Chapter 153
Chapter 153:
Word of Cathie’s pregnancy rippled swiftly through elite social circles, stirring excitement. Within the Russell household, she instantly became the center of everyone’s affection and care.
Three days later, her husband, Quentin Russell, accompanied by his sons, made a formal visit to the Stanley residence.
Ellie sat beside Theo, her lips twisted in irritation. “Unbelievable. She actually pulled it off. I didn’t think she’d succeed that easily p>
Theo’s eyes, dark and perceptive, lingered on Gracie, who stood across the room chatting with Quentin. “Luck doesn’t fully explain it,” he said thoughtfully. “There’s a kind of nerve she has that others don’t p>
Ellie snorted. “Oh, please. If I’d bothered to try, I could’ve done the same. I only held back for your sake p>
Theo said nothing, though his curiosity about Gracie only deepened.
At the head of the table, Kevin presided, flanked by Quentin, Erik, and Valeria.
“Kevin,” Quentin began with polite warmth, “Gracie is sharp, composed, and my wife has grown quite fond of her. I hope our families can continue to stay close. But we won’t intrude longer today p>
He turned toward Gracie, his tone earnest as he stood. “About my wife’s outburst last time, she spoke in haste. I hope you won’t take her words to heart p>
It was a rare gesture of humility from a man of his stature.
“How could I possibly hold that against her?” Gracie replied with quiet grace. “Once her condition improves, I’ll be sure to visit her properly p>
gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․cøm fuels your imagination
Kevin’s eyes glimmered with approval. “You’ve exceeded all my expectations, Gracie. Seems you no longer need me to open doors for you p>
Gracie smiled modestly. “You flatter me. This was pure chance p>
Kevin rose to his feet then, his gaze shifting sharply toward Erik. “If you had even half the tact and competence that Brayden and Gracie possess, that illegitimate-child scandal would’ve never escalated into a public disgrace p>
With that, he turned and walked out, leaning lightly on the butler’s arm.
Erik’s expression darkened, resentment flickering across his face, but Valeria was radiant with satisfaction. She grasped Gracie’s hand gently. “Come with me, dear p>
Inside Valeria’s elegantly perfumed bedroom, she opened a drawer and produced a sleek bank card.
“This is fifty million,” she said softly. “My personal savings. You took a huge risk this time. If you ever need anything, promise me you’ll come to me instead of putting yourself in trouble again p>
Gracie accepted the card reflexively—but the weight of it burned in her palm.
Almost immediately, she handed it back. “I can’t take this. Please keep it p>
Valeria only smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind Gracie’s ear. “It’s a trifle, darling. Don’t think twice. Brayden is a fortunate man to have you p>
Now, Valeria truly accepted her as family.
Later that day, Gracie took the fifty million and invested it into her company, using Valeria’s name. The infusion stabilized the company’s struggling finances, giving its team room to breathe again.
Meanwhile, at Stanley Group headquarters, Brayden sat behind his desk, flipping through a thick stack of reports.
Charlie stood beside him. “Mr. Stanley, the northern development land belongs to Yousef Russell. If we want to launch this project, we’ll need that land. But word is, he’s quite unpredictable. Even his brothers can’t get through to him p>
That particular property was part of the inheritance left to Yousef by their late grandfather, and no one could touch it without his consent.
Brayden leaned back lazily, his tone calm but resolute. “We’ll get it. Cancel the afternoon meeting. I have other matters to attend to p>
Charlie hesitated. “Sir… you still intend to p>