Chapter 297
Chapter 297:
How was Yelena completely fine?
Given what she had witnessed, Yelena should have been rattled—or, at the very least, visibly affected. Instead, she stood there, unscathed, exuding her usual calm confidence.
Bella couldn’t reconcile the sight with what she expected. And then she felt it—a gaze.
Slowly, Bella turned her head, only to meet Austin’s eyes. The intensity in his gaze made her stomach flip.
Bella’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself, slipping on her practiced smile. “Mr. Barton, what a surprise to see you here p>
Austin nodded slightly, his expression neutral, but the weight of his gaze made Bella feel as if he were dissecting her every word.
Turning her attention to Yelena, Bella hesitated briefly before asking, “Yelena, what happened here p>
“Nothing,” Yelena replied calmly, but then added casually, “By the way, Bella, it looks like there’s a nail sticking out of your pocket p>
Bella froze, her mask slipping for a fraction of a second before she caught herself. “What nail? I didn’t—” She stopped abruptly, realizing she had almost walked into the trap.
Quickly regaining her composure, Bella laughed nervously. “Yelena, what are you talking about… A nail? I don’t know what you mean p>
She reached up to adjust her hair, the movement betraying her unease.
Bella’s reaction only cemented Yelena’s suspicions. “I found nails on the ground just now,” Yelena said lightly, her tone neutral but her words pointed.
Bella’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Nails? Here? How could there be nails at an equestrian center p>
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Yelena tilted her head, her half-smile sharpening into something colder. “Oh, that’s the question I was going to ask you. After all, you’d know best, wouldn’t you p>
“Yelena, you’re so funny,” Bella said with a strained laugh, waving her hand dismissively. “Anyway, I’m exhausted from riding. I think I’ll take Dolly back to the stables p>
Not waiting for a reply, Bella spun Dolly around and headed off, her retreat hurried but controlled. Her heart pounded as her thoughts swirled in panic. Damn! Did Yelena suspect her? Why else would she say something like that?
Bella gripped the reins tighter, her mind frantically searching for reassurance. No one saw her.
Even if Yelena suspected her, she had no proof. And without proof, there was nothing she could do. A grim resolve settled over Bella.
She wouldn’t admit to anything, no matter what. She urged Dolly forward, her back stiff as she disappeared from view.
Yelena remained still, watching Bella’s hurried exit with narrowed eyes.
She made a mental note to tread carefully around Bella in the future.
Austin, standing nearby, had observed the exchange silently. His sharp gaze darted between the two women, piecing together the dynamic with ease. He’d heard enough about Bella and Yelena’s strained relationship to know it was fraught with tension.
Though not related by blood, they were still supposed to be sisters; but their interactions suggested anything but familial warmth.
“What’s going on?” Austin asked finally, his voice low and deliberate. “Do you think she’s behind this p>
“Isn’t it obvious?” she said, her tone cool and matter-of-fact.
Austin’s frown deepened, his expression darkening. “Then you’d better stay on your guard. A woman like this—calculating, reckless. Who knows what she’ll do next!” In the world of the rich, schemes were as common as the air they breathed.
Yelena’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I know. And since she failed this time, she’ll definitely try again. But I’ll be ready p>
“Good to know!” He paused, and then shifted gears. “By the way, I came with some friends for golf. Want to join p>
Yelena shook her head, glancing at Hawk with a softness that contrasted with her earlier resolve. “No, I think I’ll spend more time with Hawk.” It was a gift from her brother, after all.
Austin smiled faintly, about to reply, when a voice called out from the distance. “Yelena! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you p>
Both turned toward the source of the voice. Austin’s posture stiffened, his brows furrowing.
The man approaching was tall and striking, carrying himself with a noble elegance that complemented his sharp features and commanding aura. Austin’s senses sharpened immediately.
Who was this stranger?
And more importantly, what was his connection to Yelena?
The way he addressed her with such ease and familiarity made Austin’s chest tighten with unease. Could it be what he dreaded most?