Chapter 567
Chapter 567:
If she found out that the house they were living in could bring in over ten million in demolition compensation, she’d surely demand her cut!
By the time Yelena reached them, ready to greet them, Ava spoke first, her tone dripping with feigned surprise. “Oh, Yelena, how did you get here p>
Yelena replied, “I took a taxi p>
Ava’s voice carried a thinly veiled mockery. “You used to have your own driver. When did you become so down-and-out, taking a taxi? It’s been over half a year since you left the Roberts family, right? Have you been working hard all this time? Or is it that you can’t even afford a car? Look at Leo—he’s driving a Porsche p>
Her words, masked as concern, were laced with mockery, clearly meant to highlight her son’s superiority over Yelena.
Yelena offered a polite smile, remaining silent. Ava had always been this way—praising those above her while stepping on those below, exploiting others’ misfortunes to make her feel superior.
Yelena, unfazed, responded coolly, “I haven’t seen Great-Uncle Jack in a while. Is he in good health p>
Ava sneered. “What do you mean by that, Yelena? Of course, he’s in good health! Otherwise, why would he be hosting this birthday banquet p>
Leo chimed in, his tone condescending. “That’s right, Yelena. You probably haven’t dined in a place like this for ages. Make sure you eat more, because you won’t find food like this again when you go back to your day-to-day life p>
Yelena, uninterested in engaging with their taunts, simply turned toward the restaurant.
In fact, it wasn’t even a particularly fancy place—basically just a step above a street food stall. Was there really any need to boast about it?
Yelena headed into the restaurant, leaving Leo and Ava behind.
Ava turned to her son with a serious expression. “Leo, what do you think? Could Yelena just be here for the relocation compensation p>
𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲: g⍶𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗼𝗺
Leo’s brows knitted together briefly, reflecting his own concern. It didn’t take a genius to figure things out—Yelena was no longer part of the Roberts family, and her current life seemed far from easy.
However, he quickly offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Mom. Even if she’s after the money, it’s up to me whether she gets a penny p>
Ava seemed to realize something and visibly relaxed, her expression softening.
Feeling more confident, they walked in together.
By now, Yelena was seated next to Jack, who was chatting warmly with her. “Yelena, you look thinner. Is everything alright? If you need anything, just let me know—I’m here to help p>
Ava overheard this exchange and felt a surge of irritation. Why was the old man fussing over an outsider? Was he even planning to give her money or something? That was absolutely unacceptable!
She quickly elbowed Leo and whispered, “Didn’t you say you brought something for your grandpa? Now’s the time to give it to him p>
Catching on immediately, Leo retrieved the gift he had prepared. “Grandpa, happy birthday! Wishing you health and longevity. I got this special gift for you p>
“Wow, Leo’s really thoughtful. This must’ve cost a fortune,” someone remarked.
“Of course! He’s a project manager now and has a bright future ahead. Generosity suits him p>
Jack gave the gift a fleeting glance, his expression unchanged. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” he remarked in a detached tone, before shifting his focus back to Yelena.
Leo’s anger flared. Despite all his efforts, Jack’s lukewarm reaction stung deeply.
He turned his attention to Yelena and asked with a smug edge, “Yelena, today is Grandpa Jack’s birthday. Don’t tell me you didn’t bring a gift p>
Sizing her from head to toe, Leo noticed the absence of any gift box in her hands. To him, it was confirmation—she had shown up for a free meal. Yelena met his gaze, unfazed. “Who said I didn’t bring a gift p>