A p to His Face As I was about to turn and leave, Grace called out to me, “Chlo, c-can Ie with you?”  I nced at As, and a glimmer of tenderness flickered in his eyes. I | looked at Grace and asked, “Are you sure?”  She nodded, determined. “Yes! I want  to go with you!”  “Mom!” Matthew’s own mother choosing to go with someone else felt  like a p in the face.


    All the cops were left dumbfounded.


    Some of them understood our dynamics, which was nothing short of astonishing.


    I turned back, supporting her as she


    gripped my hand. Her trembling was so  intense that it was almost unnatural. I wanted to ask her again if she wanted  toe with me, but the words got  stuck in my throat.


    In the lobby, Mnie stood there, watching Grace follow me. She  stormed toward us in frustration, demanding, “Have you lost your mind? You''re going with her? Grace, if you go with her today, nevere back to the Murphy family!”  I scoffed at Matthew.


    Matthew, of course, understood my  look. He yelled at Mnie, “Shut your mouth!”  “Why should I shut up? Chloe’s a two- faced, maniptive snake. She thinks she’s someone special. Does Grace still consider me her daughter-inw?”


    Mnie shouted at Matthew, her neck strained.


    “Given your behavior, do you think she’d dare to go with you?” I retorted with contempt. “Are you nning to continue your abuse once she’s back?” Mnie took a sudden step forward and As’s eyes shot toward her. She froze in her tracks, avoiding his gaze.


    We walked away without a second thought.


    As As and Matthew passed each other, As gave Matthew a sharp look and said, “Take care of your own woman!” Mnie’s anger was redirected toward Grace. “Grace, remember this. If you


    go with her today and dare toe back, I''ll—" With a sharp crack, Mnie was on the ground and clutching her face. She stared at Matthew in shock.


    Grace had enough. She pointed at Mnie and said, “You’re worse than a pig! I''ve been raising such a heartless beast! Even if I die, I’lle back to collect my debt from you." Then Grace grabbed my arm, and we headed out. However, the moment we passed through the police station’s gate, she copsed.


    As lifted her. “Let’s go to the hospital.” “No, I want to go home with Chlo. I want to see Ava. I''m fine!” She exerted a great effort to steady herself, herThis material belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    eyes pleading.


    “Alright, let’s go home!” : Lunderstood her concern. She was worried about scaring the child after what had just happened.


    When she saw Ava run toward her at home, she smiled, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.


    Grace moved into the vi at my suggestion, and she didn’t resist too much. I knew her time was limited.


    My parents didn’t object to her moving in. With Grace here, life was much more peaceful. At the very least, she didn’t have to face the harassment from Mnie and Abby daily. She could chat with my mom and felt more at ease.


    However, on Sundays, I would still take


    Ava to the Beringer residence.


    Ava had be the apple of Rose''s | eye. Her cherubic face and endearing voice had won Rose’s heart.


    The Beringer family hadn’t had such a young child for many years.


    Archie and Ardie returned to the capital after seeing my family. Only Arnold stayed for another week. Ava adored Arnold. He took her all over the city, causing a ruckus wherever they went.


    When he left, [ apanied Ava to bid farewell. I had considered inviting As, but he said, “I’m busy!” He didn’t care whether Arnold should stay or leave.


    Today, I dropped Ava off at the Beringer residence. Ivanna had |


    something to discuss with me, so I let Ava stay with Rose. I told her I would be back after dealing with some matters.


    Rose waved me off with a smile. “Go on, go on! Attend to your duties. We have a lot to do today, just grandmother and granddaughter!”  I smiled, seeing nothing but indulgence in her eyes. I was at ease. It was a good thing that Ava was always by Rose’s side.


    Rose was once Foswood''s most prominent socialite. She taught Ava to y the piano and paint during these brief encounters. She even brought her to high-profile private events. Ava''s horizons broadened, and she returned eager to share what she had learned.


    My parents were incredulous about my family’s newfound ties with the Beringers. My dad said it was | something he hadn’t dared to dream about, and yet here we were.


    Even now, it still felt surreal. I left to  find Ivanna, but, trouble arose again.