Chapter 324
Chapter 324:
Gracie found Delia’s presumptuous closeness grating. Each of Delia’s comments subtly suggested a unique intimacy with Brayden, a deeper understanding that Gracie supposedly lacked.
With a thin smile, Gracie replied, “Actually, his patience and consideration toward me have been unwavering p>
She then threaded her arm through Brayden’s, her expression softening. “Tell me, are you often so indifferent to other women p>
Brayden gave a simple nod, his hand moving to gently brush a stray lock of hair from her face. “They hold no importance to me. There’s no reason to offer warmth where none is warranted p>
A bright laugh escaped Gracie, and she glanced at Delia with an almost apologetic look. “You’ll have to forgive him. He doesn’t believe in softening his words p>
The light in Delia’s eyes dimmed before her pleasant mask snapped back into place.
She offered a light smile. “I once believed arranged marriages were doomed to be joyless. I must admit, Brayden, I didn’t anticipate you would adhere to your principles so rigorously and embrace the duties of a devoted husband p>
Gracie arched an eyebrow. Delia was barely stopping short of declaring outright that Brayden’s loyalty was merely contractual, devoid of genuine feeling.
Before Gracie could formulate a retort, Brayden’s voice—cold and clear—sliced through the air. “Has today’s demonstration been insufficient? Even a union begun for convenience can transform into authentic affection p>
His declaration sent a ripple of shocked murmurs through the surrounding guests.
Gracie herself stared at him, utterly stunned. It was, for all intents and purposes, a public avowal of love. Had he truly fallen for her?
gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s﹒𝓬𝗈𝗺, the heart of fiction
Delia watched him, a profound sadness now visible in her gaze.
Jessie, returning from changing her attire, arrived just in time to witness the exchange. Her forehead creased slightly as she studied Gracie’s face.
Catching the unmistakable surprise—and a spark of nascent joy—in her friend’s eyes, she felt a sharp, sinking dread.
“Gracie…” she called, quickly closing the distance. “I’m ready.” After a brief, dismissive glance at Delia, she continued, “They’re setting up fireworks for tonight. Some of my friends are in the yard; let me introduce you. Mr. Stanley, you don’t mind if I borrow her for a little while, do you p>
Brayden offered no objection. “Go ahead. Gracie doesn’t often engage in these social circles; your guidance would be appreciated p>
“Naturally,” Jessie said, smoothly linking her arm with Gracie’s. “She’s my dearest friend. I won’t stand by and watch anyone subject her to subtle insults or attempts to intimidate her.” She spoke clearly, ensuring every ear in the vicinity could hear.
Dozens of curious stares immediately shifted to Gracie.
Flanked by Brayden’s open devotion on one side and Jessie’s fierce protectiveness on the other, a buzz of astonished conversation filled the room.
A voice from the crowd whispered audibly, “She is just a nobody, yet she managed to captivate Mr. Stanley and earned Miss Holt’s staunch friendship p>
Brayden turned his commanding presence toward the gathering. “Gracie is a distinguished scientist in her own right, far from the nobody you take her for. And her worth is not derived from being my wife p>
A fresh wave of bitter jealousy crashed over Delia. Her hands clenched into white-knuckled fists, nails biting deep into her palms, though she registered no physical pain.
Gracie’s demeanor softened, her gaze growing warm and intense as it rested on Brayden.
Her family name carried no influence among these powerful families; an invitation to an event of this caliber would have been unthinkable in the past. Yet, simply by virtue of Brayden’s acknowledgment, she was afforded respect.