Leaving the house

Albert’s brows furrowed when he noticed the bandage on Grace’s forehead. His voice was cold, almost sharp.

“What happened to your head?”

Grace’sreplied with indifferent and flat tone "Nothing. Just a small accident.”

Without waiting for another word, she turned to head upstairs, ready to pack her things. But albert 's cold voice stopped her “Where are you going? I’m not done talking.”

Grace turned back, her gaze icy. There were no emotion on her face. “What do you want to talk about? Did your precious sister again complain about me?"

Albert’s jaw tightened at her tone.“Don’t pretend to be innocent, Grace. Why did you slap Emily last night? She was crying the whole night. Did you insult her again?”

In the past, Grace would have tried desperately to defend herself, begging them to believe that she didn't do anything wrong. But tonight, she didn’t bother. Instead, a bitter smile curved her lips.

She said coldly "Yes. I slapped her. So what? I actually wanted to slap her more, but unfortunately didn’t get the chance. Keep your sister away from me, Albert. Because if she dares come near me again, I might beat her again.”

Her words made albert more angry. 

"Grace!” Albert’s angry roar echoed against the walls.“You are becoming more mannerless every day. How dare you say this? Emily is also your sister!”

Grace’s patience snapped.“She is not my sister. And you all—none of you—are my family anymore.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her voice stayed cold.

“You only needed me as Emily’s substitute, and I played that role because I had no choice. But now that your real ‘precious sister’ is back, I’m nothing to you anymore.”

Albert grabbed her wrist tightly, his expression dark.“Do you even know what you’re saying? Stop being stubborn. Just apologize to Emily and everything will be fine. She’ll forgive you.”

Grace yanked her hand away, and stepped away from him glaring at him. She was angry after hearing albert's words. She said angrily “I will never apologize. I did nothing wrong! I’m not being unreasonable, Albert—I’m finally being honest. I don’t want to live as a puppet for the Wells family anymore. I’m leaving this house.”

She went upstairs towards her room to pack her things, leaving Albert standing frozen in rage.

Not long after, Grace came down with a single suitcase. She had only packed her documents and a few personal things—no jewelry, no expensive belongings.

By the time she reached the hall, Emily and Lucas had arrived.

Albert’s eyes widened when he saw the suitcase. He had assumed she was talking nonsense in anger. Never did he expect she would truly walk away from the Wells mansion.

Lucas looked equally shocked. Emily, however, lowered her lashes, hiding the satisfied glint in her eyes. This was what she had always wanted—to drive Grace out.

Lucas walked over quickly.“Grace… are you  leaving?”His voice trembled with disbelief. 

Grace didn’t even look at him “It has nothing to do with you. We already broke up so stay away from my matters."

She tried to walk past, but Emily stepped forward, her face was showing fake sadness. She spoke very pitifully “Sister, are you leaving because of me? Please don’t! If it’s because Lucas and I are together now… I’ll break up with him. Don’t leave the house because of me.”

Albert froze. His eyes darted between Emily and Lucas, his mind spinning.“What did you just say? Lucas… broke up with Grace… for you?”

Grace let out a humorless laugh. Her heart was beyond caring now “Stop pretending, Emily. Your act disgusts me. And as for you and Lucas—do whatever you both want. I already broke up with him. I couldn’t care less anymore.”

She turned to the door, her voice calm but resolute “I’m leaving, i don't want any relationship with wells family anymore "

Dragging her suitcase behind her, she walked out of the Wells mansion without a glance back.

Lucas shifted uncomfortably as he watched her go. Some strange guilt tugged at him, but he pushed it aside quickly. Emily immediately put on another show, her eyes welling with tears.“It’s all my fault, brother. She left because of me.”

Albert’s expression darkened, but he hardened his tone. He patted Emily’s head gently.

“Don’t think about her. It's not your fault. She is just being stubborn.She’ll come back once she’s tired of her tantrums.”

With that, he left for his study, burying himself in company work.

Albert is now the one who is handling Wells family business. His father now only attendeds important board meeting in the company.

Grace, meanwhile, checked into a modest hotel. She couldn’t afford luxury—not with her limited savings. After going in her hotel room. She decided to get fresh. After a quick shower, she sat on the bed and opened her phone.

An unread email blinked at her.

It was from Marino Enterprises.

Her heart skipped. She had interviewed there recently—back when she was still desperately clinging to Lucas. At the time, she only wanted the job to stay close to him. Because Lucas was not spending much time with her. He always used to say he is busy in work. Lucas is working and general manager in Marino enterprises. So she chose to work in the same company as Lucas. 

The email confirmed she had passed the interview.

But instead of happiness, Grace laughed bitterly. "What a joke. I was willing to chase a man who never wanted me…"

She decided to reject the offer and follow her dream job as fashion designer. She almost deleted the email when  suddenly she remember about the money she own the person she met in the hospital. 

Her stomach twisted. She had completely forgotten about the debt for sometime—the \$4000 she promised to repay. she doesn't have money to pay and she also needs money to get a rental apartment. She can't get her dream job so quickly. 

Clutching her phone, she sighed“I need money first. Dreams can wait. I will do this job and pay the money I own and I can find my dream job while doing this job. As soon as I will find another job I will leave this job.”

With that, she hit reply to Marino Enterprises and accepted the job.

---

The next day, Grace visited Marino Enterprises with her documents. The receptionist confirmed her employment. She would start work the following day.

Feeling relieved, she stepped out of the building—only to freeze in shock.

A familiar figure stood at the entrance.

It was him. The man who had saved her in the hospital. But this time… he wasn’t in a driver’s uniform. He was wearing a tailored suit, polished shoes, his aura entirely different. As being lover of fashion design, grace was able to recognise the brand of these clothes. She felt confused. How can this person as a driver afford this much expensive clothes

And he wasn’t alone. Beside him stood Noha, the man she had thought was the “boss.”

Grace decided to great these two men . She went towards them and said with a small smile.“Hello, mister savior.”

Ethan’s expression stiffened when his eyes landed on her. His thoughts darkened. "Why is she here? Is she… following me?"

Ethan also noticed that Grace is looking at his clothes doubtfully. He just said coldly" these clothes are second hand. Boss gave me these clothes because he was bored from them.

Grace felt awkward by her own behaviour. so she turned to Noha “Sir, I’ve decided on the payment plan. I’ll pay you in eight installments, one each month. Is that alright?”

Noha nodded quickly "That’s fine.”

Ethan narrowed his eyes  "What are you doing here? Outside Marino Enterprises?”

Grace smiled faintly  "I just got hired. I’ll be starting work here tomorrow.”

Noha’s eyes shot wide, his gaze flicking nervously to his boss. If Grace worked here, she would inevitably discover Ethan’s true identity as the CEO.

Before either man could react, a passing employee greeted warmly.

"Good morning, CEO.”

Grace’s smile froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she turned slowly toward Ethan