Chapter 80
Chapter 80:
The event required a talent showcase, and while many students were eager to participate, most lacked the skills to stand out. Auditions had quickly turned into a ruthless elimination process, leaving only the confident and capable on the list.
Bella, always calculating, waited until most had signed up before stepping forward and adding her name to the list.
As she settled in, a familiar voice caught her attention.
“Hey, Yelena!” Erica called, leaning toward her friend. “We can sign up for the school anniversary celebration performance now. Are you interested p>
Ever since the day Yelena had saved Erica from those rascals, the two had become close friends. Erica admired Yelena’s cool, composed demeanor, which masked a fiercely loyal and principled heart. Beneath Yelena’s indifference was a sharp mind that could simplify even the most complex challenges.
Their easy rapport had grown naturally, and Erica considered Yelena a friend worth having.
Yelena’s response came in her usual calm tone. “Nope! I’m not interested p>
Yelena was never one for the spotlight, preferring to keep a low profile and avoid such events.
But across the room, Bella overheard the exchange, and her lips twisted into a smirk.
Not interested? Or was it that Yelena had no talent to showcase? The idea took root quickly. Having been brought up in a nouveau riche family, Yelena probably hadn’t had the time or even the chance to learn any fine arts.
Bella’s mind raced, and a cunning glint appeared in her eyes. She couldn’t pass up such a perfect chance to embarrass Yelena.
When the time came to finalize the registration list, Bella seized the chance. She approached the sheet with feigned nonchalance, her fingers trailing to the last column. With a deliberate flourish, she wrote Yelena’s name.
She stepped back, her triumphant smile growing as she imagined Yelena fumbling through a performance.
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Bella had even chosen the piano—a skill she was sure Yelena lacked.
Yelena walked home alone after school that day.
Without the luxury of a driver, she arrived later than the rest of her family members.
As she stepped through the grand front doors, the hum of animated voices from the living room greeted her. The entire family was gathered, deep in discussion about Elianna’s upcoming birthday.
Sunday marked her grandmother’s seventieth birthday, a milestone that warranted a grand celebration.
Callum had already laid out the major arrangements and was now reviewing the finer details with Katelyn.
Invitations had been sent to family, friends, and prominent figures in elite social circles.
As the wealthiest family in Eighfast, the Harris family’s events were always noteworthy, and Elianna’s birthday would be no exception.
The weekend arrived in the blink of an eye, and with it, the bustling excitement of the grand banquet.
By noon, guests began streaming into the estate, their arms laden with carefully chosen gifts.
The Harris residence was a flurry of activity, with staff moving briskly and family members mingling with the guests.
Elianna was the picture of elegance, dressed in a rich dark red gown that complemented her emerald necklace.