Chapter 473
Chapter 473:
Meanwhile, Yelena and Donna were enjoying their barbecue, oblivious to the unfolding drama, until Yelena saw Bella approaching a nearby trash can, her face clouded with emotion.
Yelena’s expression hardened as she approached. “What are you doing?” she asked coldly.
Bella looked up at Yelena, startled. In a small, trembling voice, she replied, “I… I’m just throwing something away p>
Yelena grabbed Bella’s hand sharply. “Throwing something away? Were you planning to discard this bear?” Her eyes fell on the teddy bear in Bella’s grasp.
Bella paused, her voice breaking with emotion. “Yelena, I know you think little of me, but there’s no need to accuse me like this. Mom adores this bear—how could I even think of throwing it away? I really was just getting rid of some trash p>
She held up a tissue in her other hand, her expression one of wounded innocence.
“Don’t you think you could be mistaken, Yelena?” Donna interjected softly.
Yelena reached out to snatch the bear from Bella. Caught off guard, Bella lost her balance as the bear was pulled from her grasp, causing her to stumble and fall.
“What’s wrong with you? Why so aggressive?” A sharp voice challenged before anyone could react, and a tall figure dashed over, pushing Yelena aside.
“Bella, are you okay?” the man helped Bella to her feet, wincing as he noticed blood seeping from her palm.
Bella looked up at the man, her eyes betraying a mix of emotions. Feigning surprise, she said, “Jarvis, I’m fine. What are you doing here p>
Jarvis Harris had planned a surprise visit but was instead taken aback by the scene he had stumbled upon. Noticing his cousin’s injured hand, he expressed his concern. “You said you were fine, but look at your hand now p>
Just then, Callum intervened with his typical authoritative tone. “Jarvis, what brings you here?” Despite his anger, Jarvis felt a wave of intimidation wash over him from his formidable uncle.
𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕦𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟
“Uncle Callum, I came back early,” Jarvis responded.
“Came back early p>
Callum frowned. “I recall your father mentioning your final exams. He planned to visit us after those were completed.” Jarvis, a college student in Maryland, was due to graduate the following year.
Kaiden had planned to visit his brother’s family with his wife and daughter first, and Jarvis was meant to follow after his exams. With the holidays nearing, though, Jarvis chose to come home early to celebrate with his family.
His gaze uneasy, Jarvis looked at Callum, who seemed to have already suspected the premature return.
Callum’s expression grew stern. “You’re about to graduate. How can you still act so irresponsibly? Are your parents even aware you’re here already p>
Jarvis licked his lips nervously, avoiding Callum’s steady gaze. “No way,” Callum stated firmly. “You’re going back immediately. Finish your exams, and then we’ll discuss this p>
Jarvis protested, “I know, but I returned early because I was worried about Bella p>
“Worried about Bella? She’s perfectly fine,” Callum replied, clearly irritated.
Jarvis and Bella, close in age, had always shared a strong bond, maintaining frequent contact even when apart. Typically, Jarvis wasn’t one to make rash decisions, but his concerns for Bella had driven him to return prematurely. This thought only fueled his frustration.
“Uncle Callum,” Jarvis said, his voice growing louder, “Bella’s already been hurt, and you still claim she’s fine? How can you overlook this p>
Realizing Jarvis’s ire was directed at Yelena, Callum responded, “Yelena didn’t mean to hurt her p>
“See? You always defend your own,” Jarvis countered. He looked at Bella, who seemed too frightened to speak for herself, and felt a deeper pang of sympathy. “Bella’s an orphan. You chose to bring her into this family. If you didn’t want her, why bring her home at all? Since you did, she deserves your love and attention p>