna.
“Mom, please don’t. It’s a small issue. I was indeed a bit late today. No need to bother Dad. He’s got enough on his plate.” Yelena reassured her, trying to ease her mother’s concern.
Having taken a short rest at the hotel earlier, Yelena didn’t feel the weight of exhaustion.
“Alright, then. Let me walk you there. I’ll stay with you,” Donna offered, touched by her daughter’s calmness.
“No, Mom, you should go back to bed. I’ll be fine on my own. Just have the maid make me a nice breakfast tomorrow morning,” Yelena gently reassured.
“Okay, just be careful,” Donna replied, though her concern was evident.
Yelena nodded and made her way toward the meditation room, leaving Donna behind with a heavy heart still lingering.
Yelena was keenly aware of Elianna’s attempt to rattle her. Elianna had always had a bone to pick with her, and now that she had found a reason to stir the pot, there was no chance she’d let it slide. But Yelena wasn’t bothered—she knew better than to take things personally.
With a quiet sigh, she pushed open the door to the meditation room and stepped inside. The atmosphere was a bit unsettling, the dim lighting casting strange shadows that made everything seem just out of focus. Yelena flicked on a small lamp and then sank down gracefully onto the floor, kneeling in the center of the room.
Just as she settled, a sound came from the doorway. Yelena glanced up to find Bella standing there, her lips curled into a smug grin.
Yelena raised an eyebrow, barely hiding her annoyance. “What now? You planning to be a caring sister and join me p>