Chapter 618
Chapter 618:
Not that Cayson particularly disliked Austin, but Yelena was the crown jewel of their family. He believed she deserved someone who could move mountains for her, not just anyone who came along.
Donna, on the other hand, couldn’t hide her disappointment when she saw Yelena enter unaccompanied. She had actually wanted to meet her daughter’s friend.
“Where’s your friend?” Donna asked, curiosity clear in her voice.
“He’s busy,” Yelena replied casually, her tone slightly indifferent.
“We’ve already ordered some dishes,” Donna continued, trying to lift the mood. “See if there’s anything else you’d like to add p>
“No, it’s fine. I’ll just have whatever you’re having,” Yelena responded, brushing off the question.
Ordinarily, Bella might have chimed in with one of her sharp-tongued comments, but today she seemed oddly subdued, her usual spark conspicuously absent.
Yelena, however, barely noticed Bella’s uncharacteristic quietness. The competition had just wrapped up, and the tension of the past days had left her drained. Now that she could finally relax, her hunger roared to life, like a storm breaking through the calm.
Even though Yelena hadn’t been involved in placing the orders, the dishes that arrived at the table were all her favorites. She savored each bite, thoroughly enjoying the meal.
After dinner, her phone buzzed, and she answered a call from Brody. The news he delivered struck her like a thunderclap.
The Prescott family in Eighfast had vanished during her meal.
Meanwhile, Madonna received word that both of her attempts to harm Yelena had failed, leaving her with a gnawing sense of unease.
A storm seemed to be brewing, and the sudden ringing of the phone at home only added to her anxiety.
Earlier that day, she had overheard a conversation between Tatiana and Sonya and volunteered to help, driven by her irritation over the botched attempt the previous evening.
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Madonna hated Yelena so much that she instantly offered to help.
Tatiana, seeing an opportunity, didn’t object to Madonna’s offer. For her, it was a chance to rid herself of someone she despised while keeping her own slate clean.
As the phone call ended, Madonna’s father turned to the family, his face alight with excitement. “Incredible news!” he exclaimed.
“What happened?” Madonna’s mother asked eagerly, catching the enthusiasm in her husband’s voice. It seemed like something good had happened.
“You won’t believe it,” the man said, nodding with fervor, his gaze falling on Madonna. “Mr. Barton has invited you out this evening p>
“Mr. Barton who?” Madonna repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion. She couldn’t recall knowing anyone by that name.
“Yes, Mr. Austin Barton of Kheley—the wealthiest man in the country p>
“What? Him?” Madonna’s shock was palpable. The idea seemed so far-fetched it bordered on absurdity. “Why would someone like him want to meet me p>
She was acutely aware that she and Austin inhabited entirely different worlds. The idea of him suddenly taking an interest in her felt like an enigma wrapped in a riddle.
Her father, however, saw things differently. He sized her up, his expression thoughtful. “Go change into something stunning. You can’t meet Mr. Barton dressed like that p>
“But Dad, I like Cayson,” Madonna protested, her voice tinged with frustration. Austin might be handsome, but he was a distant constellation, glittering far beyond her reach. Even dreaming of being with him felt like grasping at stardust.
Her father sighed, exasperation flickering across his features.
Cayson was undoubtedly a good man, and he had supported Madonna’s interest in him for a long time. But after so many fruitless attempts, he felt it was time to move on.