Chapter 653
Chapter 653:
“Relax,” she said. Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Austin finally managed a strained, “Sorry p>
Yelena winked playfully. “Don’t worry. I know this wasn’t your doing p>
Austin laughed nervously. One accident might be a coincidence, but the sequence of events seemed too much for mere chance.
Yet the truth remained that he hadn’t planned any of it.
Outside, Cayson caught sight of the fireworks.
Next to him, Bella’s expression darkened.
Damn it! Why was Yelena receiving so much attention from Austin?
He had even orchestrated a grand fireworks display for her.
It looked as though they might be an item.
Bella quickly took a photo and discreetly sent it to Monica.
Seeing the picture, Monica seethed, her anger nearly palpable as she murmured, “Yelena, it seems I can’t just leave you be p>
“Monica, look, that woman looks familiar,” Amanda said, pointing to someone nearby.
Monica followed Amanda’s pointing finger and recognized the figure.
An idea formed as she smirked and approached the woman.
Maggie was out shopping, looking for the perfect gift for Yelena. She wanted something that wasn’t too extravagant, to avoid intimidating her, but nothing too modest either.
Maggie was uncertain about what to pick.
Just then, she had called John for advice, but his suggestions were far from helpful.
“Mrs. Barton…” Maggie heard someone call out and turned around in surprise.
Maggie froze for a moment before a broad smile lit up her face. “Monica! Of all places! What are the odds p>
Monica’s face mirrored Maggie’s delight, her grin warm and welcoming.
She straightened subtly, aware of the significance of this moment. Maggie was Austin’s mother, after all, and leaving a good impression wasn’t just important—it was essential.
“It’s such a pleasant surprise,” Monica said with genuine cheer. “I thought you’d still be away. Weren’t you on a trip recently p>
Maggie nodded, her smile lingering. “I was. A little getaway to recharge. But since Austin’s here, I thought I’d drop by and see him p>
She hesitated briefly, her expression shifting as if a sudden thought had struck her. Reaching out, she clasped Monica’s hand gently, her tone softening. “Monica, tell me something. If someone were to give you a gift, what would you truly treasure? I’d love to know what you young girls these days think p>
Monica blinked, caught off guard, her heart racing slightly. Was Maggie hinting at something? Was she actually planning to send her a gift? Her mind whirled with possibilities, but she kept her composure. “Oh, Mrs. Barton, anything you choose would be meaningful. It’s the thought behind it that makes a gift special,” she said, her cheeks coloring faintly.
Maggie tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Anything p>
“Absolutely,” Monica said with a quick nod.
Maggie tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze distant. “I suppose I should still choose wisely. A gift should feel… special p>
While she appreciated Maggie’s sentiment, the wrong gift—something too ostentatious or too modest—might send the wrong message.