Chapter 382
Chapter 382:
“Grandma,” Cayson said sharply, “Yelena’s been through the wringer while she was away. Now that she’s back, we should cherish her, not give her a hard time. If you can’t manage that, then p>
Elianna’s simmering frustration finally bubbled over. “Then what? What are you going to do?” she snapped, her voice ringing out.
Yelena, watching Cayson stand up to Elianna on her behalf, felt a quiet warmth spread through her. It was like a soft breeze brushing over her heart—soothing and unexpected.
She still felt like an outsider sometimes, despite her return to the family.
But she saw her brother and her parents’ efforts, their careful steps around her, and though she didn’t always know how to get along with them as family, their actions didn’t go unnoticed.
Yelena didn’t grow up with her biological family, and the missing years made everyone tread lightly around her, wary that a misstep might shatter her fragile calm.
Yelena could feel their careful gestures, their attempts to bridge the gap, and she responded with subtle efforts to fit in.
Yet, something held her back.
She had given her all to the Roberts family before, believing they were family, but what had that earned her? The thought simmered in her mind, making her hesitant to fully embrace the Harris family just yet.
This time, Yelena resolved to be cautious, to guard herself.
Yet at that moment, for the first time since her return, she truly felt the weight of their concern, especially from Cayson.
His actions, his words—they made her pause and wonder if this was what family warmth felt like.
Lᴀτєѕτ chⲁρτєrs ιn g𝓪l𝗇ovєls.𝑎𝓂
“If she’s innocent, why should I punish her?” Elianna’s voice cut through the room, resolute and unyielding.
Donna, unable to stay silent, sighed heavily. She was torn between her own worries and the fierce protectiveness she felt for her daughter.
“Austin and John already came by to explain what happened that day…” Donna spoke, but her words were swiftly cut off by Elianna.
“An explanation doesn’t change the fact that she broke family rules,” Elianna remarked, her tone sharp. “If a mistake is made, there must be consequences. Are you suggesting we discard the Harris family rules?” Elianna’s need for control was palpable; whatever she decreed was law in her mind.
Cayson knew challenging her was futile, at least not in a single conversation. Instead, he spoke evenly, his voice calm yet pointed. “Alright, since Grandma insists on upholding the strict family rules, then those rules should apply to everyone—not just Yelena p>
Elianna’s face tightened, her brows knitting together. She caught the subtle reproach in his words.
Did this boy think she was blind to his insinuations?
Her gaze hardened as she huffed dismissively. “Of course, living in the Harris family means following the Harris family rules!” she declared before turning and walking out with an air of finality.
Bella quickly followed her, leaving the room quieter and more tense.
Only Cayson, Donna, and Yelena remained. Cayson’s eyes fell on Yelena, concern etched on his face. His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. The silence stretched, heavy and awkward, until finally he murmured, “Does Dad know p>
Donna froze, startled by the unexpected question. She tried to muster a reassuring smile. “Cayson…” But he wasn’t in the mood for vague answers. His expression darkened as he frowned. “So, you all knew?” he asked, his voice carrying a note of hurt. “And you didn’t tell me p>
Before Donna could respond, a soft, unexpected weight pressed against Cayson’s hand.
It was Yelena. Her fingers closed around his in a quiet gesture of solidarity. He stared at her, momentarily stunned. Words failed him again, but in that small, simple touch, he felt an unspoken understanding pass between them.