Chapter 640
Chapter 640:
Yelena couldn’t help but chuckle, a spark of amusement lighting her eyes. “You know, you don’t have to pull the royal treatment. I’m perfectly capable of getting out on my own p>
Austin’s grin widened at Yelena’s candidness. “I figured,” he replied, leaning against the door. “But hey, a little chivalry never hurt anyone.” His playful tone softened as he added, “I know you’re not keen on being seen with me, so I won’t walk you in p>
Yelena blinked, caught off guard by his remark. That wasn’t what she meant at all. It seemed Austin had read between the wrong lines. “It’s not what you think. I…” Yelena began, but her words faltered when she heard a familiar voice. “Yelena, is that you p>
Cayson’s call cut through the evening air, coming from just a few steps away.
Yelena looked up at Austin, her voice low but sincere. “I don’t mind being seen with you. I just figured you might not be up for it. And hey, next time you’re around, drop in for a coffee, okay p>
Before Austin could respond, she spun on her heel and darted off toward Cayson.
Cayson’s eyes widened at the sight of Yelena charging toward him, her elegant gown and high heels utterly unsuited for the sprint. “Hey, slow down! You’re going to trip and twist your ankles!” he called out, half-amused, half-concerned.
From a distance, Austin watched her go, a subtle warmth blooming in his chest. Seeing Yelena with her brother stirred something bittersweet within him. It was comforting to witness such an easy, natural bond—one he’d never known himself.
Cayson was so preoccupied with fretting over Yelena’s reckless dash in heels that he didn’t even notice Austin’s car pulling away. Yelena came to a halt, slightly winded but grinning cheekily. Cayson shook his head, an exasperated chuckle escaping. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you p>
Yelena blinked up at him, the picture of innocence. “I didn’t p>
Yelena’s gaze then snagged on the warm glow spilling from Elianna’s windows. Tilting her head, she asked with feigned casualness, “Why’s that house all lit up tonight p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs﹒𝚌o𝗺 is where stories live
She had no real interest in Elianna or her house—just a clever way to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Cayson glanced over his shoulder. “Uncle Kaiden’s family is back in town. Mom and Dad are over there catching up with them. I came to pick you up so you can also go say hello p>
Ah, so that explained his sudden appearance.
Yelena’s expression tightened slightly at the thought of Jarvis. The last thing she wanted was to deal with him and his family tonight. Cayson seemed to catch the hesitation in her eyes, his brow furrowing.
“Don’t worry, I’m here,” Cayson said, his expression calm as he looked at Yelena.
Yelena wasn’t afraid. She had faced much worse in the past, and meeting a few relatives seemed trivial in comparison. Still, she couldn’t help but appreciate the sense of being cared for, of not always having to take charge and handle everything on her own.
As Yelena and Cayson entered the house, Yelena noticed several pairs of eyes on her. Unperturbed, she met their gaze steadily.
Kaiden paused when he saw Yelena, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment. As a senior member of the family, Kaiden wouldn’t initiate a conversation with Yelena unless she showed respect and made the first move. Donna, eager to make Yelena feel welcome and avoid any awkwardness, waved her over.
Yelena moved to stand beside Donna, who smiled proudly and draped an arm around her. “Yelena, this is your Uncle Kaiden p>
“Hello, Uncle Kaiden,” Yelena greeted politely.
“Hello,” Kaiden replied.
“And this is your Aunt Dina p>
“Hello, Aunt Dina p>
Dina had been watching Yelena intently since she entered, her expression unreadable. After Yelena’s greeting, Dina responded slowly, “Hello.” Her face showed no emotion—neither warmth nor dislike.
Message from Noa: Lovely readers, hope you liked today’s chapters, have a beautiful morning. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best.( p>