Chapter 498
Chapter 498:
This place was bedlam, and Bella stepped cautiously as though crossing a minefield. “Never again,” she thought.
“Ouch!” she yelped as her stiletto snagged on an uneven surface.
Her ankle twisted sharply, and she nearly toppled before Sebastian stepped in, catching her just in time.
“Are you alright, Miss Harris?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Sebastian’s gaze flicked over Bella. Donna had specifically suggested that Bella change into something more practical before coming here, but she had outright refused. She hadn’t understood what the visit would entail—interacting with children, playing games, and navigating the lively chaos of the orphanage. Her elegant dress and towering heels were, to say the least, entirely unsuitable for the situation.
Bella clenched her teeth, irritation bubbling just beneath her polished exterior.
Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. But she forced a smile, aware that the reporters were still nearby. “I’m fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “Where are my mom and sister p>
Sebastian gestured toward the playground, his face impassive.
“They’re with the children p>
Bella bit her lip, suppressing a groan.
Soon, they arrived at the expansive lawn where everyone had gathered. The children were huddled around Donna, their eyes wide with excitement as they watched her making cupcakes. The allure of sweets had an almost magnetic pull, and the kids were utterly captivated.
Yelena, though not skilled in making desserts herself, lent a hand where she could.
The sunlight bathed both women in a golden glow, amplifying their warm and inviting presence. It was a scene so picturesque that it felt almost unreal—one that drew every gaze and held it. The reporters accompanying them couldn’t resist. Cameras were raised, shutters clicking rapidly as they aimed to capture Yelena and Donna’s radiant interaction with the children. Noticing the flurry of activity, Yelena glanced subtly toward Sebastian.
Catching her cue instantly, Sebastian approached the reporters with calm authority.
𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖓 𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖊:
“Dear media friends,” he said, his voice firm yet courteous. “Mrs. Harris is here to focus on charity work and spend time with the children. Let’s ensure she isn’t disturbed. If you’re looking for an interview, Miss Harris here would be happy to assist p>
Bella, who had been enjoying her role as the spokesperson, lit up at the suggestion. The spotlight was exactly where she wanted to be.
The reporters, left with no alternative, redirected their attention to Bella, who relished the opportunity to once again bask in their admiration.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the reporters suggested she join the children for some activities. Bella’s smile faltered. She loathed the idea of mingling with the sticky, unpredictable chaos of kids, but she also knew that simply talking at the orphanage entrance wouldn’t suffice. If she didn’t engage, her words would ring hollow.
Swallowing her reluctance, Bella straightened her posture and strode toward the children with carefully measured grace.
The children, spotting Bella approaching, rushed over with excitement. “Miss, you’re so pretty,” a little girl said, tugging lightly at Bella’s sleeve.
“And you smell nice—like the air freshener in public restrooms!” Bella’s smile froze, her initial satisfaction at the compliment vanishing in an instant. Bathroom air freshener? Her jaw tightened, though she managed to keep a strained smile in place.
Before she could respond, a child covered in flour came bounding toward her, giggling as he reached out and grabbed the hem of Bella’s pristine, brand-new dress. White smudges streaked across the expensive fabric. Bella gasped, recoiling as though she’d been burned.
“What are you doing?” The sharpness of her tone startled the child, whose face crumpled as tears began streaming down his cheeks.
Yelena was by his side in seconds, crouching down to his level and scooping him up in her arms. “It’s okay. You’re alright, sweetheart. Don’t cry p>
The boy buried his face in Yelena’s shoulder, his flour-coated hands leaving messy streaks on her clothes. Yelena didn’t even flinch, her focus entirely on calming the child.