Chapter fourteen(14)
499 Words
Chapter 14
The dining room remained lively, filled with soft chatter and the occasional clink of cutlery.
But at the head of the table, Elder Madam Bean said nothing.
Her gaze lingered on Adam for a moment longer than necessary.
“…She handled herself well yesterday,” she finally said.
The words were calm—but they carried weight.
The table grew slightly quieter.
One of the cousins leaned forward, curiosity lighting her eyes.
“So… I don’t get the wrong idea,” she said carefully, “but you mean the nanny handled the situation well?”
Another aunt let out a soft chuckle. “Not everyone knows how to behave properly under pressure.”
“And she does?” someone else added, amused.
An aunt raised a brow, a teasing smile forming. “You’re praising a nanny now?”
Elder Madam Bean didn’t react.
“I praise competence,” she said simply.
That ended it.
The conversation slowly shifted after that—back to business, family matters, and light laughter.
But the thought lingered.
And Adam—
Though silent—
Hadn’t missed a single word.
⸻
Meanwhile…
Bella’s workplace was buzzing with activity.
Staff moved in and out, cameras flashed, and security stood firmly at the entrance.
Clara and Olivia approached.
“Excuse me,” Clara said politely, “we’re here to see Bella.”
The security guard didn’t even hesitate.
“Sorry. No entry without authorization.”
Clara frowned slightly. “Can you please just let her know Clara is here?”
“No authorization, no entry.”
Olivia crossed her arms. “Since when do you need permission to see your own sister?”
“Rules are rules.”
Behind the glass doors—
Someone watched.
Lilian.
A slow, satisfied smile curved her lips.
She turned slightly toward her manager.
“Those two,” she said casually. “They’re just fans.”
The manager didn’t question it.
“Security,” he said immediately, “do not let them in.”
Outside—
“This is ridiculous,” Olivia muttered. “She’s your sister, not some celebrity you have to book an appointment for.”
Clara’s expression tightened.
Then she pulled out her phone.
“I’ll call her.”
⸻
A few minutes later—
Bella stepped outside.
Clara froze.
For a moment, she couldn’t move.
Bella looked… different.
Thinner.
Paler.
Like something in her had been drained quietly over time.
“Clara?”
That one word broke her.
Tears filled Clara’s eyes instantly.
“Bella…”
She stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly.
“What happened to you?”
Bella gave a small, tired smile. “I’m fine. Just work stress.”
Clara shook her head, her eyes scanning her face.
“No… you’re not.”
Olivia stepped in gently. “Let’s not do this here. Can we go somewhere quieter?”
Bella hesitated… then nodded.
“Okay.”
But as Clara walked beside her…
she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was already very wrong.
- Writer
