Chapter 563

Grace watched Allison, her eyes instantly brimming with tears. “Allie, are you okay? Did Mom cause you trouble? I know it’s my fault. I’ve dragged you down. If it weren’t for me, you’d be living a better life right now. It’s all my fault. You’ve sacrificed too much for me.”

Allison’s gaze was icy as she faced Grace’s emotional outburst. Her demeanor was detached. Grace realized that the relationship between her and Allison could never go back to the way they were.

Wiping away her tears, she felt the crushing weight of the malicious online comments suffocating her.

However, seeing that Allison was unharmed relieved her greatly.

“What are you doing here?” Allison asked flatly Grace stammered, “I… I just missed you, worried about you. I want to see how you are.”

“I’m fine. You can go back now. I’ll have my bodyguard take you home.” Allison turned to leave, gripping the door handle. She added, “From now on, don’t come looking for me here. What if I’m not here? Are you going to wait forever? If there’s something you need, have the housekeeper message my agent. I’ll respond.”

Grace watched Allison’s retreating figure. “I… I didn’t know if you’d come. I was just so worried about you. I saw those nasty comments online last night and it was unbearable. Penelope called me. She was worried about you, and she said you might be coming to Epic Entertainment today, so I thought I’d try my luck at seeing you.”

A chill crossed Allison’s face. She spun around, a mocking smile on her lips. “Penelope told you?”

Grace, not wanting to deepen any rift between Allison and Penelope, quickly said, “Don’t blame Penelope. I asked her myself. Penelope is just concerned about you.”

“Concerned about me? How laughable, Ms. Grace. You say Penelope with such affection. Right, I forgot, Penelope is your real daughter, so it’s only natural you believe her.”

“I… Allie, I’m really worried about you.”

“Worried about what? That I’ll be killed by the comments online? That I can’t handle it and will seek death?”

Despite Allison’s harsh words, Grace humbly replied, “Allie, it’s all Mom’s fault. I made a terrible mistake, letting Penelope take over your life. I realize my error now, and I’ll find a way to set things right, to give back the life that belongs to you. I know, these past few years, you’ve given up so much for my illness.” The thought of those photos online brought tears to Grace’s eyes again. “It’s all my fault. If it weren’t for my illness, you wouldn’t have to sell your body for money.”

Allison was shocked as she exhaled deeply. This breath had been trapped in her chest, making it feel like it was about to burst. She looked at Grace, and saw the silver strands hidden in her dark hair. She saw her withered and sallow face from the kidney disease, her frail body, and her simple clothes. She watched her mother apologize frantically, like a headless fly.

Her heart was suddenly filled with an indescribable emotion. It was just agonizing.

“You’re thinking too much. It wasn’t to save you,” Allison said. “Ms. Grace, listen to me, the woman in those photos isn’t me. It’s your dear daughter Penelope!”

Grace’s body shook violently. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at Allison.