apter 89
Yanina never sought out trouble, but she never backed down from it either.
Since Mabel came looking for a scolding, she certainly wasn’t going to hold back. “Mrs. Harnett, I respect you as an elder, so
I won’t argue with you. But kindly ask Tamara to keep her mouth shut. Does slandering others make her happy, or is it that the entire Harnett family lacks proper upbringing?”
Zoe couldn’t help but burst out laughing
Yanina hadn’t directly insulted Mabel Instead, she gracefully displayed tolerance as a younger person.
But by addressing Tamara, she had effectively chastised the whole family.
Like mother, like daughter.
“Yanina, how dare you insult me like that? Do you even know who I am? Mabel glared at her, her freshly manicured nails trembling as if she wanted to break them in rage.
Yanina remained calm. “Of course I do. You’re the wife of the Harnett Group’s president. I also remember how you stole your cousin’s husband and ruined her family. Your reputation? Everyone in Yvale knows about it”
“You…. you bitch!” Mabel pointed at Yanina, on the verge of screaming, but she had no comeback.
Yanina watched Mabel’s face grow pale, her hands starting to shake as she realized her dirty laundry had been aired everyone to see. She couldn’t even form a coherent response.
Not wanting to waste any more time with her, Yanina gently tugged Zoe’s arm. “Let’s go, Zoe.”
Zoe nodded, but her respect for Yanina grew even stronger.
In this ruthless social circle, Yanina was like a leaf floating without roots.
With no solid support, people like Mabel thought they could easily bully her.
If Yanina had been any weaker or more fragile, she would’ve been crushed by people like them long ago.
Zoe’s heart ached as she realized this.
Suddenly, a memory struck Zoe, and she turned to Mabel, her eyes filled with hostility.
A few days ago, it was Tamara who had locked Jasmine and Yanuja in a bathroom, almost getting Jasmine killed.
Tor
“Mrs. Harnett, is it? I’m Zoe Watson, wife of the Watson Group’s president. Yanina is my friend, and I suggest you treat her with more respect next time. The entire Watson family stands behind her. Anyone who crosses her crosses all of us. And as for what happened in the bathroom, the Watson family won’t just let that slide,” her tone was cold.
Mabel, feeling the pressure from Zoe, didn’t dare respond.
After Tamara’s actions against Zoe’s daughter, the Watson family retaliated by blocking the Harnett family from securing a prime piece of land in Yvale during a recent auction.
Mabel’s husband, Sebastian Harnett, had been furious with her for not keeping Tamara in check.
Now that Mabel was aging and had lost her youthful charm, without a son backing her, the last thing she wanted was to upset Sebastian further.
With a heavy sigh. Mabel tumed and stormed off to her room.
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“Thank you, Zoe, Yanim said softly.
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She knew that if Zoe hadn’t intervened by invoking the Watson family’s name, Mabel would’ve continued to cause a scene.
“We’re friends. Don’t mention it. Next time you deal with someone as unreasonable as her, don’t hesitate to remind them you’re with me. Whatever happens. I’ve got your back, Zoe said warmly.
The last time someone had said something like that to Yanina, it had been her grandfather. “Yani, don’t worry. If anything. happens. I’ll back you up. Be bold. I don’t believe anyone can bully my Christina.”
His words, as if still carrying warmth, echoed in her mind, bringing tears to Yanina’s eyes.
Just as Yanina and Zoe stepped out of the corridor, they saw Cameron striding toward them.
Zoe noticed the urgency in his eyes and instantly knew how deeply he cared for Yanina.
She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of argument had pushed them to the brink of divorce.
Zoe quickened her pace, pulling Yanina along until they caught up with Cameron. She then placed Yanina’s hand into his.
“You’ve barely been apart for a few minutes, and already you’re rushing over?” she teased.
Hearing Zoe’s playful tone, Cameron couldn’t help but smile, the anxiety on his face melting away
It had been a while since he last held Yanina’s hand, and now, an unexpected nervousness crept up on him. His palms began to sweat slightly.
