Chapter 196
Chapter 196:
“Gracie.” Theo rose, offering a subtle grin. “I’ve come to offer my congratulations. Word is you’ve locked in sustained backing from Lenora Blakely. Is that accurate p>
“Your information travels fast,” Gracie replied with a smile, accepting the bagged meal from the servant. “I’m swamped at the office, so I’ll head out now p>
“My vehicle is undergoing repairs. Could you drop me off?” Theo trailed after her.
She halted, pivoting toward him. “You own several cars. Don’t claim they’re all in the shop p>
“What a strange twist of fate.” Theo chuckled, swinging open the car door and settling into the front passenger seat. “Come on, Gracie p>
A brief spark of annoyance flashed in Gracie’s eyes, vanishing swiftly. She got in and started the engine.
Theo, seated beside her, continued, “I just discovered yesterday that Ellie had been approaching your company’s providers using my identity. Please overlook it. I had no desire to engage in underhanded rivalry p>
“The problem arose two days ago, was fixed yesterday, and now you’re here apologizing today. Perfectly timed,” Gracie noted. “Whether you were aware or not, it doesn’t intrigue me p>
“You and Ellie share a sibling bond, and now we’re connected through marriage as well. Any confusion can be resolved, can’t it? How about a meal this evening? On me,” Theo suggested.
“No thanks,” Gracie declined.
She shot a look at the man beside her, irritated by his incessant talk.
She accelerated sharply, propelling the car forward.
Even amid peak-hour congestion, the dark SUV maneuvered fluidly through the lanes.
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“Ease up, Gracie!” Theo gripped the overhead handle, trying to brace himself.
To observers, it looked like expert handling, but inside, he felt sheer dread.
Gracie kept her hands steady on the wheel, deftly threading through traffic as she said, “Recall the day of the nerve regeneration launch event? I escaped a lethal ambush that day purely through my driving prowess. Today, I’ll demonstrate my true capabilities p>
Theo was visibly rattled, his complexion paling noticeably. With a piercing brake squeal, the vehicle halted precisely before his company.
Gracie turned to Theo with a soft smile. “We’ve arrived, Theo. Time to get out p>
Theo, still disoriented, mechanically opened the door and stepped out, looking utterly exhausted.
Gracie pressed her lips together.
In her former life, he had always harbored a deep phobia of thrill rides and similar experiences.
During a motorsport gathering organized by Yousef, Brayden and Aiden competed, yet Theo stayed away. High-speed driving had always been his weakness.
Gracie refocused on the present and sped away.
Standing at his company’s entrance, Theo slowly turned, his earlier terror wiped away, replaced by an amused grin. “Years have gone by, and no one in my circle would mention it. Gracie, you appear to understand me profoundly…” He paused, rubbing his jaw. “You even knew my minor weakness. Unfortunately, you might not know the whole picture p>
His aversion to racing was a confidential matter within the Stanley household, but he had conquered it half a decade prior, confiding in no one.