Chapter 100
Chapter 100:
Bella’s mind was set—she was determined to approach Austin. Her gaze flickered with anticipation as she scanned the crowd, her heart racing when she spotted Austin’s tall, commanding figure nearby. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself. Then, with a practiced, shy smile, she made her move toward him.
“Mr. Barton, hello. I’m Bella Harris. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you liked my dance performance earlier p>
Austin frowned, his expression shifting slightly. He was clearly irritated at being approached like this. His tone was curt, almost dismissive. “Is there something you need from me p>
His patience was clearly worn thin. He had been waiting for Yelena, but she was nowhere to be seen, while Bella, chatty and eager, had attached herself to him. His irritation grew with each passing second.
“N-no, I just… thought I’d come over to introduce myself,” Bella stammered, feeling embarrassed by the sudden shift in his demeanor. She wasn’t used to being treated this way, especially when she was putting herself out there.
Austin barely spared her a glance as he continued to scan the crowd, his eyes flicking anxiously toward the exit. After a brief silence, he asked, his voice distracted, “Do you know Yelena Roberts? The girl who played the piano just now p>
The question hit Bella like a bolt of lightning.
He knew Yelena? Was he waiting for her?
Bella felt a wave of bitterness rise in her chest. Why was it that everything she worked so hard for seemed to fall into Yelena’s lap effortlessly? She clenched her jaw, trying to hide the emotions that threatened to show. Her eyes flickered with uncertainty before she quietly replied, “Yes, Mr. Barton. She happens to be my sister p>
Austin raised an eyebrow, a touch of curiosity in his voice. “Your sister p>
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s﹒c𝗈m has it all
But Yelena’s last name was Roberts, while Bella’s was Harris. The connection just didn’t add up. How could they possibly be sisters?
“Yes, Yelena only recently reconnected with our family, so she hasn’t changed her name. The family that adopted her wasn’t exactly ideal, so she can be a bit impulsive and sometimes lacks proper decorum. If she’s caused any offense, Mr. Barton, I sincerely apologize on her behalf p>
Bella wasn’t sure if Austin and Yelena had crossed paths before, or if Austin was simply taken by Yelena’s piano performance and eager to meet her. Either way, Bella wasn’t about to let any positive ideas form in Austin’s head about Yelena. That would only work against her.
So, Bella did what she could to plant a seed of doubt about Yelena in Austin’s mind. Austin furrowed his brow, clearly unimpressed. What was Bella babbling on about now?
Just then, a familiar figure caught Austin’s eye, and he couldn’t resist the opportunity to walk over.
“Yelena, what a surprise!” he said, pretending it was a casual encounter.
Yelena, startled for a second, smiled upon seeing Austin. “What a surprise, indeed! You’re here too p>
“Yes, I’m lucky I made it in time. I would’ve missed your performance otherwise—it was incredible, by the way.” Austin’s compliment was genuine, and though his words were flattering, his manner was relaxed and sincere.
“Thank you,” Yelena said, her tone calm, though she was already thinking about heading home for some much-needed rest. Austin, sensing the moment, offered, “It’s getting late. Let me give you a ride home p>