Chapter 1054
Chapter 1054:
Austin nodded, enveloping Yelena in a gentle embrace. “Fear not, I shall proceed with caution. And you won’t languish in waiting. As soon as I get the truth, I’ll seek you out p>
Yelena nestled into Austin’s embrace, his heartbeat a steady drum in the quiet night, grounding her in a fortress of calm. As the night deepened, they drifted into slumber in each other’s arms, clutching at the fleeting moments as if etching them into their very souls.
Meanwhile, the enigma of the mysterious chip simmered in the shadows, biding its time until the day it could no longer hide.
As Yelena ascended the steps of the plane, Maggie covertly dabbed at a tear that had escaped her guard. Noticing Austin’s probing look, she retorted hastily, “What’s got your attention? Just some dust in my eyes p>
Austin arched an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his voice. “If her departure pains you, just say it. There’s no shame here p>
Maggie snorted, her gaze sharpening. “How can you stand there so stoic? Your betrothed just departed, and you’re unmoved p>
A shadow flickered across Austin’s features. “What makes you think my heart isn’t heavy p>
Maggie’s lips twisted into a knowing smirk, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Aha! I knew it cut you deep p>
“I never claimed it didn’t p>
Before Maggie could fire back, Austin turned and strode off. Maggie hastened after him, her curiosity piqued by his facade.
“Hey! Wait up p>
The entire Harris family was already gathered at the airport. Bella tagged along, not so much to welcome Yelena but to remind Callum and the rest that she hadn’t vanished into thin air. Despite their coldness toward her, she remained an integral part of the Harris family fabric.
“Yelena’s been away in Kheley for quite some time. I wonder if she’s dropped any weight,” Donna mused with a furrowed brow, repeating her concern.
Cayson glanced at Donna and cautioned, “Mom, you can say that now, but please, not in front of Yelena and Austin. They might take it as a sign that you think she wasn’t well taken care of over there p>
Donna offered an awkward smile, her intention far from causing offense, driven instead by a mother’s perennial worry. No matter the age, Donna’s maternal instinct never waned; her daughter would always be her little girl, even if someday Yelena became a mother herself.
Seizing the moment to gain some favor, Bella chimed in, “Cayson, Mom is just expressing her concern for Yelena. I’m sure Austin, despite his busy schedule, won’t mind p>
Cayson simply hummed noncommittally, not offering more. Recently, Bella’s proactive and compliant demeanor during Yelena’s absence had softened the family’s stance toward her. They were warming up to her again.
After all, Bella had been with the Harris family for years. It wasn’t a short time, and there was still some lingering affection for her.
Just then, Donna’s eyes caught a familiar silhouette in the distance, and she excitedly strode forward, calling out, “Yelena!” Yelena responded with a beaming smile and a wave. A man was close on her heels, handling the luggage.
Initially, all eyes were on Yelena, so the man went unnoticed until Bella pointed out, “Is that Austin behind Yelena?” Clearly, the man was not Austin. Bella’s remark was strategic, meant to stir the pot.
As heads turned, Bella quickly backpedaled. “Oops, I must have been mistaken p>