Chapter 383 Debra's Return
The store had a laid-back vibe, like even the air was taking it easy.
Isadora stood alone at the register, bathed in soft light, looking particularly focused and serious.
Suddenly, the calm was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. The door swung open gently, and a woman dressed in designer clothes, radiating arrogance, walked in.
She glanced around the store with a look of disdain, as if deciding whether this place was worthy of her presence.
After confirming there was nothing particularly impressive, she let out a soft, derisive snort, a sound that, though quiet, pierced the stillness of the store.
"Give me your most expensive dessert and coffee, to go," she demanded, her tone leaving no room for negotiation, more like an order than a request.
Isadora disliked customers like this, who acted superior, but a customer is a customer. She kept a polite smile. "Sure, please wait a moment."
After taking the order, Isadora called softly to Serafina, who was resting in the lounge area. "Serafina, could you please make our signature coffee to go? Thanks."
Serafina, though still a bit sleepy, perked up immediately upon hearing the work request. She smiled and nodded, then headed to the coffee machine, starting to work skillfully.
Meanwhile, Isadora went to the kitchen, where various desserts prepared in advance were stored. She knew some desserts were complex and time-consuming to make, and they were in high demand.
To ensure customers could quickly enjoy delicious desserts, Bella always prepared a batch in advance during slow times, storing them in a special refrigerator to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Isadora selected the most exquisite and best-tasting dessert from the fridge, carefully packing it to ensure it wouldn't be damaged during transport.
Seeing the packed dessert, the woman's brow furrowed immediately. She glared, her tone filled with obvious dissatisfaction. "So fast? It's not freshly made, is it? I only eat freshly made! Get your boss out here!"
Her sharp voice instantly broke the store's calm.
Serafina, busy packing the coffee, was startled by the sudden outburst, causing her hand to shake and spill a few drops of coffee on her uniform. She quickly set down the cup, wiping the stains with a napkin, her face full of panic and embarrassment.
At this moment, Bella heard the commotion and came out, asking softly, "What's going on, Isadora? What happened?"
Before Isadora could respond, the woman let out a mocking laugh, filled with contempt and glee.
"Bella? I can't believe it. The once high-and-mighty you, now reduced to working in such an insignificant place. It's unbelievable. Looks like Sterling has completely abandoned you, huh? This is such great news! I always said someone like you would never end well. And now, it seems I was right."
Bella's tone was firmer and colder than ever, clearly not expecting to run into Debra here, making her expression darken instantly.
"Debra, you need to learn some respect and watch your mouth. I didn't expect to see you here either. Seems like your days in Harborvale aren't going so well? If you're here to eat, then eat. Don't come here looking for trouble. I have no obligation to put up with your bad attitude!"
Isadora stood by, witnessing Bella's uncharacteristic firmness, feeling a rush of satisfaction. She had never seen Bella so strong before; it was a refreshing change.
"By the way, this is our boss, Bella. We're the ones actually working here," Isadora added, with a hint of pride in her voice.
Debra's face still wore that smug smile, seemingly unfazed by Bella owning a dessert shop. "I heard a new dessert shop opened here, with supposedly amazing taste, even master-level quality. I was curious to see who had such skills. Turns out, it's you, Bella. I knew this so-called 'master-level' was just a gimmick. Even if you're not working here, you're just running a dessert shop. What does that prove?"
"I'm here to relax, unlike your small-time hustle. But since we're here, Bella, why don't you tell me how you got kicked out of the Windsor family? I'm dying to hear your tragic story. Maybe I'll even find it amusing."
Debra's words were full of provocation and schadenfreude, clearly trying to anger Bella.
Bella's voice was as cold as a winter wind, each word like an icy dagger. "I left Sterling by choice, Debra. The man I don't want wouldn't even look at you. If you're so bothered, whose life is really more pathetic?"
Debra's face turned ashen, as if an invisible force had gripped her throat, her eyes wide with rage. "What did you say? How dare you talk to me like that! Say it again if you have the guts!" Her voice trembled with anger, each word squeezed out through clenched teeth, full of resentment and challenge.
The air seemed to freeze, the tension between them like the calm before a storm, filled with anxiety and oppression. Isadora and Serafina watched in fear, not daring to intervene in this clash of wills.
Bella's gaze was unwavering, her voice clear and powerful, repeating each word. "Didn't hear me? I'll say it again. The man I don't want wouldn't want you either!"
As the words echoed, the tension reached its peak. Serafina appeared at the right moment, holding the freshly packed coffee, speaking softly. "The coffee is ready." However, this calm scene did nothing to ease the tension.
Debra, already out of control, grabbed the coffee and hurled it at Bella. "You bitch!"
The coffee cup flew through the air in a furious arc, coffee splattering everywhere, creating a chaotic scene.
Though Bella dodged in time, some coffee still splashed on her clothes, her expression growing colder, her eyes showing unprecedented determination.