Chapter 731
Chapter 731:
Yelena slowed her pace, her expression darkening.
Austin’s eyes instinctively darted toward Yelena, catching the subtle flicker of displeasure etched on her face. His brows furrowed slightly, and he stopped abruptly, turning to Monica. His tone carried a hint of irritation. “Why are you here p>
Monica had anticipated a different reaction—a warmth, a glimmer of gratitude, or perhaps even joy. Yet the cold edge in Austin’s voice sliced through her expectations, leaving her momentarily speechless.
She fumbled for words, her thoughts spinning wildly. Finally, she forced an awkward smile and stammered, “I heard from Mrs. Barton that you’d gone for a run. I was worried you might be thirsty or uncomfortable from sweating, so I thought p>
“There’s no need,” Austin cut her off, his voice icy. “If I’m thirsty or uncomfortable, I’ll handle it myself p>
Monica’s smile faltered, her discomfort barely hidden. She shifted her gaze to Yelena and adopted a hostess-like demeanor. “Yelena, what a coincidence! You’ve come for a run nearby too? Are you thirsty? Why don’t you come in for a glass of water p>
The invitation carried an unmistakable tone, as if Monica were already Austin’s wife.
Yelena responded evenly, her voice lacking warmth. “No, thank you. I’ll just drink water when I get home p>
With that, she turned and jogged away toward her house.
It was only then that Monica realized Yelena lived near Austin.
A sharp pang of unease gripped her chest, leaving her breathless.
Monica’s gaze lingered on Austin, and the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The reason behind his decision to buy a house in this particular area—when he had originally intended to stay in Eighfast only briefly—became glaringly clear. What once seemed like an inexplicable choice was now obvious: everything Austin had done was for Yelena.
The realization stung, but Monica swiftly regained control of her emotions. Despite the storm raging inside her, she maintained a calm facade, betraying none of her discontent in Austin’s presence. She forced a contrite expression and said softly, “Austin, I’m sorry. I won’t act impulsively again p>
Without waiting for his response, she turned her wheelchair and headed toward the villa, her face carefully masking her distress.
Austin hesitated for a moment before following her inside.
Maggie spotted the two returning and approached with Lena in her arms, offering a cheerful greeting.
The sight of the pesky cat made Monica’s displeasure flare briefly, but she quickly concealed it behind a fragile smile. Later, she thought to herself, she would come up with an excuse to visit the hospital and get vaccinated.
She had read online that a rabies shot could still be effective within 24 hours after being bitten or scratched.
“Good morning, Lena,” Monica said, forcing a saccharine tone. Even the cat’s name felt like nails on a chalkboard to her.
Lena, however, seemed unimpressed by Monica’s forced friendliness. The feline arched its back, hissing loudly as though it had encountered a mortal enemy. Its golden eyes burned with disdain.
Monica blinked in confusion. She had done nothing to provoke the cat—or so she thought. Why, then, did it act as if it wanted to devour her? She clenched her teeth and thought darkly, “Just wait. Once I’m the mistress of this house, you won’t have such a cushy life p>