บททั้งหมดของ A Marriage of Convenience: บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

 Raphael could feel something was off with Grace. When had her mood started to shift? Just moments ago, when she saw him outside the door, her eyes had clearly lit up—but the second her father was mentioned, something changed. She not only turned down her father’s help, but also emotionally shut him out.Reaching out, Raphael gently caught her wrist. “I’ve got nothing urgent this afternoon. I’ll stay here with you.”Grace’s gaze flickered. After a beat, she replied, “Suit yourself.”Everyone followed as she moved to the table. They all sat together, and Grace gave a quick rundown. “The designer claiming we plagiarized showed an old sketch, signed and dated from two years ago. It shares about 7

 Grace asked lightly, her tone soft and casual—like she was asking what they’d have for lunch. But from the second the words left her lips, her eyes hadn’t moved an inch from Raphael’s. She was watching him, every flicker of expression, as if trying to read the truth straight from his soul.Raphael’s hand at her waist unconsciously tightened. His gaze darkened.“Remember when you asked me the other day what kind of gift I liked?” he said quietly.His other hand rose, warm palm resting gently against her cheek, as though he were touching something rare and delicate.Grace was almost lulled by the tenderness. “What? You didn’t even answer me. I’m not

Following her lawyer’s advice, Grace submitted a request to have a well-respected, independent institution evaluate the authenticity of the other designer’s sketches. She also invited him to provide the original paper drawings for handwriting and carbon ink dating analysis.At first, the designer refused, going on social media to protest: “Why should I agree to some exam just because you doubt the date on my sketch? You’ve got all the money—who’s to say that lab isn’t in your pocket?”In response, Grace offered to let him choose the verifying institution. Still, he stalled.Meanwhile, she quietly reached out to the buyer who had purchased the asymmetrical pearl earrings the previous year, and respectfully requested to borrow them for submission to the National Jewelry Craftsmanship Association for review.By then, public opinion had begun to shift in Grace’s favor. Many noted how transparent and cooperative Élan G was being, while the so-called "victim" designer grew increasingly evas

 Grace shot Raphael a playful glare, then let out a cold little huff as she plopped down into his office chair. Arms crossed and lips jutted in a pout, she looked every bit the queen throwing a royal tantrum.Raphael, on the other hand, looked perfectly put together again—his shirt crisp, his cuffs neat, as though nothing had happened. Not that it ever got too disheveled to begin with. But her? Her torn stockings sat pitifully to the side. Luckily, she hadn’t come in just that dress—she still had her long white coat that reached her ankles. If she hadn’t… she might’ve murdered him on the spot.

 Grace went all out during her first two days in New York. There was just too much to eat, too much to see, too many quirky little things to buy—it had her wondering, just for a moment, if she should ditch everything and move to this fast-paced, fashion-forward city.Her father spent the first day and a half handling business. The rest of the time, he quietly trailed behind her and Evelyn as they shopped, explored, and splurged—only stepping forward when it was time to pull out the black card from his pocket to foot the bill.From Saturday to Monday, Grace dressed to the nines every day—draped in shimmer and sparkle. She even turned Evelyn into her personal doll, dressing her up head to toe. Bu