Chapter 367
Chapter 367:
Before Augustine could muster a response, Yelena’s voice sliced through the growing tension like a blade. “Sir, Mrs. Loftus has built her career along with this shop’s reputation on integrity, hasn’t she? If this bracelet is authentic, then it’s authentic. If it’s not, surely Mrs. Loftus would never allow anyone to pass off a counterfeit as genuine under her watch p>
Yelena’s eyes locked onto Stella, her expression unyielding.
Stella’s gaze lingered on Yelena, her surprise barely concealed. For someone so young, Yelena carried herself with an air of authority, her sharp observations and bold accusations slicing through the tension like a seasoned professional.
Stella, a woman whose shrewdness had propelled her business to success, began to piece together the situation. Augustine’s hesitant glances now made perfect sense—he had been waiting for her to take the lead, which further indicated that the truth was undeniable.
Stella’s pride in her store’s integrity had blinded her to the possibility of counterfeits infiltrating her shelves. She should have seen it sooner!
With a sudden movement, Stella slammed her palm down on the display case, the sharp sound startling everyone in the room. She rose, her eyes hard as steel as they locked onto Heather.
The store manager visibly paled, her confidence draining under the weight of Stella’s icy glare. Heather’s back was damp with cold sweat, and her nerves trembled as if she were facing judgment itself.
“Yelena,” Bella interjected, her voice soft yet insistent as she tugged at Yelena’s sleeve. “Don’t you think you’re going too far? This is their store’s business—maybe we shouldn’t interfere p>
Her tone was carefully crafted to sound concerned, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear. Bella’s intention was clear—to appear reasonable while casting Yelena as disruptive and overbearing.
gⲁ𝗅𝓝𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰0𝗺. 𝒶𝒸𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒
Donna’s frown deepened, her sharp gaze flicking to Bella. Bella’s words, though ostensibly meant to temper the situation, seemed suspiciously calculated.
Donna had always indulged Bella, but this time, she was stepping out of line.
Bella noticed the change in Donna’s expression immediately, and unease crept over her.
Before Yelena had come into their lives, Donna had always treated Bella with warmth and indulgence, never even once speaking harshly to her. But now, things were different. Yelena’s presence had shifted the dynamic in ways Bella couldn’t control. Though resentment churned in her chest, Bella buried it. She let her eyes redden, her lips quivering slightly, as she turned to Donna with an expression of wounded innocence. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to help p>
The act was flawless. Bella’s years by Donna’s side had taught her well—how to play the part of the wronged but dutiful daughter.
The apology was calculated to evoke sympathy, to remind Donna of their bond—and it worked.
Donna’s heart softened as she glanced at Bella, her guilt surfacing. She even started to think whether she had been too harsh on her daughter.
As Yelena had predicted, Stella wasn’t the type to let deceit linger in her store. Her reputation—and that of Sterling and Grace—was at stake.
Stella wasted no time, instructing an assistant to place a “CLOSED” sign on the door, barring other customers from entering. The Harris family’s exclusivity for this time slot was a stroke of luck; had it been a less reasonable customer, the situation might have spiraled into chaos.
Once the door was secured, Stella’s sharp gaze landed squarely on Heather. Her tone was cold and cutting as she demanded, “Tell me. What is going on with this bracelet p>
The words hit Heather like a physical blow. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she collapsed to the floor, trembling. Her voice cracked with desperation as she stammered, “I… I’m so sorry p>
For a moment, Bella couldn’t process what had just happened. But as reality set in, her shock turned to disbelief. Yelena had been right—again.