Chapter 295
Chapter 295:
Soon, the stableman returned with Dolly, the horse’s pristine white coat gleaming in the sunlight.
With practiced ease, Bella mounted Dolly, her movements smooth and deliberate.
As Bella prepared to ride toward Yelena, she noticed her and Cayson already returning.
Quickly pulling on the reins, Bella called out, her tone a mix of feigned cheerfulness and irritation. “Yelena, why are you back so soon? I was just about to come find you p>
Yelena cast a brief glance at Bella, her expression composed. “I was just testing Hawk’s strength p>
“Hawk looks extraordinary,” Bella remarked, her voice betraying a subtle undercurrent of envy.
Yelena remained silent, her demeanor as steady as ever. Forcing a smile, Bella loosened her grip on the item in her pocket that she had been holding.
“Well, I’ll take Dolly for a spin and be back soon,” she announced briskly, her tone rehearsed.
Without waiting for a response, Bella gave Dolly a quick pat and urged the horse forward, riding away with deliberate haste.
As she put distance between herself and the others, Bella’s carefully crafted smile faded, her expression darkening.
The image of Yelena riding Hawk earlier played in Bella’s mind, sharp and vivid.
Yelena had looked every bit the part of an accomplished rider—her high ponytail swaying, her bright eyes sharp, her movements precise and confident. She radiated a natural elegance that seemed to draw admiration effortlessly.
It burned Bella to see Yelena shine in a way she couldn’t compete with. How could someone like Yelena overshadow her at every turn?
𝕍𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕕 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕖: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧿ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Even though Yelena was biologically a Harris, Bella had hoped that her upbringing would reveal cracks—crudeness, inexperience, or anything that would prove she didn’t belong in elite circles.
But no.
Yelena exceeded every expectation, her talents and poise dismantling Bella’s own carefully cultivated image of superiority. Bella had built her position in the family through years of hard work, polishing herself to meet the Harris family’s high standards.
And yet, Yelena, with her seemingly effortless brilliance, threatened to take it all away.
However, Bella wasn’t about to let Yelena dominate uncontested.
Back at the stable, Yelena turned her focus back to Hawk. She adjusted the reins, preparing for another ride, but as the horse stepped forward, it suddenly let out a sharp, distressed cry.
Yelena’s brows knitted in concern as Hawk’s calm demeanor shifted. The horse tossed its head, its movements erratic and agitated.
What was happening?
Yelena’s mind raced as she struggled to comprehend what had Hawk so spooked. Just moments ago, the horse had been calm and obedient, responding to her with an almost uncanny connection.
Now, it was as if an invisible force had shattered its composure, leaving it wild and unpredictable.
“Easy, boy, easy,” Yelena murmured, her voice steady despite the chaos. She leaned closer to Hawk’s ear, hoping her soothing tone would calm the horse, but it was no use.
Hawk’s movements grew more erratic, its powerful frame darting and bucking against her grip.
Yelena tightened her hold on the reins, her fingers digging into the leather. Her heart pounded, fearing she might get thrown off.
Every muscle in her body was engaged, her focus singular—staying balanced and keeping Hawk under control.
And then, in the blur of motion and panic, a shadow appeared beside her. Before Yelena could react, someone leapt onto Hawk’s back and pulled her securely into place. With a swift and decisive tug on the reins, the stranger brought Hawk to an abrupt halt.
She became suddenly aware of the arm around her, a firm yet protective hold that seemed to anchor her in the moment.
Her breath caught as a familiar voice, warm and steady, murmured by her ear. “Yelena, are you alright p>
“I’m fine,” she murmured, her voice a touch breathless.
Her eyes widened as recognition settled in—Austin?
What was he doing here?
His presence was as unexpected as it was comforting. Without a word, Yelena slid off Hawk, and Austin followed suit, dismounting with effortless grace.
“What are you doing here?” Yelena asked, her curiosity evident.