Chapter 28

Light from the grand chandelier spilled across the hall, mixing with the scent of expensive perfumes and the buzz of animated conversation.

With each step, Grace moved through the entrance, her blue dress catching the glow and creating a halo around her, the fabric whispering over her skin and exuding a dreamy sophistication.

Instantly, heads turned in her direction, their admiration barely concealed.

Surrounded by a lively group, Gianna caught the sudden shift as attention drifted to the doorway.

Her gaze snapped toward the entrance,and there was Grace, moving with a calm confidence that made Gianna's hands curl tightly at her sides.

Someone nearby leaned in close, voice dropping to a whisper. "Who is that girl?"

"That's the girl the Holden family adopted from an orphanage,isn't it?"

"She looks so refined-honestly, even more elegant than Gianna tonight."

"Not so loud. Gianna's right there."

"So what? She's just crashing with Ethel. If Rodger and Julia really cared, wouldn't they have adopted her themselves? Makes you wonder," one woman said dismissively.

Every sly remark drifted into Gianna's ears,making her smile feelbrittle at the edges.

She drew in a slow breath, collected herself,and made her way toward Grace,champagne glass in hand.

"There you are, Grace." Her words rang out sweetly, though tension tugged at every syllable. "I've been searching for you everywhere-l worried you'd gotten lost."

A gentle, almost amused look crossed Grace's face. "I'm fine. You should go enjoy your friends. I can take care of myself."

Having Gianna nearby would only stir up more drama.

The blunt dismissal took Gianna by surprise.Barely managing to keep her smile, she leaned in, her voice soft with fake concern."You'll find a lot of well-connected girls here tonight. You're new to all this, so just be careful."

Grace nodded with quiet confidence. "appreciate it. I know how to handle myself."

Unmoved by Grace's composure, Gianna masked her irritation with a heavy sigh."Alright, but let me know if you need help."

Turning away, she sank her heels into the plush carpet, each step carrying her frustration further.

A huff of irritation escaped her, hidden by practiced poise.

Her manners remained flawless, but deep down, she wished nothing more than for Grace to trip up in front of everyone.

Not far from the entrance, Sonia Richardson -the host's daughter-caught Gianna's eye and gave an enthusiastic wave.

Without missing a beat, Gianna put on a sweet smile and hurried over to greet her.

"Is that the new addition to your family?"Sonia asked, linking arms and sending a pointed look Grace's way.

Lowering her voice and putting on an air of reluctant acceptance, Gianna replied,"That's her. My uncle brought her home from the orphanage. She bounced around foster homes before landing with us."

Her words barely faded before a cluster of girls surrounded them, voices bubbling with excitement.

"It all makes sense now-she doesn't have that classic high-society look."

"She may look the part, but I wonder if she has what it takes beneath the surface."

"You're being generous, Gianna. Personally,I don't know if l'd be so gracious with an unexpected addition to the family."

Raising her glass, Gianna let the bubbles linger on her tongue before replying with a soft,measured tone, "It's all been decided by the family. My job is just to keep an eye on her,nothing more."

Yet behind her gentle words, a cold spark lit her eyes.

Festivities rolled on, lively and bright, as the clink of crystal and bursts of laughter filled the hall.

All the laughter and cheer grated on Grace's nerves, only strengthening her distaste for such events.

Craving escape, she made her way toward the open terrace to breathe in the cool night.

She had barely started down the corridor before a cluster of girls stepped into her path.

Sonia lifted her arm, letting the chandelier's light dance across a bracelet studded with diamonds.

A smirk polayed on her lips as she addressed Grace, her words dripping with pride. "Take a look. This was made just for my eighteenth-there's nothing else like it anywhere."

"Oh my, it sparkles so much! It's absolutely stunning. I wish I had something like that,"said Sonia's friends, unable to hide their awe.

With a sweet voice laced in admiration,Gianna suggested, "Sonia, only someone as refined as you could do justice to a piece that special."

Rolling her eyes, Grace masked her irritation behind a blank expression. Honestly, did these girls have any pastime beyond endlessly heaping praise on one another?

A lazy glance at Sonia's prized bracelet told Grace all she needed to know-those diamonds looked disappointingly puny, and whoever cut them clearly lacked skill.

She had to wonder-was this spectacle really about a bracelet so mediocre?

Grace's thoughts wandered to the plain box stashed beneath her bed, filled with loose stones that made Sonia's accessory look like a child's toy.

With a steady voice, Grace asked, "Would you kindly let me through?" Without waiting for a reply, she continued on her way toward the terrace.

Snickers and whispered insults trailed behind her, saying, "She's never even seen real jewelry before."

Taking a moment on the terrace, Grace soaked in the peace before slipping away toward the bathroom.

No sooner had she stepped outside than a female attendant in crisp uniform thrust an accusing finger in her direction, her voice rising above the chatter. "That's her! I saw it with my own eyes-she's the one who stole it!"

In an instant, every head turned, the air thick with judgment from the watching socialites.

Grace's lips pressed together in a thin,annoyed line. What was this lunatic going on about now? Why was she suddenly the villain of the attendant's story?