Chapter 469
Chapter 469:
“Ah, I see now—you’ve spotted your crush,” John said, his tone light and teasing. “Alright, I’ll overlook it this time p>
Austin responded with a frosty look. “If you can’t keep your comments to yourself, I might just shut you up myself.” His voice carried a menacing edge, suggesting he might really do it.
John gave Austin a playful punch on the shoulder, grinning like a mischievous conspirator. “Bro, you’re burning daylight being mad at me when you should be strategizing how to win Yelena over,” John said, his tone a mix of teasing and earnest. “A woman like her? She’s top-tier, man. She’s not going around waiting for you to figure it out p>
Austin’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with irritation as a storm brewed on his face.
Sensing the danger zone, John wisely zipped his lips, stepping back as though retreating from a live grenade. He wasn’t looking to test Austin’s patience any further.
While Austin stood there, brooding and silent, John casually slipped his phone from his pocket and typed out a message under his breath. “Mission failed. The guy’s not budging p>
The reply came back in seconds, as if whoever was on the other end had been expecting this. “Stay on it. If our perpetual bachelor’s finally going to settle down, it’s all on you p>
A sense of responsibility washed over John, like he’d been knighted for a mission of great importance. Straightening his back, he glanced at Austin with newfound resolve, determined to keep his friend on track.
Before he could act, he spotted Austin being stopped at the entrance to the mall.
“What the heck p>
For someone like Austin, getting turned away was unheard of. John hurried over, his curiosity piqued.
“What’s going on?” John asked, sliding in smoothly. “Why aren’t we allowed in? Are you seriously telling me that you don’t want us to spend our money here p>
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The mall manager, maintaining a professional smile, replied, “I’m sorry, sir. The entire mall has been reserved for the owner’s family. They’re enjoying a private day. We appreciate your understanding p>
John’s face lit up with exaggerated realization. “Ohhh, I see!” he exclaimed, dragging out the moment before turning to Austin with a mischievous smirk. “Looks like your master plan to ‘casually’ run into her just got derailed, genius p>
Austin’s glare was volcanic, his jaw tightening as he spat out, “Shut up. I only needed to use the restroom p>
John stifled a laugh. Yeah, right! Like Mr. Germophobe would risk stepping foot in a mall restroom. Defeated, Austin stormed off, his frustration radiating in waves as he disappeared into the distance.
On the other side of the mall’s private sanctuary, Yelena suddenly felt the weight of someone’s gaze, intense and unsettling. She glanced around but saw nothing out of place. Was it just her imagination?
“Yelena, what’s got your attention?” Bella’s voice floated over syrupy and laced with mock curiosity.
The rest of the group was absorbed in a heated debate over movie choices, but Bella had noticed Yelena’s distraction and pounced on the opportunity.
Yelena’s distant expression made it clear she wasn’t interested in being part of the decision on which movie they should pick.
Bella couldn’t help but think how, unlike Yelena, wonderful a daughter she was—always the dutiful one, staying close, considerate, and perfectly aligned with the family’s expectations. Yelena’s frown deepened, and her curt reply broke Bella’s train of thought. “It’s nothing p>
Bella decided not to press further. Instead, she shifted gears with a bright smile. “So, any thoughts? What movie should we go for p>
Without waiting for a response, Bella slid in her own suggestion. “I was thinking about that indie film everyone’s talking about. It’s been blowing up online and getting rave reviews at work. What do you think p>