Chapter 92
Grace's POV
After leaving the cemetery, we sat quietly in the car for a while. Alex's hand still held mine, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand.
"Thank you for coming with me," he said softly, his voice still hoarse from the emotional release.
"Thank you for taking me to meet her," I replied, turning to face him. "I believe she must have loved you very much."
"Let's get something to eat," Alex said. "I know a quiet place."
He took me to a small Italian restaurant, tucked away and known to few. We were seated in a private corner, away from other guests.
"Do you come here often?" I asked, noticing how familiar the staff seemed with him.
"Occasionally. When I need to be alone," he admitted. "But this is the first time I've brought someone else."
We ordered simple pasta and salad. During the meal, Alex told me more about his childhood—not all sad memories, but some warm moments too.
"Grandma always said I had my mother's eyes," he smiled. "I didn't like hearing that as a child because it reminded me of her death. But now... now I think it's a connection."
"It's a beautiful connection," I agreed.
As our meal was ending, Alex checked the time. "Do you have work arrangements this afternoon?"
"Some meetings, but nothing particularly urgent," I replied.
"Then I'll drive you to the company," he said. "I need to handle some things too."
Alex parked the car in front of the Wilson Holdings building. Before I got out, he gently touched my cheek.
"Today was very meaningful to me," he said. "Not just because you met my mother."
"For me too."
He kissed my forehead, then my lips. The kiss was gentle, full of gratitude and promise.
"Go to work," he said softly. "I'll miss you."
I got out of the car and waved goodbye to him, my heart filled with warmth and satisfaction. This morning's experience had deepened our relationship another layer, and I felt the bond between us had become stronger.
---
At the elevator bank, I encountered Julie. She looked distracted, almost frazzled—unusual for her normally composed demeanor.
"Julie? I thought you were still on leave," I said, concerned by her pale complexion. Yesterday she had requested two days off from me; she shouldn't have been at the company today.
She forced a smile. "Yes, I got my personal matters sorted out."
But something in her eyes told me it wasn't sorted at all. Before I could ask more, the elevator doors opened, and Andrew stepped out.
My stepbrother looked disheveled—his white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, no tie, no jacket, and his usually perfect hair was mussed. When he saw Julie and me, a knowing smirk crossed his face.
"Well, well. The classic 'hero saves the day' scenario never gets old, does it?" he said, his tone dripping with implication.
I assumed he was bragging about some conquest of his own. "Andrew, if you're looking for dating advice, we're probably not your best resource."
His smile widened, and he shot a deliberate glance at Julie. "Oh, I think I'd need to ask your assistant for tips on that front, dear sister."
Julie's face went pale. Her hand shot out to grip my arm, her fingers trembling slightly. I felt her nails dig into my skin through my jacket.
Andrew straightened his shirt, transforming back into his polished businessman persona. "By the way, the Cooper Technology contract is officially signed. Major project for this quarter. Violet is hosting a celebration dinner tonight—all senior staff are expected to attend. That includes you."
He walked away, leaving Julie and me staring after him. I looked down at her, noting how she'd avoided eye contact the moment Andrew appeared.
What the hell happened between them?
"Julie," I started, but she was already shaking her head.
"It's nothing, Grace. Just... Andrew being Andrew, you know?"
But I could see it wasn't nothing. The way she'd reacted, the way Andrew had looked at her—something had definitely happened.
And now I have to deal with Violet tonight. The thought of spending an evening with Alex's childhood friend—the woman who clearly still had feelings for him—made my stomach turn. But this was business, and I couldn't avoid it.
"Want to come with me tonight?" I asked Julie. "Moral support?"
Relief flooded her features. "Yes. Definitely yes."
---
Margaret's POV
I woke from my afternoon nap with a splitting headache, my mouth dry as cotton.
"Bring me my bird's nest soup," I called to the maid as I descended the stairs, my silk robe trailing behind me. The special tonic had been prepared this morning—imported bird's nest, exactly what I needed to restore my strength.
The young maid looked uncomfortable, wringing her hands nervously. "Mrs. Harrison, I'm sorry, but... it's already been consumed."
"What do you mean consumed?" My voice rose sharply. "That was specifically prepared for me!"
"Ms. Parker... she said she was feeling unwell and—"
That bitch. Heat flooded my face as rage coursed through my veins. "That was MY tonic! How dare she touch what belongs to me!"
I pushed past the stammering maid, my heels clicking furiously against the marble floor as I stormed toward the living room. Laura thinks she can just waltz in here and take whatever she pleases? Not in my house.
When I reached the back garden, Laura was sitting on the carpet, playing some ridiculous game with Emma. The moment Emma saw me approaching, she scrambled behind her mother like a frightened animal. Good. At least the child had some sense.
"Well, well," I said, my voice dripping with disdain. "You're not even pretending anymore, are you? Making noise, stealing my supplements—acting like you own this place."
Laura looked up with innocent eyes, but this fooled no one. "I didn't know the soup was specifically yours, Mom. I was feeling dizzy and the maid offered—"
"Don't you dare lie to me!" I stepped closer, my hands clenched into fists. "And don't call me Mom. I will never acknowledge you. And this is my home, I am the master here."
Laura stood up, positioning herself protectively in front of Emma, her expression hardening. "Actually, this is my home too now. Richard made that very clear."
The audacity. This woman—this bitch who'd been sneaking around behind everyone's back for years—thought she could challenge me in my own house?