Chapter 360
Chapter 360:
When they returned home after work, the sisters found Donna waiting in the living room, her face lighting up as they entered.
“Well? How was your first day at the company?” Donna asked eagerly, her warm gaze shifting between them.
Bella was quick to step forward, linking her arm with Donna’s in a display of affection. “Mom, it went great,” she said brightly. “I adapted really quickly, and everyone was so welcoming. My colleagues treated me so well!” Donna’s face softened into a smile, clearly pleased.
“That’s wonderful to hear, Bella. I’m so proud of you.” She then turned to Yelena, her expression expectant. “What about you, Yelena? How did it go p>
Yelena looked up with her usual calm demeanor. “It was fine, Mom. Don’t worry about me,” she said evenly, her tone steady and reassuring.
Donna studied her daughter for a moment, and then let out a small sigh of relief.
“By the way, I’m planning to visit Sterling and Grace this weekend to look at their new bracelet collection. Why don’t you both join me? The manager called earlier to let me know they’ve just received a new shipment.” Donna had been a loyal customer of Sterling and Grace for years. Browsing their jewelry wasn’t just about shopping for her—it was a favorite pastime, a way to indulge in a little sparkle and elegance.
“Of course, Mom,” Bella said quickly, her eyes lighting up. “It’s been ages since I last looked at some nice bracelets.” She meant it, too. Every visit to Sterling and Grace was an opportunity for Bella to add another piece to her growing collection.
Each piece of jewelry wasn’t just an accessory—it was an investment, a silent preparation for the future. Ever since Bella found out that she was adopted, she had been carefully and discreetly setting herself up for independence.
Donna beamed at Bella’s enthusiasm. “Wonderful! Then it’s settled. We’ll all go together,” she said, turning to Yelena. “Yelena, how about you? Doesn’t that sound fun?” Yelena wasn’t particularly drawn to the idea of browsing through rows of sparkling necklaces and bracelets, but she didn’t want to spoil Donna’s excitement. “Sure, Mom. I’ll come along p>
𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙜𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝘦𝗅𝘀⧸ⅽ𝗈𝗺
Meanwhile, Harold took the cash Bella had thrown at him and headed straight for the casino, a glimmer of hope in his otherwise dim prospects. But luck wasn’t on his side. Hand after hand, spin after spin, his money dwindled away. By the time he gave up, most of it was gone. On the way home, he managed to buy some food and a few bottles of cheap alcohol with what little remained. Balancing the bags, he kicked open the door to their small, dingy apartment and bellowed, “I’m home p>
His wife, Megan Miller, hunched over in the corner scrubbing the floor, paused at the sound of his voice. She didn’t need to see him to know Harold was back. “I’m in the kitchen,” she called out flatly. “What are you shouting about now p>
Harold dumped the bags on the table, his chest puffed with an unusual air of pride. “Come out here! I’ve got something important to tell you. Something big. I didn’t mention it before because… well, I didn’t want to disappoint you if it didn’t pan out p>
“What now, Harold? More of your nonsense? Don’t tell me you begged someone for money again,” she said, her voice rising with irritation. Megan appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her eyes fell to the food and bottles on the table, and her expression darkened with suspicion.
Harold raised his hands in defense, a wide grin on his face. “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong! I paid for all of this myself,” he said. Megan’s frown deepened. “Where did you even get the money, Harold p>
She knew her husband too well. After years of disappointment, she could spot his schemes from a mile away. Harold didn’t just stumble upon money—it wasn’t in his nature.
“Relax,” Harold said, waving a hand. “It wasn’t stolen, and it’s not some loan. Someone gave it to me. And listen, soon we’ll be rich p>
Megan’s eyes narrowed. “Rich? Have you lost your mind?” she shouted. “What kind of nonsense is this? We can barely keep the lights on, and now you’re talking about being rich p>
“It’s true. I found her. Our daughter. The one we lost.” Harold leaned in, his grin widening, his eyes alight with excitement. “She’s alive, Megan. And you wouldn’t believe it—she looks just like you did when you were younger. She’s doing well, too. Living with a wealthy family, living the life we could never give her. And this?” He gestured to the food and alcohol. “This came from her. Our daughter gave this to me p>