Chapter 402
Chapter 402:
Erica sounded puzzled, almost incredulous. “If you’re not going to grad school, then why did you apply for the mentor program—and with the most unpopular professor, no less p>
“The mentor program?” Yelena froze, Erica’s question landing like a well-placed dart. Slowly, her gaze drifted back to Bella, who seemed suddenly interested in the decorative vase nearby. The subtle, guilty shift in Bella’s demeanor confirmed everything. Bella was behind this. Bella was scheming again.
Of course, it made sense!
Yelena’s stellar performance at the company had overshadowed Bella, leaving her no room to shine. If Yelena stayed, Bella’s chances to establish herself as a leader would remain slim.
But if Yelena were forced back into academia? Bella would have free rein to dominate the corporate stage. Of course, Bella couldn’t let Yelena figure out the truth. She needed to keep her involvement in this well hidden.
“Yes, the mentor program!” Erica continued, “Our school has thirty-five spots, and the popular mentors all had tons of applicants. Naturally, those who aren’t top-notch get filtered out. The only exception was Professor Roland Hoffman. His profile barely had any details—no significant achievements listed—so no one thought he was worth choosing. But today, the results were announced, and you were accepted! I also heard that if you perform well in this mentor program, you can secure a spot for graduate school. When I asked you before, you said you weren’t interested, so I didn’t mention it again. I never expected you to apply in the end p>
Yelena’s voice was steady but cold as she replied, “I didn’t apply. Someone pulled the same old trick, that’s all p>
Her words hung in the air as she fixed her gaze on Bella, unblinking and sharp.
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The intensity of Yelena’s stare was enough to unnerve Bella. Her hand trembled, and the cup she had been holding slipped from her grasp, shattering against the floor.
The silence in the room was deafening as all eyes turned toward Bella.
The broken cup wasn’t just any ordinary item—it was Elianna’s favorite, crafted by the renowned pottery master. Bella’s face turned pale as the gravity of the situation sank in.
“Grandma, I’m so sorry,” Bella stammered, her voice shaking. “I didn’t mean to p>
Elianna’s expression darkened, her disappointment clear. She wasn’t one to let such incidents slide easily, especially when they involved something she cherished. Bella, panicked and cornered, frantically searched for a way out. Then, an idea struck her.
Bella quickly crouched down, her trembling hands gathering the shattered fragments of the porcelain cup. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she stammered, “Grandma, I didn’t mean to… I’m so sorry… ah p>
A gasp rippled through the room as blood dripped from her delicate fingers. The cut was vivid and startling, crimson contrasting against her pale skin.
“Oh dear, Bella, you must be more careful next time,” Elianna exclaimed, her voice laced with worry. The anger that had flared in her eyes moments ago dissolved the instant she saw Bella’s injury.
Bella winced, holding her wounded hand closer, but beneath the pain, there was a flicker of satisfaction. She knew her grandmother’s temperament well. A minor injury like this was nothing to her—it was, in fact, a useful tool. Elianna’s concern quickly shifted from the broken cup to her bleeding hand, effectively deflecting any blame. The room’s attention gravitated toward Bella, murmurs of concern rising among the family.
Yet Yelena stood apart, her expression unmoved, her gaze sharp. She saw through Bella’s performance with unnerving clarity. The shards weren’t sharp enough to cause such a severe wound unless Bella had deliberately pressed against them. Yelena knew exactly what this was—a calculated move to evoke sympathy.
But Bella wasn’t performing for Yelena. Her audience was everyone else, and judging by their reactions, her act was a resounding success.
Yelena took a slow sip of her water, then casually remarked, “Hmm, I really didn’t expect those shards to be that sharp.” Her voice was calm, but the comment felt abrupt and oddly timed.
Seated beside her, Katelyn caught the remark. She found it strange, especially since Yelena had chosen this moment—right after Bella’s little mishap—to bring it up. Did Yelena suspect something about Bella’s injury?