Chapter 157 Deal or Threat
Eliza stared at her phone, then rubbed her temples, exhaustion clouding her expression.
The Holt family again. What trick are they playing this time?
But then she remembered–Grace had always been close with Evelyn. It wasn’t impossible that Grace had caught wind of something regarding her true identity.
Maybe… Grace really does know something.
With that in mind, Eliza decided to go.
If Grace was bluffing again, that would be the last time she ever humored the Holt family. No matter what they said after that, she wouldn’t give them another second of her time.
She arrived at the café early.
Grace was already there.
Whether it was to assert her status as an elder or simply to save face, Grace had dressed to the nines- head–to–toe designer, with a limited–edition Hermès bag dangling from her arm.
Eliza rolled her eyes the moment she saw her.
Grace, catching sight of her, greeted her with a beaming smile–very different from the disdain and arrogance of the past.
“Elizze, you must be thirsty after coming all this way. I ordered you a coffee and some pastries. Not sure if you like sweets…”
“I don’t.”
Eliza cut her off flatly. “Let’s get to the point. I’m busy.”
Having been shut down so bluntly, Grace quickly composed herself again.
“Well, it’s just… I know you and Zayden grew up together. You were childhood sweethearts. If not for the Rivers family, the two of you might already be married by now…”
As she spoke, Grace glanced up to study Eliza’s face.
But Eliza’s expression didn’t change at all.
Seeing that, Grace finally revealed her true purpose.
“I wanted to ask you for a favor.”
“Ma’am, didn’t you say you knew my secret? Why are you asking for favors then?”
Eliza leaned back in her chair. “Actually, I’d love to hear it. What secret do you think you know?”
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Since Eliza had brought it up so directly, Grace pulled out her phone.
She flipped to a set of photos–clear shots of Eliza working at a warehouse in the suburbs, others of her walking into and out of a real estate office. All secretly taken.
Eliza’s brows furrowed when she saw them.
So it was these.
“I know you’ve got something going on now,” Grace said. “You opened a factory behind your parents‘ backs, didn’t you? Even bought a massive warehouse. You even set up your own mom to trick her online. Now you’re rich–buying five properties in one go. You even bought the Holt family’s apartment. I know you’re loaded.”
Eliza smiled. “That’s just where I work. And those deeds? I was running errands for my boss.”
“But let’s say I am rich–what’s that got to do with you? My engagement with Zayden is long over. And even if I did make money, it’s nothing shameful. If anything, I should be bragging about it.”
“If you really were rich, would your parents let you off that easy?”
Grace leaned in. “Let’s be honest–I already called your homeroom teacher. I know you got into Claire University. That place? No way you get in without serious connections. No social value, no family background? They’d never admit you.”
Grace looked confident now, as though she had Eliza right where she wanted her.
She knew exactly how ruthless Evelyn could be.
If Evelyn ever found out how much money Eliza had, she’d come after her like a bloodhound.
“Elizze, I watched you grow up. I don’t want you to suffer. Just help recommend Zayden to Claire University, and maybe toss in a little hush money. I swear, your parents will never hear a word about your fortune.”
Eliza stared at Grace and was hit with a memory–of her previous life, after marrying Zayden, being treated like a freeloader and maid by this very woman.
Unforgettable.
Eliza smiled faintly. “Ma’am… is this a threat?”
“How could you say that? We’d both get what we want. Everyone wins.”
Grace’s words were sweet, but her eyes were already glittering with smug victory as she picked up her coffee.
Eliza shook her head. “The Holt family is bankrupt. I don’t see what I’m getting out of this supposed win-
win.”
She paused. “But I do have a question for you.”
“What is it?”
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Chapter 157 Deal or Threat
“Did you send me a text a few days ago?”
Grace looked confused. “Text? What text?”
“Never mind then.”
With that, Eliza stood up to leave.
Grace, flustered, scrambled to her feet. “Where are you going?”
“There’s nothing left to talk about,” Eliza said coolly. “So I’m leaving.”
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