Regret Came Too Late

Threading a string of cheap plastic beads together to make jewelry? Wearing that in public was just asking to be laughed at.

Ethan said nothing. Out of the corner of his eye, he could still see Grace crouched outside, meticulously sorting through the tiny beads under the sunlight.

She finished threading the second bracelet and tied it around her wrist. When she finally stood up, she staggered a little from squatting so long. Her skin was so fair it almost glowed, and the simple beaded bracelet on her wrist only made her look even more striking.

Since she had agreed to meet Ethan at 7:00 pm, and the time was getting close, so she simply stayed outside and waited.

Sure enough, about an hour later, Ethan and Simon came out of the main doors.

The moment Simon spotted her, he frowned.

Grace, however, simply stepped respectfully behind Ethan. "Mr. Henderson, should we head to Velvet Eclipse now?"

"Yeah," Ethan replied casually.

She quickly followed him to the car. Tim was in the driver's seat, with Simon sliding into the back as well.

Grace hesitated for a second, then took out the small gift she had prepared.

this is for you," she said, handing it over. "It's a

was small but exquisite. Anyone could tell at

heard Lambert Group is strapped for cash these days. Looks like you're still willing to

immediately take it. Instead, his gaze dropped to her wrist. She was still wearing that hand-threaded beaded bracelet, the tiny colorful beads vivid against her pale skin. It was simple but somehow beautiful. Grace kept holding the box out awkwardly. Seconds ticked by, feeling like hours. She was just about to

didn't open it. He just set it aside like it

sitting beside them, grinned like a cat who caught a

be grateful, Ethan," he drawled. "You could've ended

back to Grace, smirking. "So, who's the

breath. She really couldn't stand Simon. He was too loud, too

said nothing, but Simon just kept going, grinning

are just like women. We like expensive gifts. The more you spend,

care.

of

I were him, I'd be pissed. Lambert Group might

but you don't have

embarrass yourself like that."

her head, her voice calm.

had lived his whole life in easy mode. No one ever challenged him, and no one dared suggest