Chapter 918
Chapter 918:
Leaning in close to Elianna, she murmured in a voice only Elianna could hear, “How odd! The way those two act, one could almost mistake them for lovers rather than cousins p>
Elianna’s expression stiffened, her sharp eyes snapping to Bella and Jarvis.
She had seen nothing amiss before, but now that Yelena had planted the thought, the entire scene felt… unnatural.
Jarvis’ anxious gaze, his overprotective stance, the way his every movement revolved around Bella—it was not the quiet concern of a cousin, but something deeper, something unsettling.
A storm gathered in Elianna’s eyes, replacing the warmth she had felt moments before.
“Enough, Bella! That’s quite enough!” she barked, her voice slicing through the air. “I believe your devotion is well-noted by God p>
At those words, Jarvis reacted instantly, stepping forward and pulling Bella to her feet.
But Bella’s legs, numb from kneeling too long, wobbled beneath her, and she stumbled straight into Jarvis’ arms.
Jarvis caught her instinctively, a surge of emotions flashing across his face.
Elianna’s gaze darkened as she observed every detail of their interaction.
She snapped, “Can’t you even stand on your own p>
Bella flinched. Elianna had rarely ever spoken to her in such a harsh tone.
Turning her head, Bella saw the old woman’s piercing eyes, their sharpness undimmed by age, burning with disapproval.
Quickly, Bella straightened herself, murmuring, “Be careful,” as she stepped away from Jarvis’ embrace.
But Jarvis was reluctant to let go. Before he could protest, Elianna’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “Jarvis, come here p>
There was no room for disobedience. With evident reluctance, Jarvis walked over. “Grandma, what is it p>
L𝑎t𝑒st ch𝑎pt𝑒rs in
Elianna’s gaze bore into him. “Be mindful of propriety. Bella is a woman, and you are a man p>
“But p>
“No buts,” she interrupted, her tone brooking no argument. “Let’s keep moving. I’m in a good mood today p>
Yet, despite her words, the warning lingered in the air. Her good mood was a fragile thing, like glass balanced on the edge of a table—it could shatter at the slightest push.
Jarvis dared not push his luck. He composed himself and tread carefully.
After a brief hesitation, he asked, “Grandma, you do care for Bella, don’t you p>
Elianna let out a cold, dismissive snort, refusing to answer.
The truth was, Elianna did like Bella—but only as a companion, not as a potential match for Jarvis.
Bella’s origins were a mystery, an orphan with no known lineage. Someone like that could never help elevate Jarvis’ status or future prospects.
Elianna had high hopes for Jarvis, dreams that stretched far beyond sentimental attachments. Marrying Bella would only be a hindrance.
Besides, Elianna had raised Bella like a granddaughter. The very idea of her grandchildren ending up together felt fundamentally wrong, almost unnatural.
Halfway up the mountain stood the church, their destination. They arrived swiftly.