Chapter 118
Chapter 118:
Erik’s frown deepened, his tone lowering. “You really want me to apologize right now? In front of everyone? Can’t this wait until later p>
Gracie’s smile was calm, but her eyes were firm. “You didn’t think about waiting when you accused her before everyone, did you? You humiliated your wife publicly. Even if Kevin were here, I believe he’d say the same: an apology is in order p>
Erik hesitated.
Before he could respond, Aiden stepped forward quickly. “Gracie, please don’t. This was my fault. I should be the one apologizing p>
He turned to Valeria, bowing deeply. “I’m sorry. It’s because of me that you two argued p>
Gracie’s eyes narrowed slightly; she hadn’t expected that level of composure from him.
Valeria straightened, regaining her grace. “It’s all right. We’re family—conflicts happen. Go change into something dry p>
Then she faced the crowd with poised dignity. “My apologies, everyone, for the disruption. Please, let’s continue inside p>
Her calm assurance shifted the atmosphere. The guests murmured approvingly and began to drift back to the main hall, their laughter resuming as if nothing had happened.
As Valeria turned to leave, she cast a grateful look at Gracie. The animosity that once lingered between them had vanished, replaced by quiet appreciation.
Gracie watched her go, exhaustion flickering behind her composed exterior.
To Aiden, she was just Brayden’s wife—a fact he’d tried to exploit more than once. Rejected repeatedly, he would simply alter his tactics until he found another opening.
Gracie’s attention slid to Ellie as she melted back into the crowd; something in her gaze sharpened.
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“You staring at something?” Brayden murmured as he came to stand beside Gracie. “Thanks for defending my mom a moment ago p>
“I was protecting the Stanley family’s standing,” Gracie answered, pulling her eyes away. “Speaking of which—have you settled the issue about awarding Theo the shares at the annual gala p>
“Why do you ask?” Brayden replied, puzzled. “You’ve never cared about Stanley Group matters before, yet you always react when Theo is mentioned p>
The suspicion had been growing; whenever Theo’s name came up, her demeanor shifted as if she were braced for conflict. Gracie pressed her mouth into a line and stayed silent, an unusual heaviness behind her features.
Sensing she didn’t want to continue, Brayden let the subject drop. “Come on—don’t stay out here. The event isn’t finished p>
When Aiden reappeared after changing, he faced Erik. “Dad, you should go back to the reception. I caused a scene—I’m sorry for the trouble p>
“Nonsense,” Erik said, patting his shoulder with forced cheer. “I’ve neglected you and your mom for too long. Now that you’re back, I won’t allow anyone to look down on you! What kind of father would I be if I did p>
“Just having you around more is enough for Mom and me,” Aiden replied in a humble tone, stoking Erik’s remorse.
As soon as Erik left, the polite mask slid from Aiden’s face, and his expression hardened.
Applause broke out somewhere in the hall, and Aiden turned, his gaze softening the moment he spotted Ellie approaching. “Ellie…” he said under his breath.
Ellie stopped and examined him coolly. “I didn’t expect you to be the same as before, Aiden p>
“The same?” he asked, puzzled. “When would we have met before p>
Ellie didn’t answer directly. Folding her arms, she fixed him with a calculating look. “I know what you’re after. I’m willing to cooperate—on the condition that you help me when I need it. For the time being, our objectives align p>