Chapter 12

Grace froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Autumn to actually come after her, let alone speak to her like that.

This was nothing like the timid, eager-to-please Autumn she used to know.

Back then, Autumn was always meek and submissive around her, to the point where it was downright irritating.

But now, with this cold and distant demeanor, it felt like she was dealing with a different person entirely.

Luna tightened her grip on Grace’s hand, a little anxious, and whispered, “Madam Grace, who is she?”

Grace turned her back and kept up the act. “I don’t know her. She must be out of her mind. Six million? Why not rob a bank instead?”

Autumn didn’t get angry.

She let Selena stand by, watching the scene unfold with visible annoyance.

She calmly pulled a contract out of her bag, lips curling into a frosty smile. “Is that so, Ms. Palmer? Don’t forget, we signed a contract.

“Why not let the other Ms. Lewis here take a look? Maybe she can tell if there’s anything wrong with it. What do you think?”

Luna’s heart skipped a beat.

There was an unmistakable hint of threat in Autumn’s words.

They both knew they had things they didn’t want the other to find out.

Grace turned to Luna, confused. “You know Autumn?”

Luna was the Lewis family heiress.

She was from a famous, powerful, and wealthy family.

How could a poor orphan like Autumn possibly know someone like her?

Grace had objected to her son marrying Autumn from the start.

She brought nothing to the table and added no value to his career.

Someone with Luna’s background was a proper match.

Once the cooling-off period for the divorce ended and they got the official papers, they could finally get rid of Autumn for good.

Luna gripped Grace’s hand tighter and explained with guilt in her voice, “Madam Grace, I... I don’t know her. Maybe she saw something about me online, that’s why she remembers me.”

Grace nodded, thinking that made sense.

How could a nobody like Autumn possibly know a Lewis heiress?

She clutched her handbag tightly, watching as Autumn walked toward them step by step with the contract in hand.

The clicking of her heels echoed like a hammer striking straight into the hearts of Grace and Luna, making them both increasingly uneasy.

Autumn stopped in front of them, holding up the contract as she swept a cold glance at the pair.

“Ms. Palmer, if you want to deny it, that’s fine. I’m not unreasonable. But you know me—I can be quite stubborn.

“If I end up saying something I shouldn’t or doing something a bit out of line, I hope you won’t take it too personally.”

She paused, then stared directly at them. “For example, I could send this contract to the Lewis family and mention a few things that might ruin this little alliance you’re working on.

“Or maybe I’ll take it to court and let the whole world know about some less-than-glorious secrets.

“Either way, let’s not pretend this isn’t about you trying to take my money. Isn’t that right?”

At this point, both Grace and Luna understood exactly what she was implying.

Settling this quickly would benefit everyone.

If not, Autumn clearly wasn’t afraid to blow it all up.

Cold sweat broke out on Grace’s back.

Autumn’s threat was blatant, but there wasn’t much Grace could do—she was in the wrong from the start.

There was no getting out of it now.

Luna gripped Grace’s hand even tighter, too afraid to speak. “Madam Grace…”

Grace winced from the pressure of Luna’s grip, clenched her jaw, and said, “You just want the money, right? Fine. I’ll pay you. But you have to tear up the contract.”

Losing six million dollars stung, but the thought of using it to buy her way out of this mess and out of Autumn’s life made her feel a little better.

Once they were officially linked to the Lewis family, making that money back wouldn’t be a problem.

That thought gave her some comfort.

Autumn smiled at Grace and said, “See? Things didn’t have to be this hard. If you want me to tear up the contract, no problem.

“It’s only three o’clock. The banks are still open. You can transfer the money right now.

“Don’t worry. As soon as the money’s in my account, I won’t say another word. I’ll tear up this contract you signed on the spot.”

Grace knew Autumn meant what she said, so without questioning it, the group went to a nearby bank to handle the transfer.

When the payment notification came through, Autumn smiled, ripped up the contract, and tossed it into the trash bin.

Seeing Grace’s pained expression made her day.

She had known all along that without some pressure, Grace would never pay up willingly.

Grace held the receipt in her hand and said to Autumn, “We’re even now. Don’t you try pulling any more stunts. I’ve got evidence too.”

Autumn smiled. “No problem. As long as the money’s in place, I’ve got nothing to say.”

Love?

What a joke.

She’d never believe in that crap again.

From now on, the only thing she believed in was cold, hard cash.

With the money secured, Autumn patted Selena on the shoulder.

“Grace Palmer bled money today. Come on, I’m treating you to a big feast.”

Selena gave Autumn a big thumbs up. “You’re brilliant. You used their little secrets against each other without even spelling it out.

“Sure, it’s a bit ruthless. But honestly? It’s super effective. Women like them deserve nothing less.”

Autumn smiled at her. “You can only fight shameless people with their own tricks. Otherwise, they think you’re a pushover.”

Just as the two of them were still basking in their victory, a man’s voice called out from behind them. “Ms. Lewis.”