I’ve been waiting for quite a while. I just wanted to check on you. Everything alright?” he said.
I only get to spend a few hours with Yanina. Changing clothes took way too long, he thought, his frustration toward Lili deepening
It’s fine. The wine was too sticky, so I took a quick shower, Yanina explained.
Sensing the moment, Zoe quickly chimed in, I’ll head out now. You two have a good talk.”
With a smile, she left them alone.
Yanina noticed Cameron still holding her hand, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to pull it away. But the more she tried, the tighter his grip became. “Let go.”
“Then link arms with me, Cameron said, almost like a child, his voice laced with a surprising vulnerability.
Yanina blinked at him, astonished by this side of him. It was as if a softer soul had taken over Cameron’s body, leaving him almost unrecognizable.
“Well?” he asked again, his tone gentle.
Without really thinking, Yanina nodded and looped her arm through his, allowing him torescort her into the auction hall.
Unbeknownst to them, Mabel, lurking behind, discreetly snapped a picture of the two and sent it off to Sherry.
Inside the auction room, a server guided Cameron and Yanina to their seats in the front row.
Just across the coffee table from them sat Julian, the representative of the city official, along with his daughter, Sophie.
Sophie flashed Cameron a sweet smile, but Cameron didn’t seems to notice. After a brief nod toward Julian, he focused entirely on helping Yanina settle into her seat.
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Yanina picked up the coffee that had just been served. The familiar aroma of Blue Mountain Coffee filled her senses. It was
her favorite
“How is it? I had it specially prepared for you. Cameron said, sanding beside her.
“It’s good.” Yanina replied, sipping her coffee.
But a slight frown appeared between her brows. When did Cameron become so thoughtful? she wondered.
Every little thing he had done today seemed carefully planned to please her.
A thought crept into her mind. Could it be he’s regretting the divorce?
But then she shook her head, dispelling the idea.
She hadn’t regretted it.
There were still so many things she needed to do, so many important things worth pursuing.
Rather than waste her time on fleeting emotions, she’d rather focus on becoming stronger, strong enough to protect those she cared about and to achieve the goals she had yet to fulfill.
The host, noticing Cameron had settled in, announced the official start of the auction.
The first item was a piece of antique glassware, with a starting bid of 100 thousand.
Cameron glanced at the glassware on the stage, but seeing Yanina had no interest, he quickly lost focus and took a sip of his coffee instead
guess this piece was likely donated by Julian, hence why it was the first item up for
He didn’t need to think too hard to guess bidding
The room was full of people eager to curry favor with the mayor, and bids flew fast.
The price soon rocketed from 100 thousand to 300 thousand
Sophie, sitting proudly, smiled smugly, looking full of herself.
Julian, watching his daughter’s brash display, couldn’t help but shake his head. “Pride comes before the fall; he wondered.
As his daughter, Sophie’s every action was subject to public scrutiny.
If she continued acting so high–profile, trouble would come her way eventually.
“Sophie, have you forgotten what I’ve told you?” Julian scolded her quietly.
Sophie quickly dropped her head and whispered to him, Dad, what do you think of Cameron?”
Julian turned to look at Cameron.
At that moment, Cameron was carefully pouring more coffee for Yanina.
Sophie, trust me. He’s not right for you, Julian said firmly.
“What do you mean? He’s not right for me?” Sophie replied, clearly annoyed
She was about to argue further, but the sound of the auctioneer’s gavel brought her up short
The antique glassware sold for 340 thousand, with Sebastian Harnett of the Harnett Group winning the bid.
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Several more items were auctioned off, but none of them piqued Yanina’s interest. She and Cameron remained silent, not raising their paddles once.
That was until a pair of emerald bracelets appeared on stage, catching Yanina’s eye. She leaned in slightly, listening to the description with more interest.
“Do you like them?” Cameron asked.
They’re nice. Yanina nodded:
I knew you’d like them, Cameron said confidently, flashing a smile.
