Chapter 28

Melvin Duncan recounted the incident to Grace Sherman.

After Grace listened, a sudden pang gripped her heart, indicating that Louise Adkins suspected her identity.

After expressing gratitude to Melvin, Grace returned to her room.

Not long after, there was a sudden knock on the door. Thinking it might be Melvin, Grace opened the door.

Upon seeing the figure standing at the door, Grace was taken aback. “How did you come back?”

“What’s wrong? This is my home. Why wouldn’t I come back?” Brian Francis expressed displeasure at her reaction.

Grace parted her lips as if to speak, contemplating her words, but in the end, she merely replied with an “Oh.” Seeing him still standing at the doorway, she inquired, “Is there something you need?”

The man stared at her face for a few seconds. Not having seen her for five days, she seemed to have a better complexion than before, with a bit more flesh on her face, suggesting she hadn’t been doing much physical work at her brother’s place.

“Nothing much, just asking about your brother’s health, he replied.

Grace paused momentarily, then chuckled, “Mr. Brian, this is the first time you’ve shown concern for my brother’s health.”

“What? Are you implying that I don’t care enough about your family?” Brian’s expression darkened.

“No, how could I dare? Thanks to you, my brother is doing fine. Right now, I hope that our contract, as promised, ends on time. That way, my brother’s health could start getting better.”

Upon hearing her mention the contract, Brian felt an inexplicable sense of annoyance weighing on his mind.

However, Grace didn’t provide him with further opportunities for trouble. She issued a dismissal, “It’s alright, I’ll rest for now. Goodbye.”

She promptly shut the door.

Suddenly, Brian felt a surge of suppressed anger, “What’s with this woman’s attitude?‘ he pondered.

Thinking about how he dropped his work and rushed back upon receiving Melvin’s call, only to face her cold gaze, he felt foolish about his actions.

Brian, infuriated, forcefully pounded on her door. “Grace, come out!”

Grace impatiently swung the door open. “What’s wrong now?”

“Are you irritated?” Brain remarked.

“No, do you have something to say? Please say it all at once,” she replied.

“Adjust your attitude, Grace. Do you still want the money?”

dd M M Upon hearing his threatening words, Grace immediately composed herself but silently cursed him in her heart.

“Come with me to the study,” he demanded.

Grace, resembling a robot, obediently followed behind him, entering the study.

The man sat at the desk, turned on the computer, and started typing away. Grace sat nearby, casually picking up a book to pass the time.

Brian’s gaze fell upon her, pausing until her flipping through the book startled him, causing him to withdraw his attention abruptly.

The mouse moved across the desktop a few times, and shortly after, several sheets of paper emerged from the printer.

Grace set down the book she was holding and looked towards him.

*The divorce agreement, take a look first,” Brian said, walking over and handing her the sheets of paper.

Grace’s heart was stabbed with sudden pain upon hearing this She slowly extended her hand and took the divorce agreement. Though merely a few light sheets of paper, it felt as if the weight of it made it impossible for her to lift her hand.

It was better; she could get used to this feeling in advance. When the day came to leave, it wouldn’t hurt anymore.

Suppressing the heartache within her, Grace earnestly read through the words on the document.

In addition to the 600 thousand dollars, the agreement also included a gift of a set of commercial property and a residential property for her.

She wouldn’t have accepted the house in the past, but things were different now. Considering her future of raising a child alone, having a place to live meant she wouldn’t have to worry about accommodation issues.

Grace bowed her head low as Brian towered over her, yet he couldn’t discern her expression.

Seeing her not lifting her head for a while, Brian sarcastically remarked, “What’s this? Do you have any objections to this divorce agreement? If you have any, feel free to voice them now.”

“No objections,” she murmured.

For some reason, Brian felt her voice was ethereal, almost elusive and intangible.

“Mr. Brian, you’re so generous. Apart from the 600 thousand dollars, you’ve also given me two property sets. I’m overjoyed. and ready to sign right away.”

After speaking, she stood up, retrieved a pen from the desk, and meticulously signed her name. Her handwriting was neat, yet it took almost all of her strength to do so.

“Is it done?” she asked.

Brian looked into her eyes and suddenly felt regretful for his actions, Subconsciously ignoring emotions he shouldn’t have, he sarcastically remarked, “I thought you were so dignified. Back then, when I gave you bags and jewelry, you never used them. Now it seems it was all an act.”

He initially assumed that, given her personality, she wouldn’t accept the houses. Proudly turning away, he expected her to decline. However, her response caught him off guard.

It turns out he had been mistaken in belleving that he truly understood her.

Grace suppressed her heartache and smiled, saying, “You’re right. Since it’s a gift from Mr. Brian, there shouldn’t be a reason to take it back, right?”

Brian’s lips curved into a mocking smirk. “We’ll see about your performance.”

He slammed the door and stormed off, leaving Grace exhaustedly slumped onto the chair.

In the afternoon.

Louise Adkins returned, and as soon as she stepped in, she noticed Grace’s shoes by the door. She glanced around and spotted Melvin Duncan. “Has Grace returned?”

“Yes, Miss Adkins. She just returned today,” he replied.

Louise curved her lips into a smile, yet her eyes remained devoid of warmth.

She walked up to the door of Grace’s room and knocked.

Upon hearing Louise’s voice, Grace napped and woke up with a slight headache. She instantly became alert and got up, enduring the headache, to open the door.

“Miss Adkins, you’re back, she greeted.

“Grace, you’re finally back! I missed you so much!” Louise exclaimed, affectionately taking hold of her hand.

Grace awkwardly withdrew her hand, saying, “Thank you for thinking of me, Miss Adkins.”

“You have no idea how incompetent my maid is. They managed to make the health–boosting broth from the recipe taste terrible. My back injury hasn’t healed properly, so could you please help me stew some nourishing wellness broth?” Louise added.

Grace’s gaze lowered, fixating on Louise’s shoes. She glanced up and remarked, “Miss Adkins, your back hadn’t fully recovered yet. Were you still wearing high heels when going out?”

“Limited options; I didn’t intend to wear these. It’s just the only pair available at home,” Lobise said, her expression unchanged. Quickly shifting the topic, she continued, “By the way, speaking of the back injury, I have a follow–up check–up at the hospital tomorrow; please accompany me.”

Grace pursed her lips and nodded. “Sure, Miss Adkins, you should go rest. I’ll call you when the meal is ready.”

“Thank you,” Louise flashed a bright smile at her, then turned away, departing.

Grace felt an overwhelming tightness in her chest, feeling panicked. Brian Francis angered her in the morning, and in the afternoon, Louise returned, instructing her to do this and that. She couldn’t explain it, as she usually had a good temperament, but today, she felt highly irritable, with an urge to explode.

She stepped outside the courtyard to catch some air, calming her emotions. Afterward, she returned to the kitchen to prepare the meal.

The next day.

Brian had arranged a driver for Louise, and the two went to the hospital together Having escorted Louise to the examination room, Grace made her way to a chair around the corner and settled in briety Suddenly, a gentle voice reached her ears, saying, “Grace