Chapter 763
Chapter 763:
“Bernice,” Elianna interjected sharply, her eyes conveying clear disapproval. “Bernice, Bella is family p>
Bernice turned to Elianna, a cold smile playing on her lips. “Grandma, ever since she did what she did, I stopped seeing her as family.” Pulling Yelena closer, Bernice inquired, “Yelena, which dress do you think suits me p>
Elianna was momentarily taken aback, disconcerted by Bernice’s defiance.
Unnoticed by Elianna, Bernice’s hand was slowly curling into a fist, her newfound resolve solidifying. Inspired by Yelena’s earlier words, she felt a metaphorical tree within her heart taking root and growing, strengthening her against Elianna’s criticisms.
Yelena looked on with a sense of pride at Bernice’s growth.
“Let’s leave, Grandma. This store doesn’t seem to welcome us,” Bella declared, her voice tinged with distress and anger, expecting the sales staff to react hastily to retain them.
Contrary to Bella’s expectations, however, the salespeople remained calm, their attention subtly directed towards Yelena, as if awaiting her instructions.
Yelena showed no interest in persuading Bella and Elianna to stay, so the salespeople simply watched as they walked away.
Bella and Elianna were both fond of the clothes at Moda Style, but as they walked a considerable distance, no one from the store came after them.
Confused, Bella and Elianna turned back simultaneously, only to see the busy street crowded with people, none of whom were from Moda Style.
“What’s going on?” Elianna murmured in bewilderment.
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Trying to appear rational, Bella said, “Grandma, I apologize. It was wrong of me to let my emotions lead and to drag you out like this p>
Elianna’s expression became grave. “It’s not your fault. I think there might be some manipulation at play p>
Suddenly recalling a piece of conversation, Bella added, “Grandma, I think I overheard a staff member say that Yelena is their designer. I’m not sure if it’s true, but if it is, that might explain their attitude p>
Elianna considered this, feeling that Yelena was being petty and wishing Yelena and Bella could simply get along. “Forget it. Let’s just go to other stores. They aren’t the only place selling clothes,” Elianna suggested dismissively.
She continued, somewhat scornfully, “And who is Yelena, anyway? I know her. What real skills could she have? Her father or brother probably just paid for her to have a nominal role. It’s likely just a waste of money p>
Pretending to defend Yelena, Bella interjected, “Grandma, maybe Yelena is genuinely talented. Didn’t she win an award at the last jewelry design competition p>
Elianna scoffed, “What talent? She just rode on her colleagues’ coattails p>
In Elianna’s view, Yelena was invariably inadequate, regardless of her actions.
Bella smiled and ceased her mock defense of Yelena; her point had already been made, regardless of the outcome.
After Elianna and Bella departed, Bernice felt more at ease. Encouraged by Yelena, she boldly tried on dresses in vibrant pink and yellow. The dresses, though brightly colored, had a lively style that made Bernice look refreshingly youthful and playful, almost ethereal.