Chapter 163
Chapter 163:
Imitations might mimic the strokes, but they always missed the soul behind them. That was something one could sense instantly, like a subtle energy that couldn’t be faked.
It was in the subtle, fluid strokes—the effortless yet commanding finishes—that Oaklyn’s work stood apart. Most people wouldn’t notice that fine detail, but Austin had learned to spot it from years of study with his grandfather. His eyes flicked to Yelena, who was quietly speaking with Humphrey, likely asking him to keep her identity a secret.
Austin’s admiration for her deepened.
This woman was no ordinary talent—she was refined, graceful, and undeniably beautiful. She was, in a word, perfect.
For the first time, Austin found himself genuinely drawn to a woman, a feeling that softened his gaze as he looked at Yelena, who seemed to fade into the background.
Meanwhile, Bella, standing just off to the side, watched the unfolding drama with a clenched jaw and hands that betrayed her frustration.
This was bad—really bad. It looked like Austin had taken an interest in Yelena, and Bella couldn’t let that happen.
She had to expose Yelena for what she really was.
After all, how could someone from a nouveau riche family possess such refined skills?
How could Yelena produce such exquisite calligraphy? Bella couldn’t wrap her mind around it. She was convinced there must be some trick behind it, some hidden agenda. And what had Yelena whispered to Humphrey just now?
Bella bit her lip, a plan forming in her mind before she spoke up with forced casualness. “Yelena, when did you learn calligraphy? Was it before, in that family you were with? I’ve never seen you do this before. It’s… not bad, though p>
Yelena met her gaze, her tone sharp. “What does it matter where I learned it? Do I need to report every little detail to you p>
𝓐𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓴 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓬𝓮 𝓪𝓽
The directness of Yelena’s response caught Bella off guard, but she quickly regained her composure, though her face reddened with irritation.
“No, I was just curious,” Bella replied, feigning sweetness. “I heard your adoptive parents weren’t exactly… cultured, so it’s surprising they invested in your education. Quite impressive, really p>
Bella’s words were a thinly veiled jab, an attempt to dig into Yelena’s past and put her down.
Yelena held her gaze, unflinching. “Yes, perhaps. But it’s still better than our parents spending all that effort on you, and you still turning out like this p>
Bella’s anger flared at the sharpness of Yelena’s retort. “You…” she seethed, speechless for a moment.
The exchange had caught Humphrey’s attention, and overhearing their conversation, he frowned before turning his attention to Bella. “Who are you?” he asked, his tone cool but pointed.
How dare she speak so poorly of his esteemed guest?
Bella’s face lit up with a triumphant smile, eager to engage with Humphrey. “Sir, I’m the daughter of the Harris family p>
Humphrey raised an eyebrow, his frown deepening. “You’re also a daughter of the Harris family p>
“Yes, sir. Yelena was only recently found and brought back home. She wasn’t raised in our family, and her upbringing wasn’t the best. If she’s offended anyone today, I apologize on her behalf,” Bella said, her voice laced with feigned generosity. This wasn’t Bella’s first attempt to knock Yelena down a peg.