Chapter 91
Chapter 91:
In the study, lazy steam curled upward from the coffee, warming the air with the rich scent of a fresh brew.
Kevin slid a porcelain cup across the table toward her. “This is my favorite. Give it a try p>
“Thank you.” Gracie lifted the cup and took a slow sip. It was smooth and complex.
“What’s your take on what happened today?” Kevin asked, his tone calm but his eyes unreadable.
Gracie set the cup back on its saucer. “Brayden handled things well. He protected the family’s name and prevented further chaos p>
“That’s not what I meant.” His gaze deepened. “I’m asking about your in-laws. In your opinion, who was truly at fault p>
Gracie leaned back, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Why must everything come down to blame? People are ruled by emotions, though reason should guide them. If I’d been in Valeria’s place, I wouldn’t have reacted like that. Without the advantages of their union, she and Erik might never have stayed together in the first place. You can’t demand loyalty and profit at the same time p>
She spoke at length, her tone calm yet layered with quiet conviction, and Kevin found his admiration for her deepening.
He inclined his head slightly as he noted, “You make good points. But tell me—if Brayden ever cheated on you, would you still remain so composed p>
Gracie’s expression shifted as she finally understood the real purpose behind his probing. “I wouldn’t throw a tantrum over something like that. I wasn’t part of Brayden’s past, and I can’t erase it. My place in his heart can only grow with time. I won’t fight for his affection, and I’d never trample on his dignity. You can trust me on that p>
Kevin’s approving nod carried genuine warmth. “You’re a sensible girl, and I’m proud of you. I know this marriage hasn’t been easy, but remember—you can always count on me p>
Noticing the subtle tension in her posture, he added, “Lia’s motives aren’t pure, but she did Brayden a favor once. His conscience, his loyalty—they’re a weakness she knows how to exploit. Don’t let her p>
Gracie’s brows drew together, a faint crease of worry shadowing her features.
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․𝑐𝓞𝓂 brings great stories
Kevin’s request directly clashed with the plan she and Brayden had agreed upon.
“I get it,” she said after a moment’s thought. “But pushing him too hard will only drive him away from me p>
After a beat, she added more softly, “He’s finally starting to let me in. I can’t afford to ruin that progress by acting rashly p>
With a small nod, Kevin replied, “You’re right. I trust your instincts p>
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading back,” Gracie said, rising gracefully from her seat. “Valeria seemed upset earlier—I should check on her p>
With that, she turned toward the door, but Kevin’s calm, weathered voice stopped her halfway. “Gracie, you’re a clever woman. Valeria’s just… set in her ways. Don’t take her harshness to heart p>
Her hand lingered on the doorknob. Then she looked back over her shoulder, her lips curving faintly. “I know. I’m still new to this family, but once she gets to know me, she’ll come around p>
“That’s good. You should head back and rest,” Kevin responded, his tone easing as he let the matter drop.
Outside, Gracie let out a slow breath, only then noticing the clammy sweat on her palms.
Every exchange with Kevin demanded a careful balance—one misstep, and she’d lose ground. But Brayden… he was another battlefield entirely.
A subtle laugh slipped from her lips as she made her way toward the other villa, the air cool against her skin.