Chapter 141
I took a deep breath, trying to make my voice sound rational and clear, though tinged with deep helplessness, "William, I know you mean well, and I want to do that too—just let it all out."
"But have you thought about the consequences?"
"We both know what kind of person George is—cold, selfish, with an extreme need for control. He hates it most when people challenge his authority, especially when they embarrass him in public."
"If I really did that, exposed Sarah on the spot, it would be slapping George in the face too. He wouldn't let me off."
My voice grew hoarse, "I've just started working again, my career is just beginning, I haven't found my footing yet. What matters most to me is protecting Milly."
"What if he gets furious and uses all his power and money to fight me in divorce court, stops at nothing to take custody of Milly—what would I do then?"
At this point, my voice trembled slightly with fear from deep within, "William, I can lose everything—money, reputation, even dignity. I can give all that up."
"But I can't lose Milly. In this life, I live for Milly. I can't risk anything that might take her away from me."
After hearing me out, the anger on William's face gradually gave way to shock and deeper sympathy. He clearly hadn't expected my concerns to run this deep, or be this absolute.
"Live for Milly..." he repeated quietly, looking at me with complicated emotions, "Grace, you..."
He seemed about to ask why I would say something so heavy, almost obsessive.
But seeing the unshakeable determination and hidden fear in my eyes, he swallowed his question. He respected my choice, even if he didn't fully understand it.
William let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders seeming to sag, but his eyes regained their firmness, "Alright, I get it. Do whatever you think is right. No matter what you decide, I'll be there backing you up."
The atmosphere in the car eased somewhat.
After a moment of silence, William seemed to remember something and suddenly asked, "By the way, I think I heard that Sarah was George's first love, and she went abroad for some guy back then? Could Jack be that guy's child?"
I shook my head. I actually didn't know much about Jack's background for certain.
"I don't know. George never mentioned it, and Sarah keeps it completely secret." I recalled, my tone carrying a distant coldness, "I only remember that the night George brought baby Jack home, his mood was the worst, the darkest I'd seen in those years."
William sighed again after hearing this, "This marriage really wore you down."
I nodded, more like making a promise to myself, "William, don't worry. Once I actually have those divorce papers in hand, once I'm legally completely separated from him, I won't put up with these things anymore."
I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms, using the pain to keep myself alert and determined, "I'm holding back now, keeping it in, just to protect the person I love most, to get those divorce papers safely, without giving George any excuse or reason to turn around at the last moment and hurt Milly."
I paused, lowering my voice with clear awareness, "George is, after all, the young master of Triple Grove Clan. Even though he's cleaned up his image into a respectable businessman now, his roots can't be changed."
"Blue Moon Clan fought him for so many years and still couldn't bring him down, right? He's undoubtedly strong, and someone who'll stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
I looked at William earnestly, "I don't want to drag the Jones family down because of a moment of anger. I appreciate your kindness, but it's really not necessary."
After hearing all this, William's expression grew even more complicated.
He looked at me as if seeing clearly for the first time, beneath my calm and rational exterior, that far-sighted, almost tragic determination.
He seemed to finally accept my reasoning and nodded, "Okay, I understand. We'll go at your pace. I won't be impulsive anymore."
He adjusted his mood, checked his phone, and his face took on a businesslike expression as he changed the subject, "So now, are you feeling better? We should head in. Atticus's assistant just messaged me saying we can go straight to the front when we arrive. There's a simple signing and appearance segment, and probably a few familiar tech media outlets will do brief interviews."
He looked at me inquiringly, "Are you up for it? If you don't like this kind of event, or if you're uncomfortable, I can tell them directly that we won't participate."
I didn't answer right away.
In the past, by George's side, I probably would have instinctively retreated, avoided it.
Because he always kept me hidden, thought I wasn't presentable, thought I wasn't worthy of standing beside him and facing public attention with him.
Over time, even I got used to hiding in the shadows, used to being overlooked.
But now, I'm Grace.
Grace who's shed the identity of Mrs. Smith and established herself at Star Tech through her own abilities.
Grace who amazed the coding competition scene as Nightingale and is about to have her name on the Aviation Administration's key project.
Why should I still hide?
Why should I avoid an opportunity to showcase my professional abilities and value just because I might run into those two?
I looked at William, a clear and confident smile slowly spreading across my face, my eyes bright, "Of course I can. I dressed up this nicely today just so I could make a proper appearance, didn't I?"
William looked at the long-absent, genuine confidence shining on my face and froze for a moment.
Then the corners of his mouth curved up in a gratified smile, "Good."
We got out of the car together and walked back toward the Morgan Group building.
Before entering the signing and appearance area, I took the initiative to reach out and gently take William's arm.
William's body stiffened almost imperceptibly for an instant, seemingly surprised. But he quickly recovered, glanced at me with gentle eyes, then adjusted his posture to make my hold more natural. Then he led me with steady steps toward the red-carpeted signing area.
There were already some early-arriving guests and media reporters around.
Seeing us, especially seeing me actively taking William's arm, some cast curious or probing looks our way.
But I didn't care anymore.
I straightened my back, wore a proper smile, and looked straight ahead.
Reaching the backdrop, a hostess handed us signing pens.
William and I each signed our names in the designated spots.
Star Tech, William Jones
Star Tech, Grace Brown
The two names side by side, clear and strong.
Looking at the name Grace, a strange sense of security welled up inside me.
This was my name, my position earned through my own efforts.
After signing, several tech media outlets that had been contacted beforehand gathered around, mainly to interview William, asking about Star Tech's recent technical developments, prospects for cooperation with the Aviation Administration, and so on.
William responded calmly, his words sincere yet sharp.
I stood slightly behind William, listening quietly, only smiling and adding a few words about specific technical details or team collaboration when William directed the conversation toward me, my manner graceful and my words clear.
Though the focus was mostly on William, I could feel reporters quietly observing me, their eyes curious.
Everything was moving in a positive direction.
However, this brief calm was soon broken.
A slight commotion came from the entrance.