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.

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

but exquisite. Anyone could tell at a glance it was

cash these days. Looks like you're still willing to bleed

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 mumble something to ease the awkwardness

He just set it aside like it meant

them, grinned like

you should at least be grateful, Ethan," he drawled. "You could've ended up

Grace, smirking. "So, who's the lucky guy you're giving

He was too

Simon just

it to your secret boyfriend? Let me tell you, men are just like women. We like expensive gifts. The

care.

hundreds of thousands of dollars, but

street vendor? If I were him, I'd be pissed. Lambert

you

embarrass yourself like that."

voice calm. "That's because you don't

life in easy mode. No one ever challenged him, and no one dared suggest