Chapter 164
Chapter 164:
She wanted everyone to see Yelena as an uncultured outsider, a far cry from a true, refined lady—something Bella considered herself to be, as the real heiress of the Harris family. But Bella’s plan took an unexpected turn.
Humphrey, not one to miss details, pieced things together quickly. His eyes narrowed as he turned to Bella with a cutting remark. “So, you’re not the real Harris daughter? You’re an impostor?” His voice grew colder. “If that’s the case, I kindly ask that you leave p>
Bella’s smile faltered, her face draining of color.
Everyone’s eyes turned to Bella with thinly veiled disdain. The guests had heard the whispers about the Harris family’s missing daughter, the one who had been lost since her birth, and how the Harris couple had taken in another girl to raise as their own after that.
What had once been dismissed as mere gossip now seemed to be more than just a rumor.
Bella, the adopted daughter, seemed to have no idea just how far out of line she had crossed. Earlier, she had mocked Yelena in front of everyone, not realizing the storm she was stirring.
“No, I’m still the daughter of the Harris family,” Bella insisted, her voice trembling with desperation. Her gaze darted to Yelena, as though begging for support. “My parents love me just the same. We’re a happy family. Yelena, please! You can’t let them throw me out. I’m your sister. I’m here to represent the Harris family too, to wish Mr. Sugden well p>
The situation had turned utterly humiliating for Bella, but she was trapped. Being thrown out from the gathering wasn’t an option—her reputation, especially in front of so many influential people, couldn’t survive such a blow.
Despite her frantic pleas, Bella was firmly escorted out by two security personnel, her protests falling on deaf ears as she was ushered out of the mansion.
Yelena watched the scene with cool detachment, her eyes betraying no hint of sympathy. Bella had made her own bed, and now she was lying in it.
F𝖎rst 𝒂pp𝓮ared 𝒊n gⲁ𝅘𝓁𝗇𝑜ν𝖊𝗅⩼𝒸𝗈𝗺
Bella had tampered with the important birthday gift for Humphrey, and there was no way Yelena could simply overlook it. The betrayal was too blatant to ignore.
Being expelled was a mere slap on the wrist compared to what Bella truly deserved. It was a light punishment for such a deliberate act of sabotage.
Humphrey spoke up apologetically, his voice soft. “Yelena, I’m sorry you had to endure that p>
Yelena offered a faint smile, her voice composed. “It’s alright. I’ve given you my gift, so I’ll be on my way now. Excuse me p>
Before Humphrey could even try to convince her to stay, Yelena gracefully turned on her heel and made her exit.
A quiet sense of unease settled over her, a nagging feeling that her identity as Oaklyn might soon be revealed. Yelena preferred to stay out of any unnecessary drama.
As Yelena made her way to leave, she noticed Austin trailing behind her.
She stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a quizzical look. “Why are you following me?” she asked, her tone a mix of irritation and curiosity.
Did this guy have nothing better to do?
Austin smiled casually, his expression unreadable but undeniably charming. “Why are you leaving so soon? You’ve only just arrived p>
“What does it matter to you?” Yelena shot back, her voice cool.
Leaning slightly closer, Austin kept his voice lower, his tone calm yet purposeful. “You’re Oaklyn, aren’t you p>
Yelena’s steps faltered ever so slightly. This guy was sharp—too sharp. How had he pieced it together so quickly?