Chapter 56

Grace entered the grand hall alongside Julia,immediately feeling the cold,judging stare from Ethel.

"Both of you, get down on your knees now!" shouted Ethel, her voice edged sharply with anger.

Julia opened her mouth to reply, but Grace gently took her mother's hand and stepped forward with quiet confidence. "Grandma, could you tell me exactly whatI've done to upset you?"

A brief glance toward Gianna's self-satisfied face confirmed Grace's suspicions-another twisted tale must have reached Ethel's ears.

"You still dare to ask me?" Ethel asked,pointing directly at Gianna. "You openly humiliated her in front of everyone!"

Grace's eyes fell on Gianna's reddened face, and she gave a knowing smile. "Oh, you're referring to the bet,aren't you?"

She moved closer to Gianna, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Did you conveniently forget who suggested that bet first, and who-"

"Stop this nonsense immediately!" Ethel's stern voice sliced through Grace's words. "Publicly embarrassing Gianna was unacceptable!"

Julia's brows knitted softly as she turned to Gianna."Tell me honestly,Gianna.Did Grace force your hand?Everyone saw what truly happened. How could you twist things like this?"

Disappointment colored every word Julia spoke.Gianna had always been a lovely and kind girl in Julia's memory. She adored Gianna's sweetness, showering her with endless gifts and affection.

Even after Grace arrived, Julia's warmth toward Gianna remained unchanged.

Still, it caught her completely off guard that Gianna would twist the truth so boldly about what really went down at the Aurora Gem Fair.

Gianna's cheeks drained of color as she stammered,unable to meet Julia's gaze. "Aunt Julia, I-I didn't mean to make it sound that way."

She dropped her eyes, guilt evident in every shifting glance.

Ethel said coldly, "Julia,stop blindly defending Grace."

Julia smiled softly, her tone gentle yet firm. "I'm not

blindly defending anyone. Everything has to be judged fairly.If Grace truly mistreated Gianna, I would step in.But I won't let Gianna twist the truth to harm Grace,either."

EtheI's frown deepened, her gaze shifting uncertainly between Gianna's guilty look and Grace's steady calmness.

Realization gradually dawned on her.

Pressing a hand to her temple, Ethel said with a strained voice, "Fine. Since that's settled, you all should go now. I have a headache and need rest."

Julia and Grace respectfully withdrew, nodding politely as they exited.

Julia had come to realize that whenever she spent time with Ethel, their conversations always left Ethel nursing a headache. Maybe the truth was that the two of them simply didn't mix welL. Maybe she should limit her visits, for everyone's peace of mind.

Outside,Julia glanced at Grace with concern. "Are you upset,Grace?"

Grace shook her head gently. "I'm fine. It just bothers me that you're dragged into these conflicts because of me."

She wondered silently if she somehow attracted

women with dishonesty and manipulation wherever she went.

Julia laughed lightly, her eyes kind. "It's nothing new to me."

She'd grown accustomed to Ethel's perpetual disapproval, unaffected by it.

Julia was sincere and trusting-perhaps too trusting,considering she still fell for Ethel's fake headaches.

"Oh, Grace, there's a coffee party tomorrow," said Julia, shifting topics cheerfully. "Come along."

Grace nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, Mom."

On the third day, Grace slipped into a pale green dress chosen by Julia, highlighting her delicate features and graceful posture.

With a pleased nod, Julia said, "Grace, you're stunning today. There's no doubt you'll steal the spotlight at the event."

Julia herself wore an exquisite dark green dress adorned with floral embroidery, complemented perfectly by a strand of gleaming pearls, radiating elegance.

Linking arms with Grace affectionately, she teased lightly, "Look at us matching today."

The event was an occasion for wealthy ladies like Julia to socialize and strengthen connections over coffee.

They arrived at the renowned Majestic Winery, a prestigious coffeehouse owned by Julia's close friend,Lois Ramirez, known for its sophistication and tranquil ambiance.

Clusters of elegantly dressed ladies filled the space,sipping their drinks and murmuring in pleasant conversation.

The moment Grace and Julia entered, their presence immediately attracted attention.

"Julia, you've finally arrived!" Lois greeted warmly,linking arms with Julia and regarding Grace admiringly."And you must be Grace! You're even more charming in person than your photos suggest."

Grace responded politely with a graceful nod, "It's lovely to meet you, Mrs. Ramirez."

Lois smiled brightly, leading them further into the venue. "Come, let's introduce you around."

Curious whispers filled the room, acknowledging Grace's significance based on Lois's warm welcome.

Just then, a voice emerged from behind them,surprised yet intrigued. "Myla! Good to see you.And who is this charming young woman you've brought along?"