Chapter 474
Chapter 474:
Callum had never thought he, an authoritative figure, would be reprimanded by a younger relative one day. Yet, Jarvis’s observations held some truth. Since Yelena’s return, the family’s focus had indeed shifted entirely to her, leaving Bella feeling somewhat sidelined.
With neither Callum nor Donna, the family elders, responding, Jarvis sensed his advantage and spoke up with increased confidence. “If I hadn’t returned, I wouldn’t have known Bella was being treated this way,” he said.
Bella, appearing wronged yet cautious about causing misunderstandings, quickly said, “Jarvis, you’re mistaken. I haven’t been mistreated. Everyone treats me well, and I have everything my sister does p>
As she spoke, Bella lowered her gaze, her expression growing somber. True, she had access to the same things as Yelena. However, while Yelena received the finest of everything, Bella was left with her leftovers. Why? Why was it that Yelena always received the best, while she had to content herself with the remnants, like a beneficiary of unwanted charity?
Yelena cast a sharp glance at Jarvis and countered, “You’re hardly ever here. How would you know how we treat her? Who filled you in? Or maybe…” Her gaze subtly shifted towards Bella.
Bella’s complexion blanched, all color draining from her face. She hadn’t anticipated Yelena making such a direct accusation. The thought of Callum and Donna discovering she might have spoken ill of them to Jarvis filled her with dread, knowing Callum would be infuriated.
In a panic, Bella turned to Jarvis with a pleading look and asked, “Jarvis, I never said anything like that to you, did I p>
Catching her cue, Jarvis quickly said, “Right, Bella never mentioned anything of the sort to me p>
Yelena smirked and replied, “Did I say it was you? Why so quick to deny it? Feeling guilty p>
Ꮮ𝚊𝓽𝑒𝔰𝓉 сհ𝒂ⲣ𝔱𝖊𝓇𝓼
Bella froze, a flicker of panic flashing in her eyes. Oh no, she had slipped up without realizing it. Now, unable to deny it outright, she adopted an innocent expression and said, “Yelena, I don’t understand what you mean.” Yelena simply shrugged, choosing not to press the issue. Callum and Donna were perceptive enough to draw their own conclusions without further explanation.
The seed of doubt was planted. Now, it was a matter of whether Bella could handle the repercussions.
Callum finally broke the silence, his voice grave as he addressed Jarvis. “This is our family matter. You don’t need to interfere. Focus on your own responsibilities p>
After a brief pause, Callum asked, “When are your exams? Are you visiting your grandmother first, or heading straight back?” Jarvis, lips pressed tightly, remained silent. He was deeply concerned about Bella, troubled that the mistreatment might continue in his absence. He felt a pang of sorrow. Bella was once the darling of the family; why had things changed so abruptly? His eyes then drifted to Yelena. It was all her fault!
But Yelena met his stare unflinchingly, even arching an eyebrow in defiance. Jarvis scowled. Now he saw why Bella found Yelena so challenging—she truly was!
Callum turned to his son and said, “Cayson, book a flight for Jarvis’ return.” Assuming Jarvis was ready to leave due to his silence, Callum had made his decision.
Cayson replied, “Understood. I’ll handle it now p>
Jarvis, caught off guard, protested. “I haven’t been home in a while. Of course, I need to visit Grandma first. She’d be upset otherwise p>
Callum didn’t push further. The last thing he wanted was to upset Elianna.
Soon, they all prepared to leave together. To keep Bella from speaking further with Jarvis, Cayson made sure to have Jarvis ride with him. Jarvis was reluctant but didn’t object openly, still somewhat wary of Cayson, his older cousin.
The reason was straightforward. Cayson, being older, had already begun his career in the family business while the others were still in school. Cayson was known for his decisive and effective management style, which instilled a sense of fear among his subordinates. Over time, he had climbed the ranks to become vice president, a position he had earned not through nepotism but through sheer determination and hard work. Even Jarvis’ own father, Kaiden, often commended Cayson, predicting he was destined for great things.