Chapter 115
Chapter 115:
Gracie’s frown deepened as she watched Ellie hurry off. “Brayden, what the hell are you doing?” she muttered under her breath before turning toward the restroom, shaking her head slightly as if to clear her thoughts.
Across the hall, Ellie found Theo and pulled him aside into a quiet corner. “Theo, what on earth is going on?” she demanded, her voice low but urgent. “People are saying your grandpa’s planning to hand every one of his shares to Brayden. Which story’s the truth p>
“You heard that too?” Theo gave a weary half-smile, eyes drifting toward Brayden in the center of the crowd. “He’s always been soft on Brayden. It wouldn’t be impossible p>
The words stalled on her lips as her face grew tense and unreadable. “So Brayden lied to you p>
“He might mean well,” Theo remarked with a sigh, resignation threading through his tone. “But even he can’t go against Grandpa’s will p>
“We can still shape what’s ahead if we work for it, Theo! Don’t lose heart—no one’s taking what belongs to you.” Ellie’s fists tightened as determination lit her eyes. “Everything tied to the Stanley name will end up yours p>
Dropping his gaze, Theo’s expression darkened, shadows gathering in his eyes.
Inside the study, Gracie watched Kevin’s deliberate movements as he brewed the coffee—each measured pour and swirl reflecting his precision—until at last he slid a steaming cup toward her.
A few minutes earlier, the butler had found her just outside the restroom and politely ushered her here.
“Give this a try p>
“Thank you.” Gracie accepted the cup, taking a careful sip. Setting the porcelain cup on the desk, she lifted her eyes to him, waiting quietly for whatever he wanted to say.
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Reclining slightly in the rosewood chair, Kevin looked at her belly. “You and Brayden have been married for some time now. Any plans for a baby p>
A baby? Her fingers tightened around the handle of the cup.
She and Brayden had been married for barely a month, and Kevin was already bringing that up?
Realization dawned almost instantly—Kevin wasn’t just making small talk. He wanted her to trap Brayden with a child, to secure her status as his wife. The intent behind his polite tone was unmistakable.
But if even Kevin couldn’t rein Brayden in, what chance did she have?
Gracie offered a composed smile and answered with quiet tact. “Some things happen in their own time. Brayden’s buried in work right now, so the topic of children isn’t something we should rush p>
A faint flush crept across her cheeks as she lowered her gaze.
Kevin’s eyes softened in understanding. “I see. I’ll remind him to be more mindful. You’re a good woman, Gracie—knowing Brayden married you puts me at ease p>
He suddenly set an iPad down on the desk.
The sound drew her attention for a moment before she looked over. “What are you showing me p>
Across the screen, headlines about Lia’s grand debut flooded multiple media outlets, the coverage so intense it clearly came from heavy promotion.
Gracie didn’t need to guess who funded it.
“You can tell Brayden’s the one backing her,” Kevin stated with quiet composure. “But remember, I meant what I said—only you will be his wife p>
Mentioning Lia made his expression waver with a trace of frustration. “I don’t hold this against Brayden, and I won’t place that burden on you. The truth is, I can’t intervene directly p>
Through his further explanation, Gracie finally pieced together the story behind it all.
Lia and Brayden had known each other since high school and later attended the same university. During a field training trip, their bus lost control and plunged off a mountain road, hurling them down to a remote village at the base of a cliff.
The place was cut off from the world—no signal, no rescue routes, and a severe shortage of women.
What made Lia lovely—her tender, graceful face—was also what made her a target. To keep Brayden safe, she’d been forced to sacrifice her chastity.