Chapter 387
Chapter 387:
Gracie frowned slightly, surprised at how far Jane was willing to go.
For Ellie’s sake, she was willing to abandon all dignity and kneel before the stepdaughter she had never truly cared for.
“Come into my office,” Gracie said at last, her voice serious.
Jane kept nodding as she followed Gracie into the office, wiping at her tears.
A short while later, Phoebe came in carrying two cups of coffee.
Gracie looked at Jane seriously. “It’s only been one night, yet you already seem like a completely different person. If people didn’t know better, they’d think something huge happened at home. So tell me—what made you change your mind this fast p>
Jane’s face tightened, and she let out a bitter, uneven laugh. “Your father saw the video… He was so frightened that he fell ill with a fever. I stayed up all night taking care of him and planned for us to figure out what to do this morning. But I never expected him to be so scared that he’d actually choose to give up on Ellie p>
She buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking as her voice cracked. “I only have one daughter. How could I ever leave her behind? Even if it takes my life, I still have to protect her p>
As Gracie listened to Jane’s broken words, she finally understood how things had unfolded to this point. Her emotions twisted into a tangled mess.
After her mother passed away, Jane married Alan and moved into their house with her daughter, Ellie.
While growing up, Gracie had truly believed that Alan loved Ellie with all his heart, that he always put her first. She once thought there was nothing in this world he wouldn’t give up for Ellie’s sake.
Even if he had failed as a father to her, she never once doubted that he had been gentle and devoted to Ellie. But at this moment, she finally saw that she had been fooling herself all along.
Alan was neither a good husband nor a good father; he was simply a selfish man who valued himself above everyone else. If it benefited him, he wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice both daughters.
𝐿𝑎t𝑒st ch𝑎pt𝑒rs in
“So now you’ve come to me because there’s no one else left to turn to?” Gracie asked quietly, holding herself steady.
Jane nodded. “If there were any other option, I wouldn’t be here. I truly have no choice anymore. You’re the only one who can save Ellie now p>
“You know my conditions won’t be gentle,” Gracie said calmly. “Even if you agree, my father might not. He’s already frightened. Why should I put myself in danger for you and Ellie? We don’t share any real bond, and I have no reason to risk my life p>
Jane leaned forward urgently. “I understand, I really do. You want the Sullivan Group, don’t you? I’ll help you take it. Even if I have to use methods others wouldn’t dare touch. All I ask is that you help me get Ellie out safely p>
Gracie met her eyes, silently checking for any trace of lies. After a long moment, she finally gave a slow, careful nod. “This can’t be handled in a rush,” she said seriously. “And I strongly warn you not to make a single wrong step. If Theo senses anything even slightly off, Ellie will be moved right away. If that happens, even I won’t be able to find her p>
“I understand,” Jane said quickly. She was so nervous and shaken that she would agree to anything at this point. “Now that you’ve agreed to help, my heart finally feels a little steadier p>
She slowly stood and casually straightened her messy hair. “I’ll go back now. Until this is settled, I won’t appear anywhere or make any mistakes p>
After that, she turned and walked out without once looking back.
Gracie stayed seated on the sofa. Her eyes slowly drifted to the two untouched cups of coffee on the table, and a quiet ache filled her eyes.
“Mom… if only you were still here with me,” she whispered softly. “That would be so nice. Then maybe I would know what real happiness feels like p>
She stood, walked over to the safe, and lightly traced her fingers across its cold surface. “Mom… could you at least give me a little hint p>