Chapter 374
Chapter 374:
She glanced anxiously at the delicate piece adorning her wrist, a mix of anger and disappointment washing over her. She had cherished this bracelet; the possibility of it being a forgery was both infuriating and heartbreaking. If it turned out to be fake, she wouldn’t hesitate to confront the store.
Yelena observed the exchange quietly, allowing Donna to share the story. She was curious to see how Katelyn would react. Indeed, it was natural for anyone to doubt their purchase after hearing such news, and if word spread, it could spell disaster for the store.
Sensing Katelyn’s distress, Yelena offered a reassuring smile. “You don’t need to worry. Your bracelet is genuine.” Katelyn, who had been moments away from taking off the bracelet for closer inspection, relaxed at Yelena’s words. She trusted Yelena’s judgment and felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Meanwhile, Bella watched the interaction with growing irritation. Why did Katelyn trust Yelena so readily? One simple assurance, and all her doubts vanished? It didn’t sit well with Bella.
Unable to contain herself, Bella spoke up. “Yelena, are you some kind of expert in jewelry? I wasn’t trying to make a fuss, but I don’t want anyone in our family getting scammed. Although we’re rich, our money doesn’t grow on trees. And Aunt Katelyn spent her own hard-earned cash on that bracelet. If it’s fake, that’s a serious problem p>
Katelyn, who had almost let the matter go, felt a flicker of uncertainty reignite. Bella had a point.
Yelena remained composed, her voice steady. “I have some knowledge, though I wouldn’t call myself an expert. But if you’d feel more comfortable having it professionally appraised, that’s entirely understandable p>
Katelyn hesitated. Insisting on an appraisal might imply she didn’t trust Yelena, who had been nothing but helpful to her in the past. Weighing her options, she decided to let it rest.
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Forcing a smile, she said, “No, it’s okay. I don’t really know much about these things, but it’s just a piece of jewelry. As long as I like it, it’s worth my money.” Though, in the back of her mind, Katelyn couldn’t help but secretly worry if her bracelet was really a fake.
Bella’s eyebrows furrowed. “Hey, does anyone else feel itchy?” she asked casually, scratching her arm. “Are there mosquitoes around here p>
Her comment caught the others off guard. Mosquitoes? They exchanged confused glances. They had been outside for a while, and none of them had noticed any mosquitoes. Besides, the weather was turning cooler—mosquito season was long over. How could there still be any?
“Have you been bitten by a mosquito? Where does it itch?” Donna asked, concerned. “I’ll have someone bring some balm for you and call for pest control to spray the area p>
“Thanks, Mom,” Bella replied sweetly.
Moments later, a servant arrived with the balm. Bella made a point of pulling up her sleeve dramatically, revealing red patches and scattered spots on her arm.
“It’s so itchy,” she complained, loud enough for everyone to hear.
The sight of her arm startled Donna.
“Bella, what… what happened to your arm?” she asked, alarmed.
Bella glanced down at her arm, feigning surprise. She gasped, her wide eyes turning to Donna with what looked like panic.
“Mom, it itches so much! Are mosquitoes this poisonous? I don’t know what’s going on p>
Her voice trembled, and tears brimmed in her eyes. To anyone unaware of the truth, it might have looked as though Bella were on the brink of collapse.
Yelena, however, remained unfazed. Her calm voice cut through Bella’s theatrics.
“It’s not mosquito bites, and you’re certainly not poisoned. It’s an allergic reaction p>
“Allergic reaction?” Bella repeated, her tone incredulous as she stared at her arm. Hidden in the shadows of her lowered face, a sly smirk tugged at her lips. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction, knowing all eyes were on her now. She straightened up, her expression carefully crafted into one of innocent confusion.