Chapter 435
Chapter 435:
“Why did you choose to donate such an expensive sound system to the university?” Yelena typed back. “You could’ve given money or a new building like rich people always do.” She couldn’t make sense of it. The habits of the wealthy, she thought, were as incomprehensible as a foreign language.
Austin’s chat bubble appeared, signaling he was typing. Yelena waited, phone in hand, but no reply came. Seconds stretched into what felt like minutes. Just when she thought Austin might’ve decided her question wasn’t worth answering, her phone pinged again.
Austin’s message popped up. “The first time I heard you play the piano, I thought it was incredible. But the university’s sound system was awful—it ruined the moment. So, I figured I’d donate a new one. This way, maybe I’ll get to hear you play again someday p>
Yelena found herself at a loss for words. She had imagined plenty of reasons, but this was the last one she’d seen coming. For Austin to drop that kind of money on a whim—on something that wasn’t even a guarantee—was baffling.
Her fingers hovered over the screen, searching for a response, but before she could type anything, Austin sent another message. “It was worth every penny. I got to see an incredible performance today—visually and audibly. You were truly amazing p>
Yelena felt a sudden rush of warmth creep up her neck and into her cheeks. Instinctively, she touched her face. Oh no—her cheeks were burning.
She glanced around, only to realize there wasn’t a drop of water in sight. With no other choice, she’d have to head downstairs to get some.
Yelena descended the stairs and stumbled upon Bella and the others deep in conversation.
Bernice seized Bella’s hand, her voice laced with nervous excitement. “Well, look at that—she’s actually coming down. Do you think she’s really going to hand you that cheap smart watch p>
Bernice had done her homework. The watch was the latest release from DY Group, and while it might seem like a drop in the ocean for people like Donna and Cayson, for students like Bernice and Bella, it was just flashy enough to turn heads without looking too showy.
Sure, Bernice could afford one herself, but getting one for free? That was a whole other thrill.
𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 @ g⍶𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⧽𝖼𝗈𝗆
Besides, the real kicker was that the model was still on pre-sale—unavailable in stores.
How Yelena had managed to snag one remained a mystery, but Bernice knew that wearing it to school would have her basking in the spotlight for days.
To Bernice’s dismay, Yelena merely offered a polite greeting to Donna before heading to the kitchen for a glass of water. Bernice watched her retreating figure, disappointment flickering across her face.
If Yelena didn’t want to gift her the watch, so be it! No skin off her nose.
It was just a watch—a cheap one, at that. She could easily call up a friend, buy a hundred of them, and hand them out like candy.
As Yelena finished her water and turned to head upstairs, Donna’s voice floated over, smooth and warm. “Yelena, there’s this charity event at the orphanage in a few days. I’d love for you to join me. What do you think p>
Yelena didn’t miss a beat. “Sure, I’d be happy to p>
Bella’s expression darkened, though she quickly masked it. A shadow of displeasure flitted across her eyes. Why invite Yelena and not her? The thought gnawed at Bella. Did Donna think she wasn’t worth the invitation?
But if Donna didn’t want her there, all the more reason for Bella to go.
Bella was determined to insert herself between Yelena and Donna, like a splinter in a closing door, determined to keep their relationship from growing too cozy, too quickly.
She pouted, turning to Donna with a hint of frustration. “Mom, why didn’t you invite me as well? Don’t you want my company? I want to join you too p>
Donna looked at Bella with a raised brow, disbelief flickering in her eyes. In previous years, Bella had never shown any interest in such events.
To Bella, the people at the orphanage—children and adults alike—were messy and unpleasant, and she avoided them at all costs. She viewed associating with them as beneath the Harris family’s reputation.