Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she replied evenly, her words careful. Deflecting was safer than confirming or denying anything outright.
“Relax. I mean no harm,” he said, his tone reassuring. “My grandfather happens to be a huge fan of Oaklyn, and I’ve learned a lot from him, so I recognize the style p>
Yelena shot Austin a sharp glance. “I’m leaving,” she said curtly, brushing past him without waiting for a response.
Austin didn’t stop her this time. He simply watched her go, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had a feeling this wasn’t the last he’d see of her.
In fact, he was certain they would cross paths again soon—and if fate didn’t provide the opportunity, he’d make sure to create one himself.
When Yelena arrived home, her gaze immediately fell on the coffee table. There, sitting conspicuously, was the original gift prepared for Humphrey’s birthday.
Her lips curled into a cold smile. Just as she suspected. Someone had switched the gift, and there was no doubt in her mind who the culprit was—Bella.
Yelena picked up the scroll and put it away with deliberate calm. Without catching Bella red-handed, confronting her would lead nowhere. Bella would simply lie her way out of it as she always did.
But Yelena wouldn’t forget this slight. She would deal with it in her own time and on her own terms.
As Yelena reached her room, her phone buzzed, pulling her attention. The screen displayed Brody’s name. Could he already have results from his investigation?
“Brody?” she answered, only to be greeted by his panicked voice. “Yelena, where are you?” His tone was urgent, almost frantic, the background noise filled with shouts and chaos. “Please, Yelena, I need your help. Come quickly p>
“I’m at home,” Yelena replied, her voice steady despite the tension she could sense. “What’s going on p>
“I’m at an underground casino!” Brody blurted, his distress evident.
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Clearly, Brody had underestimated the risk he was taking when he ventured into the underground casino to gather information about Jacob. Needless to say, his presence had not gone unnoticed. Normally, Brody could handle himself in delicate situations, but here, his unfamiliar face had marked him as an outsider. Coupled with his well-tailored clothes and polished demeanor, he must have looked like an easy target to the wrong crowd.
Cornered and with no other option, Brody called Yelena. Gambling wasn’t his strong suit, and in this situation, there was no one else he could rely on.
Yelena frowned at his words. What was Brody even doing in a place like that? He should have known better. It wasn’t just reckless—it was a blatant lapse in judgment. Brody needed a firm reminder that his actions had consequences.
Even as she thought this, Yelena didn’t hesitate. She grabbed her keys and headed for the door.
“Alright, send me the address and I’m on my way,” she said before hanging up.
Meanwhile, not long after Yelena left, Bella emerged from her room, her expression smug. She had known Yelena was home earlier and had purposefully left the calligraphy on the coffee table. It was a subtle move, one designed to distance herself from suspicion.
If Cayson or anyone else decided to investigate, it wouldn’t be Bella’s problem. After all, it would look like Yelena’s negligence had caused the mess.
Bella had no intention of taking responsibility for anything. She had been careful—careful enough to leave no tangible evidence behind.
Even if Yelena suspected her, Bella knew she could play the victim, accusing Yelena of slander. And if it came to that, would their parents still stand by Yelena? Bella’s mind was already racing with every possible scenario, each more calculated than the last.