Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 484

Grace paused before continuing, "Do you know why the Etheridge family took us in, but not you?"

"It's not just because my dad once saved Uncle's life. There's another reason: because we're clean. We're the daughters of a hero. But you? You're the daughter of a mistress-someone who was never acknowledged, not even at the end."

"Shut up!"

Isabel's temper flared. She was about to jump to her feet and slap Grace across the face.

But something stopped her. She forced down her anger, drew in a long breath, and fixed Grace with a cold, unblinking stare.

"I get it now, Grace. You're trying to provoke me. But I see right through you. I'm not going to give you what you want."

Grace smiled at her, but there was something unsettling about that smile-it sent a chill through Isabel.

Grace gave Isabel's shoulder a heavy pat. "Don't get so worked up. Just looking out for a friend, that's all."

With that, Grace turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Isabel utterly baffled by her behavior.

"Tomorrow's the company retreat! We're all heading out to that lakeside resort nearby. I can't wait," Shirley gushed to Effie.

love this company. Other places do their team-building on the weekend, but ours does it on a workday-so after it's over, we get to enjoy our whole weekend at home," Shirley said, practically bouncing with excitement. "Who

a mischievous look. "Well, Miss Bagnold, are you excited? I heard the executive

knew exactly what Shirley

a side-eye.

grinned. "Oh, I think

at the entrance to the design department. Something was

fuss was

"Maurice?"

that's what all the

had

other departments were gathering, eager

to see me? Is it a nice

here all of a sudden? You didn't even

"That's the whole point-it's a

you're not here to give me

joined in her laughter. "Pretty sure it's

to design some jewelry for me-does that count

"You know it's after hours now, right? You