Chapter 4 Another Troublesome Sister

Bella had coveted that bracelet for as long as she could remember. Donna, however, had never wavered in her refusal to part with it as she cherished it deeply.

And now, in the blink of an eye, it had been handed to Yelena, effortlessly and without hesitation.

Why? Was it simply because Yelena was Donna's biological daughter?

A bitter wave of resentment surged through Bella. She refused to let Yelena steal all the attention from the Harris couple.

"Yelena, I'm sorry," Bella said softly, her voice trembling as her fingers anxiously twisted the fabric of her dress. "I didn't realize how hard life must have been for you and what you must have been through. If my presence is ever a burden to you, maybe I should just leave..."

Her tone was laced with humility, but beneath the surface lay a faint trace of resentment, subtle yet unmistakable.

She appeared humble, thoughtful and extremely vulnerable, yet each word carried a barely perceptible sense of grievance.

Yelena pinched the bridge of her nose, her narrowed eyes studying Bella intently. She hadn't missed the flicker of malice in Bella's gaze just moments ago.

This girl was strikingly reminiscent of Sonya.

How had Yelena found herself entangled with yet another troublesome sister?

Before Yelena could respond, Donna's voice cut through the tension, calm yet assertive. "Bella, what are you implying? You are every bit as much a part of this family as Yelena. We've only just found her, and it's natural we'd want to reconnect. Don't overthink it, dear."

Bella's lips curled ever so slightly into a self-assured smile. "Of course, Mom. I completely understand."

For now, Donna and Callum might be enraptured by the novelty of Yelena's return, but Bella was confident it wouldn't last. They would soon realize who truly fit the role of the Harris family's rightful heiress.

Sure, Yelena had beauty. That much was undeniable. But what else?

Her demeanor was subdued, almost timid, and her clothing-simple and utterly devoid of prestige-betrayed her modest background.

How could someone like Yelena, with no claim to sophistication or standing, ever hope to measure up?

Bella, with her effortless charm and position among Eighfast's elite, was the epitome of the Harris family's legacy. This new sister didn't stand a chance.

Soon enough, Bella thought, the illusion would shatter, and Yelena would find her proper place-on the periphery.

"I'm feeling a little tired," Yelena said quietly, her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion. "I think I'll rest for a while."

Donna's expression shifted instantly, concern softening her features. "Of course, sweetheart. Let me show you to your room."

The Harris family had gone to great lengths to prepare for Yelena's return. The room, lovingly refurbished, was a testament to their anticipation and care.

Soft cream walls enveloped the space, complemented by pristine white furnishings that exuded an understated elegance. The minimalist decor was a masterpiece of thoughtful design, every detail meticulously curated to create a serene haven.

"Yelena, what do you think?" Donna asked, her tone brimming with warmth. "If there's anything you'd like to change, just say the word."

Donna pulled open the wardrobe doors, revealing rows of meticulously arranged designer clothing. "These are the latest collections from various world-famous designers," she said with pride. "All freshly delivered just for you."

Yelena's lips trembled, her eyes misting over. "I love it. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad."

Donna exhaled, her relief evident. "I'm so glad you like it, dear. Get some rest for now. Later, we'll have dinner. I've asked the staff to prepare something special."

"Okay," Yelena replied softly.

The Harris family spared no effort in celebrating Yelena's return, orchestrating a lavish feast that showcased an impressive array of dishes.

The grand dining table was adorned with culinary masterpieces designed to appeal to every palate.

Throughout the meal, Donna fussed over Yelena, constantly adding food to her plate, while Callum engaged her in light, pleasant conversation.

Yelena listened attentively, occasionally offering a response, though her mind was still reeling.

The entire experience felt surreal.

From what Jonathan had told her, she had believed her biological family lived in modest means. To discover they were, in fact, the wealthiest family in Eighfast was a revelation that left her disoriented.

The Roberts family's investigation, it seemed, had been woefully lacking in accuracy.

As the evening unfolded, Bella's discontent simmered beneath her composed facade. She leaned forward, her expression one of feigned sincerity. "Yelena, you should eat more. I'm sure you've rarely had the chance to enjoy such fine dishes before. Please, don't hold back."

Donna's gaze softened even further at Bella's words, interpreting them as a reminder of the hardships Yelena might have endured over the years. Her determination to make amends only deepened. Without a second thought, she added more food to Yelena's plate.

Bella's grip on her fork tightened, her unease growing with each passing moment.

Suddenly, Bella's face lit with feigned concern. "Yelena, I heard you didn't finish high school? Have you thought about going back to complete your studies?"

The Roberts family, nouveau riche and inexperienced in nurturing potential, had placed little importance on Yelena's education. They had mistaken her quiet demeanor for disinterest and allowed her to navigate her studies independently.

In reality, Yelena had completed her coursework on her own terms and decided that formal schooling no longer served her ambitions.

Yet, most people assumed she had dropped out due to academic failure. Yelena saw no need to correct this misconception; it didn't matter to her.

Bella, however, found the attention Yelena received intolerable.

Until now, she had been the Harris family's cherished daughter, the focus of their pride.

Yelena's unexpected return had upended that dynamic, and Bella could feel her carefully curated position slipping away.

Callum broke the silence, his tone gentle and supportive. "Yelena, it's completely up to you. If you'd like to continue your studies, I'll help you find a school that suits you."

The Harris family had always prized intellectual achievement, but Callum's joy at having Yelena back outweighed any concern about societal expectations. He didn't want her to feel pressured by them.

He respected her boundaries unconditionally.

Bella, however, wasn't ready to let the matter drop. She leaned forward, her voice adopting a note of supposed regret. "Dad, education is crucial. Having qualifications opens doors and makes it easier to find a good job. And Yelena is still young, just like me. It would be such a shame to waste these precious years."

Donna nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering Bella's words. "That's true. Yelena, we should arrange for you to attend a reputable school. Bella, isn't Kheley University, the one you go to, quite prestigious? Perhaps that would be a good fit for Yelena as well."

Bella froze, momentarily stunned.

Was Donna out of her mind?

Kheley University wasn't just any institution-it was the pinnacle of academic excellence. Admission was fiercely competitive, reserved for those with impeccable credentials.

Even Bella, who had always been among the top students, had secured her place only through her stellar exam scores.

Masking her irritation with a thoughtful expression, Bella said, "Mom, Kheley University doesn't admit students based on connections. The last person who tried to force their way in faced severe backlash-there were even rumors it drove them to the brink of depression. I'm just worried that if Yelena attends under those circumstances, the pressure might be too much for her."

In reality, Bella was determined to keep Yelena as far away from Kheley University as possible.

Bella's current status as the campus belle made her the envy of many. Yelena's undeniable beauty threatened that title, and the idea of having her unpolished sister in such close proximity filled Bella with dread.

Yelena's calm, steady voice broke the tension. She set her fork down, brushing off Bella's veiled warning. "If everyone thinks Kheley University is a good fit for me, then I'll go there. Actually, the Kheley University president, Mr. Hugh Wilson himself, has already reached out to me. I just need to confirm my attendance."

The dining room plunged into stunned silence. Donna and Callum exchanged wide-eyed glances, their astonishment palpable.

Bella's brow arched in disbelief. "Are you serious? Are you actually talking about the same Kheley University?"

Yelena gave a composed nod, her tone unwavering. "Yes, Bella. I understand your concerns, but there's no need to worry. Dad, Mom, I'll take care of the arrangements myself."

"What?" Still in shock, the Harris couple exchanged incredulous glances at each other.