Chapter 52
Chapter 52:
Callum’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. That jade was the stuff of legends, fetching a fortune at auction. How on earth had Yelena gotten her hands on it?
Donna, meanwhile, was overwhelmed. It wasn’t the jade itself that touched her heart, but her daughter’s thoughtfulness. She squeezed Yelena’s hand, her gratitude shining through.
Bella, however, simmered in silence, her envy thinly veiled. “What a show-off!” she thought. Surely Yelena had stumbled upon some cheap imitation and was spinning tales to impress the family.
Bella figured it might deceive Callum and Donna, but she knew the others wouldn’t be so easily swayed. Still, seeing the joy on her parents’ faces, Bella bit her tongue, unwilling to spoil the moment.
Breaking the warm atmosphere, Callum suddenly spoke up. “By the way, your grandmother is returning tomorrow. I just got the call p>
Bella’s face lit up like a lantern. “That’s fantastic! I’ve missed Grandma so much p>
Yelena, however, felt a subtle unease creep in. She had never met her grandmother, but something about the situation left a sour taste in her mouth. If the old lady had truly cared about her—the family’s long-lost daughter—wouldn’t she have come home the moment she heard Yelena was back?
A granddaughter’s return should’ve been a cause for celebration, yet the grandmother had chosen to prioritize her so-called retreat. Clearly, Yelena wasn’t much of a priority for her.
But Yelena didn’t linger on the thought. All she could do was her best. She understood that not everyone was going to like her, and she had long made peace with that.
The next morning dawned bright and unhurried, perfect for a Sunday. Yelena came downstairs later than usual, having stayed up late working on a draft and catching up on much-needed sleep.
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As she descended, the buzz of activity in the living room caught her attention. The air was lively, a clear sign that someone important had arrived. Donna noticed her immediately and waved her over, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nerves.
“Yelena, your grandmother just got back. Come and say hello p>
Yelena had anticipated this moment. Keeping her expression calm, she walked over and greeted the older woman in the room. “Good morning, Grandmother p>
A sharp, slightly raspy voice responded, cutting through the air like a blade. “Donna, is this really the daughter you lost? Did anyone bother to confirm her background properly? We can’t just welcome any stray into our family. This isn’t a charity p>
Yelena raised her eyes to meet the source of the voice. There stood an elderly woman whose presence demanded attention. Her hair, entirely silver, was pinned neatly with an elegant hairpin. She wore a deep red silk dress that matched the jade necklace resting against her chest—a symbol of wealth and status.
Despite her age, Elianna Harris exuded vitality and an aura of authority. It was clear she was a woman accustomed to holding the reins and being deferred to—a true matriarch.
“Yes, this is my daughter, Yelena. We’ve checked everything thoroughly. There’s no mistake,” Donna’s tone was respectful, though her unease was evident.
Elianna sniffed disdainfully, her skepticism palpable. “You’re far too trusting, Donna. Do you think the Harris family’s fortune doesn’t attract vultures? After all these years, how did you suddenly manage to ‘find’ her? It’s too convenient, don’t you think p>