Chapter 639
Chapter 639:
John forced a strained smile and replied, “She? I’m not sure who you mean p>
Austin’s expression darkened, his gaze sharp and unrelenting. “Don’t play games with me, John p>
Austin’s gaze was razor-sharp, cutting through John’s carefully constructed defenses.
John knew the game was up—pretending any longer would only deepen his humiliation.
Forcing a tight, uneasy smile, he braced himself to speak.
Before he could, Yelena, perched in the car, cleared her throat, her impatience barely concealed.
Austin shot John a withering glance and muttered, low enough for only him to hear, “We’ll have this conversation later p>
The chill in Austin’s voice sent an icy shiver down John’s spine, as though he’d been dropped into a glacial abyss.
Grateful for the brief reprieve, John climbed into the car. He turned toward Yelena and offered her a quick, thankful smile. It was a small gesture, but one of quiet relief.
As soon as Austin slid into the passenger seat, John snapped his focus back to the task at hand, starting the engine with practiced nonchalance, as if nothing had transpired.
Bella stepped outside just in time to see Yelena in Austin’s car, watching it glide away down the driveway.
Her expression darkened, like a brewing storm.
How was it possible that Yelena, freshly welcomed back into the Harris family, had already wormed her way into everyone’s good graces? Even Austin, of all people!
“Doesn’t it bother you?” Monica’s voice cut through Bella’s swirling thoughts, smooth and knowing.
Bella was taken aback but kept her expression smooth as glass.
Feel the thrill at
Masking her unease, she said with a carefully measured tone, “Monica, I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re implying p>
Monica studied Bella, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement before a sly smile crept across her lips.
Though Bella had a hint of guile about her, it was unrefined—likely due to her youth. Since Monica and Bella were so alike, it was child’s play for Monica to see through her.
“You don’t care much for Yelena, do you?” Monica asked, her voice dripping with feigned casualness.
“Yelena’s my sister. How could I possibly not care for her?” Bella replied, forcing a brittle smile.
Monica arched an eyebrow, mildly impressed by Bella’s stubborn act. “Drop the charade, Bella. We’re cut from the same cloth. I know you can’t stand Yelena and wish she’d just vanish into thin air. Isn’t that right p>
Bella blinked, her composure faltering for a split second. Monica’s smile widened. “Actually, I feel the same way,” Monica admitted smoothly. “Yelena gets under my skin even more than she does yours. I’ve been head over heels for Austin for years, and everyone expected us to end up together. Then Yelena waltzes in out of nowhere. Do you really think I don’t resent her for that? What do you say we team up p>
“Let’s do it!” Bella agreed almost instantly. They exchanged conspiratorial smiles, an unspoken pact forming between them.
“From now on, keep me in the loop if Yelena pulls anything,” Monica instructed, her tone light but firm.
“Consider it done,” Bella replied, her smile this time sharper, more genuine.
Austin pulled up outside the Harris family house. As Yelena reached for the car door, he stopped her. “Hang on,” Austin said, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the car.
Yelena froze, her hand on the door handle, and turned to him, her brow furrowed in curiosity.
Without a word, Austin stepped out of the car, circled around, and opened Yelena’s door with a dramatic flourish.