Chapter 21
Chapter 21
This woman, who seemed like just a regular person with a shorter fuse, had somehow worked her way into his family’s good graces
But the thing was, his grandparents didn’t need her to do a damn thing. Just being their “lucky star” was enough to have them wrapped around her finger.
When Stephanie walked in the door later, Chris still hadn’t shown up.
Grace smiled warmly when she saw her, immediately taking her hand. “Good girl. I’m sorry you had to deal with all that.”
“Mrs. Ashford, I brought you a gift,” Stephanie said, holding out a velvet box with a polite smile.
Grace’s heart melted a little at the gesture. It was impossible not to like her more.
“You’re such a good girl!” she said, practically glowing. “I didn’t ask you to bring me anything.”
Stephanie’s thoughtfulness just made Grace like her even more.
Stephanie’s thoughtfulness just made Grace like her even more. In that moment, Grace couldn’t help thinking, “The Hart family must be blind if they don’t see how amazing this girl is. Why would they love someone like Olivia more than Stephanie?‘
Stephanie smiled politely, “I thought this brooch would look nice on you.”
Grace nodded, clearly pleased. “That’s sweet. Actually, I’ve got something for you too.”
She took Stephanie’s hand and led her upstairs.
Stephanie had only brought a simple brooch, but Grace immediately handed her a stunning diamond necklace.
When Stephanie saw the necklace, sparkling with diamonds, she instinctively shook her head. “It’s too much. I can’t accept this.”
Grace waved it off. “No, no. This was picked out just for you. I went to Vaudémont with Claire last month, and we each bought one. You and Claire both have one.”
Whether that was true or not didn’t matter. What mattered was that Grace was treating Stephanie like family now.
The gift was symbolic–just like the one she’d given her daughter, Claire Ashford.
After everything with Olivia yesterday, Grace’s gesture was a way to reassure Stephanie.
Still, Stephanie hesitated. “I really can’t accept this.”
With her relationship with Chris at a standstill, she didn’t feel comfortable taking anything from the Ashfords.
But Grace wasn’t backing down. She gently but firmly draped the necklace around Stephanie’s neck.
Stephanie was wearing a low–cut dress that day, and the diamond necklace made her look even more stunning, adding a touch of elegance that was hard to ignore.
Grace nodded in satisfaction, her smile wide. “See? I told you it was perfect for you. When I saw this necklace, I knew it was meant for you.”
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Chapter 21
Stephanie sighed, realizing it was easier to just go along with it than argue. “Well, thank you?
The two of them chatted and laughed as they headed back downstairs, just as Chris walked in.
When he saw the diamond necklace around Stephanie’s neck, he froze.
His mind went blank for a moment. He recognized it.
It was the one Grace had bought in Vandemont last month, and she had said it was for his future daughter–in–law.
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AD
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