Chapter 472
Chapter 472:
Megan couldn’t offer any clear answer since she hadn’t actually heard much from her hiding spot earlier.
Bella prodded her for more details, but Megan’s responses remained vague.
Bella’s frustration mounted. Megan’s words felt empty, circling the issue without addressing it directly. Annoyed, Bella even considered confronting the source herself to get clarity. Yelena, noticing Bella’s growing tension, cast a brief glance her way.
Caught off guard, Bella failed to conceal her irritation, her expression contorting visibly.
Yelena met her with a cold, dismissive stare before turning away.
Regardless of Bella’s apparent annoyance, Yelena chose to ignore her as long as she didn’t disrupt Donna’s cheerful mood. Sensing it was wiser to hold back, Bella refrained from doing anything further.
Eventually, Yelena and Donna succeeded in winning a plush toy from the claw machine after several attempts. Donna clutched it lovingly, cherishing it like a prized possession.
Bella watched, her expression souring. “It’s just a simple toy. Why make such a fuss over it p>
As they exited the mall, the aroma of barbecue wafted through the air, causing Donna to halt abruptly.
“What’s the matter?” Yelena asked.
Donna looked around and noticed a food truck nearby. She quickly averted her gaze, though. Since her marriage to Callum, she hadn’t indulged in such casual fare.
Yelena caught Callum’s eye, silently seeking his approval.
Callum gave a subtle nod.
Encouraged, Yelena suggested, “Mom, why don’t we try it? I know we’ve had dinner, but I’m suddenly in the mood for some.” Donna hesitated, torn by the offer, but before she could respond, Bella interjected, “Street food? That’s hardly sanitary. It looks quite dirty.” Donna fell silent.
Bella’s remark echoed Elianna’s usual cautions, and Donna’s appetite vanished.
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Yelena’s brow furrowed as she shot Bella a look of displeasure. Undeterred, Bella continued, “Yelena, don’t be upset. I’m merely stating the facts. Street food isn’t the cleanest. What if we eat it and then fall ill? I’m just trying to look out for us all p>
Bella watched Yelena with an overly sweet expression. “Look, if you don’t want to eat, then don’t,” Yelena said flatly.
Bella’s face fell into a pout.
Donna turned to her younger daughter. “Bella, your sister didn’t mean anything by it p>
“Mom, just leave her alone,” Yelena said as she pulled away.
Left behind, Bella felt a sharp pang of abandonment, as if her heart had been pierced by countless knives, rendering her speechless with pain.
She regretted coming along. Had she known they were sneaking out for family fun, she would have stayed home.
Now, she felt like an outsider, an unwelcome addition. Just then, Bella noticed someone observing her.
It was Callum.
A flicker of happiness stirred in her. At least her father still seemed to care.
Approaching him, she said, “Dad p>
“Aren’t you going to join them for some snacks?” Callum asked. Bella shook her head. “I don’t feel like eating p>
She was about to say more, thinking Callum was sympathetic, but he cut her off. “If you’re not eating, hold onto this for your mom p>
He handed her a plush bear.
Bella’s smile froze. She looked at the bear in her hands—a generic teddy bear, the kind found anywhere, yet Callum cherished it like a valuable artifact.
To Bella, it seemed that in Callum’s eyes, this inexpensive bear was somehow more valuable than she was.