Chapter 77 Chapter 77
Benjamin remained silent, lying there quietly.
Grace felt uneasy, unsure of how much he would believe or how much suspicion it might stir in him. But with events having unfolded as they had, she had no other choice. She could only do her best with what she had and leave the rest to luck.
She was exhausted, utterly drained in body and spirit.
The next day, the college administration summoned her for a meeting regarding the whistleblower letter. Grace took a firm stance, denying all the allegations in the letter and declaring that she would defend her reputation through legal channels.
By the third day, the administration was at a loss for words. They could only suppress the matter further, offering her a few words of reassurance while also urging her to be mindful of her conduct and private life. Though she was innocent, the incident inevitably cast a negative light on her.
Grace countered, "I see nothing improper in my conduct, and I'm unsure what I should be mindful of. As for my private life, the term 'private' implies that it belongs solely to me. As long as I haven't broken any laws, others have no right to criticize."
The dean was rendered speechless and exchanged a few glances with Grace before finally letting her leave.
No sooner had Grace returned to her office than Nathan arrived to submit his inspection report. Perhaps overwhelmed by the attention focused on him, the usually composed young man seemed slightly flustered. He lowered his head slightly, placed the report on Grace's desk, and murmured, "Here you go, Ms. Hill."
Grace picked it up, scanned it briefly, and nodded slowly. "You may go now."
Nathan began walking out with his head bowed. After taking a few steps, however, Grace called him back. He turned to face her, meeting her intensely serious gaze. Her voice was firm. “Lift your head! You haven't done anything wrong!"
Although her voice wasn't loud, it carried with unusual clarity.
He paused, his eyes brightening. He instantly stood straight and responded in a clear voice, "Understood."
Only then did Grace lift the corners of her lips and offer him a smile he hadn't seen in a long time.
As the afternoon drew to a close, Michael called to inform Grace that Benjamin had something come up that day.
She had been staying at Benjamin's apartment for the past few days. Even if he hadn't called, she would have gone there. Hearing this sudden call, it took her a moment to grasp Michael's meaning before replying, "I understand."
Instead of going to Benjamin's apartment, she drove straight home.
Her home was unchanged since she left. The porcelain doll stood alone on the bedside table, smiling carefree. Grace stared at it for a moment before reaching out to poke its forehead. "You silly thing," she murmured. "Where are you now? Are you thinking of me?"
She flopped onto her back on the bed and relaxed. She allowed herself to indulge in thoughts of Adrian—something so simple yet something she had never dared to do before.
Her phone lay within arm's reach. She wanted to dial his number, to hear his voice, to hear him call her name. But she couldn't bring herself to do it. Even though she knew Benjamin was no longer monitoring her phone, she still couldn't do it.
No matter how much she longed for him, she couldn't.
Benjamin hadn't contacted Grace for several days straight, which made her uneasy. She became increasingly cautious in her actions. Though deeply concerned about the fingerprint matter, she didn't dare contact Mrs. Meyer.
She was afraid. She was afraid that Benjamin had already suspected her and that his recent laxity was merely a deliberate ploy.
Exam week had ended, and students were leaving campus one after another as the long holiday approached.
During her work breaks, Grace began browsing travel websites and considering inviting her parents to spend the holidays abroad.
First, she could avoid the hassle of meeting with them. Second, it would serve as a test.
Moreover, she planned to make Canada the first stop for a specific purpose.
She didn't intend to hide this from Benjamin. If possible, she hoped to seek his help at an opportune moment to lower his guard.
The day before the official school break began, Grace received another call from Benjamin. He stated bluntly, "Come to Garma."
Surprised but not alarmed, she assumed that he wanted to take her out partying with his friends again. She went home to change, then drove to Garma.
The club was as gaudily lit and decorated as ever. Michael was waiting outside to escort her to Benjamin's usual private room.
It was only when the attendant opened the door that she sensed something was off. The usually boisterous room was eerily silent. Upon stepping inside and taking in the scene, Grace instantly grasped the situation.
The room was crowded, yet silence hung heavy in the air. Benjamin sat in the center while Landon and Zach stood guard nearby. Gia knelt trembling on the floor before the coffee table, sobbing in terror.
Isabella stood beside her, equally frightened. Spotting Grace, Isabella shot her a pleading look and timidly called out, "Ms. Hill."
Benjamin lifted his head to meet her gaze, his tone cool. "Come over here, Grace."
Grace moved toward him. Landon promptly stepped aside to let her pass and addressed her politely, "Ms. Hill." She didn't respond, only nodding slightly before sitting down beside Benjamin. Though she had already guessed what had happened, she still asked, "What's going on?"
Benjamin smiled and tilted his chin toward Gia below him. "Well, there's the devil you spoke of. We've got her."
No sooner had he spoken than Zach stepped forward and kicked Gia as he cursed, "You bitch. I see you have a death wish."
Gia neither resisted nor dodged, shielding her head and face with her arms while crying and begging for mercy.
Isabella, watching nearby, looked horrified. She wanted to intervene but dared not. Already implicated by Gia, she feared being punished herself and didn't dare speak up for her.
Everyone in the room watched silently. Only Grace couldn't bear it. She sprang to her feet and snapped, "Stop!"
Zach froze, halting his kicks. He glanced back at Benjamin, who showed no reaction, and finally stepped aside.
Grace turned to Benjamin. He met her gaze and asked with a faint smile, "What's wrong? Zach was just venting for you."
Grace had long suspected that Gia was behind the wall posters.
She had few enemies. Aside from the girl at school who openly loved Nathan, Gia was the only other person who fit the description. She was the same girl Grace had once blackmailed with nude photos to get a phone. Grace just couldn't understand why Gia would be so foolish. Despite knowing about her complicated relationship with Benjamin, Gia still did something like this.
Grace had no intention of letting Gia off the hook. She hadn't acted simply because she hadn't figured out how to handle the situation.
If it had been one of the girls at school, the worst outcome would have been a public apology to Grace and perhaps a disciplinary record. But Gia was different. Exposing her would mean exposing all her secrets—the fake leave of absence and the nightclub gigs. If Benjamin got dragged into it, death might even seem like mercy.
Gia had certainly brought this upon herself, but it shouldn't cost her her entire life. Grace couldn't let that happen.
She wasn't a saint, but she was a believer and a teacher, and Gia had once been her student.