Chapter 91: Grace Finds Love

Sophia reread the message on her phone, her fingers becoming tighter.

See the headlines for tomorrow.

The cold shivered through her. There was a scheme in motion. What, though?

Eleanor turned to her and drank her tea gently. "We don't seem to need to go very far," Eleanor said. "They are delivering the solution to us."

Sophia's pulse raced. What if there is harm involved? What may harm Alexander? Or the base?

Eleanor lowered her cup. After that, we have command of the story. Recall, my love, that having strength has nothing to do with stopping assaults. What matters is how you react to them.

Sophia took a long breath. She had changed from being a helpless, terrified woman. She was prepared to face whatever was ahead.

Sophia was eager to see what catastrophe was ahead, so she got up early the next day. She was relieved when she looked at the headlines, however.

A titan of business with a golden heart is Alexander Blackwood.

Instead of being an assault, it was an exposé on Alexander's ascent to prominence that touched on both his charitable endeavors and his hardships. No harm. Not a scandal.

Sophia grimaced. "This is not what I anticipated."

Beside her, Eleanor grinned as she read. And that's precisely why you shouldn't spend your time worrying about the future. A shadow is not always a monster.

Sophia exhaled as she realized Eleanor was correct.

She was reading the news for the day when she flipped to a new page and saw something.

An image of Grace. And underneath that, a headline.

Grace Kensington Was Seen with an Unidentified Suitor. Who Is He?

Sophia opened her mouth in surprise. Grace hadn't brought up a new acquaintance.

Without hesitation, she picked up her phone and dialed her friend.

The second ring was picked up by Grace, who spoke in a humorous tone. "What's the estimated time it will take you to call?"

Sophia wasted no time in acting. “Who is he?”

Grace snickered. "Soph, calm down. It is not as dramatic as the headlines portray it .

"It's not a response."

Although Grace sighed, her voice was quiet. "He is called Ethan."

Sophia's eyebrows raised. “And?”

Grace acknowledged, "And he's... different." "I met him a few weeks ago by chance. His IT business is tiny yet thriving. not gaudy, nor cocky. Just being nice.

Sophia grins. You like him, then.

Grace sighed after hesitating. "I believe that I do."

Sophia smiled. Then fill me in on everything.

Reminiscent of the evening she had met Ethan, Grace reclined on her sofa.

She sought refuge in a little bookshop during the rainy spell. Her hand simultaneously grabbed for a book and another person's while she perused.

When she glanced up, she saw a tall, dark-haired guy with bright blue eyes grinning at her.

His words had been, "Sorry." "My intention was not to steal your book."

Grace gave a sly smile. "So don't."

He laughs. "Alright."

They ended up discussing life, literature, and the absurd downpour outside.

When the rain stopped, Ethan had already asked for her phone number. And it had been a long time since Grace had wanted to offer it.

Grace had taken care. After all that had happened with Jacob, she was hesitant to trust. Ethan, however, had been patient. Just consistent, deliberate labor, without any ostentatious displays or overpowering passion.

Their dates had been calm, including museum trips, late-night coffee runs, and park walks. And Grace felt herself letting go of old anxieties with every moment.

Was she prepared for a genuine thing, though?

She still had that question in her heart.

Grinning, Sophia listened to Grace's narrative. “He sounds fantastic.”

Grace gave a sigh. "He is." But.

"But?"

Grace was hesitant. "Soph, I'm afraid." What if this is just another heartache in the making?

Sophia felt so sorry for her. Or what if it turns out to be the finest thing that has ever happened to you?

Grace chuckled softly. "I suppose there is only one way to learn."

That's when Sophia's phone buzzed once again. An additional message.

As she read it, she stopped smiling.

Who you trust should be more carefully considered.

An alert.

Sophia felt nauseous. Was Grace at issue here? Ethan? Or even worse?

She was clueless. But she was going to learn.

Sophia clenched her fingers around her phone. She felt cold after reading the anonymous note.

The people you trust should be more carefully chosen.

Was it about Ethan ? What if Grace's recent reopening of her heart was a warning about him? Or was there anything else at stake?

Sophia's thoughts were buzzing with potential. Alexander, who was seated across from her in their home office, caught her eye. Her face caught his attention at once.

Placing his iPad aside, he questioned, "What is it?"

He shaded his face as she gave him her phone. "Another message, anonymous?" Despite the calmness of his speech, Sophia could feel the stress behind it since she knew him well.

She said, "Yes." Additionally, this one seems to be a warning.

Alexander got up and paced for a while before turning to face her. "Do you believe that Grace is involved?"