Chapter 74
Chapter 74:
Valeria set down her juice, nodding with deliberate coolness. “Sit p>
Gracie had barely lowered herself onto the sofa when Valeria’s scrutiny fell upon her like a tangible weight.
“After your marriage to Brayden, Erik and I traveled abroad, leaving us no opportunity to know you. I initially opposed this union, yet Kevin insisted,” Valeria said, her tone sharp.
Her eyes appraised Gracie coldly. “So it seems I was right. A common girl from a common family, with a petty, scheming heart. I was away briefly, and you drove a wedge between Theo and Brayden, and saw Theo placed under house arrest. Are you proud of this chaos p>
Gracie’s lips lifted in a faint, composed smile. Her voice remained even. “If you knew the full truth, your judgment would be less hasty p>
Valeria’s posture and words dictated Gracie’s response. Since Valeria had judged her without the facts, Gracie saw no reason to offer any further courtesy.
“Save your lectures. The problem lies in your own rigidity. Does it matter who owned the project? What matters is the benefit to our family. Yet you humiliated Theo at the launch, stirring conflict between the brothers. That responsibility lies solely with you!” Valeria rose, towering above Gracie. “Mistakes require punishment! Reflect upon your actions here until I declare otherwise p>
Valeria began to leave, but Gracie’s gaze followed her retreat, sharp and pointed. “So, in your world, Theo’s pride outweighs Brayden’s very life p>
Valeria stopped in her tracks. Her brow furrowed as she looked back. “Are you questioning me p>
“I dare not—merely curious,” Gracie replied, her eyes catching a fleeting shadow on the upper floor. In a sudden, deliberate motion, she knelt. The velvet box in her pocket slipped out, clattering against the floor.
Valeria’s attention snapped to the fallen object. Her fingers closed around it, her features tightening. “Why is this bracelet with you p>
“Kevin gave it to me,” Gracie answered calmly. “Any further inquiries? If not, I shall remain kneeling p>
Møɍɛ ųρɗα†єş ıŋ ɢαℓŋσνєƖş.ƈσʍ
Her eyes darted to the staircase once more, just as Erik descended quickly.
The moment he glimpsed the bracelet, his expression shifted. “Young people act recklessly at times. A few words of counsel are enough. There’s no need for physical punishment.” Erik turned to Gracie. “Apologize to Valeria, and exercise caution moving forward p>
Valeria’s voice cut sharply. “Didn’t I instruct you not to intervene p>
“And I couldn’t ignore it. The bracelet is in her possession—don’t you see what that signifies? Punish her tonight, and tomorrow my dad will lecture you,” Erik said, his tone firm. “If you insist on punishment, claim it as your idea. Do not involve me p>
Valeria’s face reddened, her chest rising and falling with anger. “Are you seriously suggesting I allow this to pass? Without proper consequences, how can she learn p>
Her eyes fixed on Gracie, piercing and unforgiving. “I’ll let you go this time. But if you try to destabilize my sons’ relationship, you will face my wrath p>
With a final, storming glance, she left the room.
Erik handed the bracelet back to Gracie. “Do not take it to heart. We have seen both boys grow; this is merely a misunderstanding p>
Gracie secured the box, her expression firm and unyielding. “Erik, there is no misunderstanding. I live by a simple principle: I provoke not unless provoked. Even if tensions arise between the brothers, that fault is not mine p>
She inclined her head with quiet politeness before departing.
Though Erik and Valeria had once shared childhood affections, time and his infidelity had driven a wedge between them. Their marriage now existed largely for appearances.
Yet Gracie understood clearly that their return would inevitably shift the fragile balance within the family once more.