Chapter 1619: I need a garden at this point.

Grace didn’t linger long—she had left half her steak untouched. She told them she had another appointment today, leaving Hugo, Cassandra, and Kiara to enjoy the rest of the meal. After all, Grace had booked the place for her birthday celebration; they might as well eat to their heart’s content.

"I should’ve listened to you earlier," Cassandra said, looking at Kiara while holding her hand. "I really should’ve..."

"But you did in the end," Kiara nodded, offering an encouraging smile. "That’s what matters."

Cassandra’s eyes softened as she imagined how things could’ve gone worse had she hesitated even a day longer. Just before she was escorted out today, some inmates had already marked her as a target. It wasn’t just paranoia—her life would’ve been hell.

"Thank you," she whispered, gently squeezing Kiara’s hand. "Thank you."

"I’ve got your back," Kiara replied, her smile widening. "And I mean that."

Cassandra believed her. The gratitude in her heart ran deep, but so did a warm, quiet appreciation. Of all her relationships, Kiara was the one thing she hadn’t messed up.

As the two shared a moment, they both glanced at Hugo. Their faces twitched at the sight of the growing pile of plates in front of him. Well, it was a buffet—and Hugo was definitely making the most of it.

"Now that I think about it... why is he even here?" Cassandra asked, turning to Kiara.

Kiara chuckled, her smile returning. "Long story. He’s actually the one who recommended Grace to me."

And now that Cassandra brought it up, Kiara recalled someone else who deserved thanks: Stephen Bennet.

If not for Stephen, Hugo wouldn’t have met with Kiara that night. And if that hadn’t happened, she never would’ve been introduced to such a competent lawyer.

Seeing Kiara smile at the memory, Cassandra found herself smiling too.

"You should eat more," Kiara said, nodding toward Cassandra’s plate. "Look at you—you’ve lost so much weight. I bet the food in there wasn’t any good."

"Not even close," Cassandra replied with a small laugh. "I might just eat more."

Even if she didn’t feel especially hungry, Cassandra knew she should eat. The prison food had been as bad as she expected—bland, meager, and tightly controlled, just like their routines. She knew it would be rough, but not that rough.

Even though her stay was short, it left her with a profound realization.

Cassandra had never truly understood what it meant to live without freedom—until she lost it. And now, every little thing in life felt like a gift.

Just like how Penny never took anything for granted, even preparing for the worst possible situation — like training Grace for what she was exactly doing right now for Cassandra — just not to go back in that wretched place.

******

Having another appointment was a lie.

Grace had no such thing planned—she had expected this case to take up her entire day. It mattered to her deeply, and she wanted to give it her full attention, ensuring Cassandra would be released today. Even if it meant arguing with the warden, who seemed determined to stall and keep Cassandra locked up until after the weekend.

Grace hadn’t mentioned any of that, but it didn’t matter.

"Miss Grace!" Her assistant greeted her promptly, hurrying to walk beside her as she made her way to the office. "I heard the news!"

Grace stopped in her tracks and turned. "It reached you that fast?"

"I have my connections," the assistant winked. "And everyone’s already talking about it. They’re saying... ’There she goes again!’"

"I bet they’re not happy about it."

"They’re not. But I’m sure they’re impressed."

Grace chuckled and resumed walking. As they reached her office, she asked,

"Anything important happen while I was out?"

"Nope. You said you’d be focused on the case today," the assistant replied, practically beaming.

Grace paused just before the door and turned to her. "What is it? Why are you smiling like that?"

"Another batch of flowers came in," the assistant said brightly. "I left the sunflowers on your desk."

"Oh?" Grace raised a brow, tilting her head. Before she could say more, her assistant leaned in with a teasing tone.

"There’s a letter this time. I didn’t open it, of course, but the sunflowers came with a card."

Grace blinked, then blinked again, a pink flush creeping across her cheeks. The assistant squealed under her breath.

"Miss Gracie, no wonder you’ve been glowing lately. People in love have a whole different aura," she teased. "I’m really happy for you. You look... genuinely happy."

"Thank you," Grace said with a nod, though she didn’t continue the conversation. As much as she loved to talk about Haines all day, she knew now wasn’t the time.

With a quiet smile, she stepped into her office. Unlike her usual habit of keeping it open, she gently closed the door behind her.

She turned toward the desk and let her gaze settle on the bouquet. It was bigger than usual—and even brighter.

"They look happier too," she murmured, walking closer and picking them up. Her smile deepened, her eyes soft as she traced the petals with a careful touch.

She brought them to her nose, inhaling their familiar scent—fresh grass, honey, and pollen. Then her eyes caught the small pink card nestled within. She hugged the bouquet close and opened the card with care.

Grace took her time, though she already expected something simple. She was right. But even a short message was enough to make her heart swell.

[For you, always.]

[Yours, always.]

Her expression melted, still smiling as she read it again like it were a cherished page in a novel.

"I guess... it’s time I move into a house," she whispered, glancing around the room at the many vases filled with sunflowers in various stages of bloom. Each corner of the office glowed with them. She hadn’t brought herself to throw away the first bouquet—not yet.

"I need a garden at this point."

A soft chuckle escaped her as she turned and opened the door again.

"Can you bring me another vase?" she called out to her assistant. "These babies need a new home."