Chapter 92

Long ago, Gianna never gave a second thought to anyone she deemed unworthy of her attention,always careful to guard her image and standing.

"That changed as Grace gradually stole her spotlight. She became eager to find an ally who also hated Grace.

These days, it seemed Grace had made it her mission to stir up trouble between Beatrice and Johnny, causing Beatrice's dislike for her to grow sharper with each passing day. Gianna believed the prospect of joining forces felt too good for Beatrice to pass up.

For Beatrice, it hardly mattered if the friendship with Gianna was shallow, as long as there was something in it for her.

Eventually, both girls found common ground and decided to work together.

Plans were set: Gianna would grant Beatrice access to the Holden estate, opening doors to high society.In return, Beatrice would spread whispers and turn the tide against Grace.

Once the deal was sealed, each moved on as if nothing had happened.

Adrianna caught up with Grace, worry written on her face. "Grace, they're saying Beatrice's at it again,dragging your name through the mud. Is it true?"Not long before, she had overheard a pack of girls in the hallway, their conversation circling around Grace,Johnny,and Beatrice.

Rumors were swirling that Grace had a strained relationship with Johnny and was jealous of Beatrice.Some students even accused Grace of being insatiable.

Chloe,Beatrice's loyal companion, played ringleader,always ready with a fresh rumor to damage Grace's name. Unable to bite her tongue, Adrianna had confronted Chloe then and there, and their spat nded any hope of friendship.

Unfazed, Grace waved it off. "Let them gossip.I know what I'm doing, and I'll come out just fine."

Experience had taught her how to keep the upper hand. Laying out her strategies in silence, she preferred to wait until everything reached a boiling point before making her move.

Adrianna breathed easier. "That's a relief to hear,"she said with a soft smile.

A new kind of confidence had taken root in her.Grace had become someone she looked up to,pushing away her old insecurities and choosing, at last, to carve out her own happiness.

Grace shot her a look of warning. "You'd better stay alert. Chloe's got it out for you now, and she doesn't let things go easily."

Adrianna nodded with conviction. "I'll look after myself," she replied, genuinely uplifted by Grace's caring words. Her admiration for Grace only deepened in that moment.

For now, Grace had other things on her mind. Her thoughts wandered to Johnny, wondering if he'd let his temper get the best of him once he got home.

It wasn't Johnny she feared-it was the possibility of upsetting Julia that truly bothered her.

After Grace's last car incident, Julia insisted on being the one to fetch Grace from school. Whenever she couldn't make it, the family's driver filled in.

That afternoon, Grace stepped through the doorway greeted not by silence but by Johnny's raised voice echoing through the house. "Mom, you have to stop handing Grace so much pocket money. And quit buying her all those clothes and gifts. She's getting all the wrong ideas from school!"

Frustration flared in Julia's eyes. "You loudmouth,that's enough! Compared to you and your reckless spending, Grace is a breath of fresh air. If anyone's losing credit card privileges, it ought to be you!"

Earlier, Johnny had strutted around, making promises to Beatrice that he'd persuade his parents to pull the plug on Grace's spending money. Now, fate had flipped the script. Instead of cracking down on Grace, his mom had set her sights on his own allowance. How ironic-it was as if he'd dug his own grave.

Trying to defend himself, he blurted out, "Why are you coming after me, Mom? I've barely spent a thing lately! Grace is the one setting up shop at school,selling things she shouldn't. What if she gets in trouble? Our family could be implicated!" His rant echoed through the hall just as Grace appeared,catching every word.

Realizing he'd been caught bad-mouthing her, his face turned red for a brief second, but pride wouldn't let him back down. He lifted his head and squared his shoulders, telling himself he was only speaking the facts.

Julia, spotting Grace at the door, quickly abandoned her frustration with Johnny. "There you are, darling.I've been waiting for you to come home so we can eat together. Wash up and join us at the table," she said,her tone softening instantly for her daughter.

Fearing Grace might take offense, Julia leaned in,her voice gentle. "Don't pay any mind to what Johnny said. He doesn't mean any of it. Deep down, he cares about you; he's just shy, really."

A look of confusion crossed Grace's face. Shy? Since when had Johnny ever acted shy?

With an exaggerated sigh, Johnny said, "Mom, you're so unfair. Am I actually your son? Honestly, I'd prefer not to have this sister!"

Julia only smiled, turning to Grace. "See what he does? Every time he opens his mouth, he says the exact opposite of what he feels. He loves having you around, but he's terrified you'll dislike him."

Johnny groaned, frustration building. How was he supposed to defend himself when his mother twisted everything he said? If anyone was being misunderstood,it was him.

Watching this unfold, Grace felt a twinge of guilt, as if she'd stolen some of Julia's love away from Johnny.

Julia had lost her patience. "Johnny, move out of the way. If you keep running your mouth, you can just stay at school instead of coming home," she snapped, her irritation clear. It was no secret-daughters were easier to love. Johnny just kept causing headaches.

All the swagger he had shown in front of Beatrice evaporated. It was obvious now-his mother played favorites. Maybe he wasn't even her real child;maybe he really had been picked up off the street.

Julia turned her attention to her daughter. "Grace,let's see you top your old record. Why not have more than one plate tonight?"

Rodger chimed in, encouraging her, "She's right Grace. You're still growing. Eat plenty so you'll be tall and strong."

Every meal now became a showcase of affection,with both Julia and Rodger doting on Grace, urging her to eat more-sometimes even playfully challenging her appetite. Wanting to please them, Grace managed a plate and a half, though she felt stuffed to the brim by the end.

Meanwhile, Johnny sat at the table, ignored and invisible, whether he finished his food or left it untouched