Chapter 302
Chapter 302:
Wanting to make a good impression, they noted the time on the invitation and left home early, ensuring they wouldn’t be late.
The celebration was set at Coastal Port, a prestigious restaurant in Eighfast known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite menu.
The Roberts family arrived right on time.
As they stepped into the grand main hall, an unexpected encounter awaited them.
Was it a coincidence?
The Harris family had their own plans at Coastal Port that day.
With Yelena’s birthday approaching and Cayson not yet away on another business trip, they decided to enjoy a family meal together to celebrate Yelena’s birthday early. It was just the five of them, as Elianna had chosen to stay home, dedicating the day to her prayer rituals. Katelyn’s family, though aware of Yelena’s upcoming birthday, conveniently found an excuse not to join. Katelyn’s lingering disapproval toward Yelena made celebrating her birthday unthinkable.
Yelena, however, was indifferent. For years, birthdays had been an afterthought for her, a day that passed without fanfare.
Only after returning to the Harris family did the idea of celebrating even occur to her, and even then, she preferred quiet simplicity.
A shared meal with her family suited her far more than a lavish affair.
That stood in stark contrast to Bella, whose birthdays were always grand spectacles. The socialite in her delighted in hosting glamorous parties, complete with dazzling guests and endless admiration.
Yelena, by comparison, found such extravagance unnecessary, even tiresome.
As Yelena entered the restaurant arm in arm with Donna, she immediately spotted the Roberts family of three. Her sharp eyes didn’t miss the look of surprise on Sonya’s face.
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Sonya’s eyes widened as she blurted, “Yelena? What are you doing here p>
Surely Yelena wasn’t here for Roger’s grandmother’s birthday too?
Yelena’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. The world, as it often seemed, was far too small. Everywhere she went, Sonya managed to appear like an uninvited coincidence.
“Why does it surprise you?” Yelena replied smoothly, her voice calm but cutting. “It’s a restaurant. People come here to dine, not that it’s any of your concern p>
Sonya let out a derisive snort. “You’re not here for a birthday dinner, are you p>
Yelena blinked, caught off guard. It was true—she was here for a birthday celebration.
“Yes, how did you know?” she replied, genuinely puzzled.
Sonya’s lips curled into a smug smile, as though she’d uncovered some great secret.
“You really are here for a birthday banquet? Humph! Don’t get any ideas. Roger belongs to me,” she declared, her arrogance on full display.
Yelena stared at Sonya, bewildered. Roger?
That spoiled heir? Was Sonya seriously suggesting that she, Yelena, was competing for him?
The absurdity of it left Yelena momentarily speechless.
Compete for Roger?
Good heavens, what kind of delusion was this?
Before Yelena could respond, Donna noticed Sonya’s haughty attitude and frowned. “Yelena, darling, who is this? What’s going on?” she asked softly, concern in her voice.
“It’s nothing, Mom. Don’t worry about it,” Yelena replied, unwilling to elaborate and not wanting her mother to get entangled with the Roberts family.
And, as if on cue, Tatiana’s ears perked up at the sound of Yelena addressing Donna as “Mom p>
Her eyes sharpened like a hawk spotting prey. “Mrs. Harris, I presume?” Tatiana’s voice was sharp, her words delivered like a challenge rather than a question.
Donna, taken aback, straightened instinctively. “Yes,” she replied cautiously, her polite demeanor masking her confusion. “And you are p>
Tatiana crossed her arms, a smirk of disdain curling her lips. “Who am I? I’m the one who raised Yelena all these years p>
Memories of being unceremoniously cast out of the Harris residence surfaced, fueling her indignation. Donna blinked, her polite mask giving way to genuine confusion. “I’m sorry, I had no idea p>
“I see now where Yelena gets her ungrateful attitude from p>
Tatiana sneered, her tone dripping with venom. “The Harris family seems to have mastered the art of playing ignorance p>
Donna’s usual gentle demeanor wavered as shock registered on her face. “Ma’am, I don’t understand,” she said, her voice calm but firm, though tinged with a tremor of hurt. “Why would you speak to us like that? Insults don’t solve anything p>
She blinked, as though trying to process the unexpected hostility.
Tatiana scoffed, her voice sharp and cutting. “Oh, you think this is rude? Trust me, this is me being kind. My family raised Yelena—fed her, clothed her, cared for her—and now that she’s back with her real family, she acts like we don’t exist. Isn’t that the height of ingratitude p>