Chapter 114
Chapter 114:
“What I’m doing here has nothing to do with you,” Yelena replied coolly, her tone detached as if she were swatting away an annoying fly.
“Humph, just a friendly warning. If you so much as break a cup here, you wouldn’t be able to pay for it. This place is way out of your league, Yelena. And don’t even think about claiming you know me.” With that, Sonya took a deliberate step back, as though putting physical distance would erase any trace of their connection.
“Thanks! I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Yelena replied, her voice as icy as her stare.
Sonya snorted and turned on her heel, walking away in a huff. She acted as though the mere sight of them together might tarnish her hard-won image.
From a distance, Bella had been watching the exchange unfold. She couldn’t hear their words, but the tension in their body language was unmistakable. Bella smirked to herself, quietly reveling in the thought that Yelena must be feeling deeply out of place here. This was bound to get interesting. If Yelena made a scene, Bella would enjoy every humiliating moment.
Before Bella could dwell on her scheming thoughts, Cynthia Mitchell, the gracious hostess of the soiree, stepped forward to address the gathering. With a calm but apologetic smile, she explained, “Ladies, I regret to inform you that our esteemed tea master has been delayed due to a car accident. She won’t be able to make it today p>
This meant that they would have to share tea knowledge among themselves. While none of them were professionals, Cynthia believed that everyone must have had something interesting to contribute.
Everyone found their seats as Cynthia gracefully took the lead. The room buzzed with chatter.
As the group began discussing how to make the best of the situation without a professional guiding them, a voice from the crowd proposed, “Why don’t we draw lots? Whoever gets picked can act as the teacher and share what they know p>
“It could be fun p>
The suggestion was met with murmurs of agreement, sparking excitement among the guests. A few laughed nervously, while others seemed eager at the prospect of showing off their knowledge.
Bella, seated among the crowd, felt a surge of thrill at the idea. Her initial disappointment quickly morphed into opportunity. Her mind raced with schemes, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She leaned toward Amanda, whispering something in her ear.
Whatever Bella said made Amanda smirk knowingly before she got up to help her mother, Cynthia, with the preparation of the lots.
Moments later, Cynthia returned, carrying a delicate jar filled with small folded papers. “Alright, ladies, let’s keep this simple and exciting. Everyone, please take one lot and see if you’ve been chosen p>
Bella was quick to leap forward, snatching five lots under the guise of distributing them among her family members. As her relatives opened theirs, blank slips of paper revealed their irrelevance to the draw. Bella’s family exchanged bemused glances, though Bella’s expression betrayed nothing but confidence.
Finally, she leaned forward, her voice laced with feigned enthusiasm. “Yelena, you’re the only one left! Hurry, open yours p>
All eyes were on Yelena.