Chapter 10 Some People Are Always Helpless
When Grace walked out of the Montague Group building, her legs were still shaking. The spot where Henry had touched her felt like it was on fire, his touch lingering. His words kept echoing in her mind.
"Come home with me. You're still Mrs. Montague!"
"Do you think you can just walk in and out of the Montague family, or that I, Henry, am easy to push around?"
Those words left Grace breathless. She stood outside for a long time before heading back to her tiny rented apartment.
The 600-square-foot place was a far cry from the Windsor family villa. Clara stood quietly in the cramped living room for a long time.
Grace knew Clara wasn't used to it, but this was all she could afford right now.
In the kitchen, Clara was making soup again.
When Grace walked in, Clara put down what she was doing and asked, "How's Oliver?"
Grace didn't mention Henry. She just lowered her head and changed her shoes at the door. "Oliver told me to find a lawyer named Dylan. He said Dylan could help us with the lawsuit."
"Dylan?" Clara looked thoughtful. "I think I've heard that name! We need to find him. If he's good, Oliver can get out."
Grace nodded. "I called Juniper Davis and asked her to help me."
Grace had known Juniper since they were kids. After college, Juniper became a model, traveling a lot and making tons of connections.
Clara handed Grace a bowl of soup. "Drink this. You've lost weight. Aren't you starting work at the training center next week?"
Grace looked at the soup and said softly, "I'm not going. I'll find another job."
Clara sat down next to her. "What happened?"
Grace didn't want Clara to worry, so she tried to sound casual. "It's Henry! He talked to someone, and they rejected me! It's okay, Clara. I'll find another job. There are plenty of postings online and in the news. I'll find something."
She was afraid Clara would blame her. But Clara stayed quiet for a long time before saying softly, "It'll be fine once Oliver is out."
Clara got up and went to the kitchen. After a moment, her voice came from the kitchen, sounding a bit muffled. "Grace, do you think I'm so heartless to make you put up with Henry's control? Your father and I know what kind of person he is. But what can we do? If Oliver can't get out, what will you do?"
As Clara spoke, she started to cry.
Grace felt sad too, but she held it in, gently leaning on Clara's shoulder from behind. "Clara, I've grown up! Even without Oliver, I can still take care of this family."
Clara cried harder.
Grace searched for days but couldn't find a suitable job. She was sure Henry was behind it.
So, she lowered her standards and went to a performance company. It was more like a gig job, getting paid per performance.
Grace was beautiful and played the violin well.
The manager offered her $300 per performance. During busy times, she had to do three or four gigs a day. She played the violin for at least six hours a day, and her once delicate fingers got calluses and blisters.
Life was tough, with constant running around, but Grace never regretted it.
She never called Henry, and he didn't contact her either. Sometimes, she'd see news about Henry attending banquets and acquiring companies.
He always looked dazzling.
In the past, Grace would sometimes go with him, watching him shine and feeling quietly moved. But now, when she saw those reports, she felt only a sense of detachment.
In the evening, on the hospital rooftop.
Grace sat quietly. At some point, Lucas, tall and wearing a white surgeon's coat, appeared. He stood beside Grace, silently watching the sunset with her.
As the last ray of sunlight disappeared, Grace turned and saw Lucas. She quickly stood up, a bit flustered. "Lucas."
Lucas gazed at Grace with eyes full of long-lost memories, exuding a gentle aura that unsettled her. He looked into the distance and spoke softly, "Grace, when you were little, you loved sleeping in a small tent during summer nights. My mom always brought you treats. She misses you a lot these years."
Grace was stunned for a long time, finally remembering. Memories of their time together surfaced in her mind, bit by bit. In their youth, Lucas was always kind to her. No matter what trouble she faced, he would rush to protect her. Young Grace leaned heavily on Lucas, appreciating his kindness and support.
Years flew by in the blink of an eye. Their unexpected reunion happened during one of Grace's toughest times. Despite meeting again, everything had changed between them.
Lucas turned his head, quietly looking at Grace. Then, he took out a bank card from his pocket. "There's $2 million in this account. The password is your birthday. It should cover Nathan's medical expenses."
Grace refused. "I can earn money myself. Thank you."
Lucas looked at her hand, covered with several medical tapes, no longer as tender as before. His throat tightened slightly. "Grace, you don't have to work so hard."
He took out some ointment and treated her wounds. When he was done, Grace gently curled her slender fingers and spoke softly, "In the past, I lived under others' protection without a sense of self. Yes, I have nothing now, but I'm only 24. I want to start over on my own."
She looked up at Lucas, who smiled slightly and said seriously, "Anytime you have difficulties, just tell me." As always, his eyes were gentle, with perhaps some extra emotions. It seemed like pity, or maybe affection.
Grace only stayed at the hospital for two hours. By 7 PM, she hurried to the grand opening of a bar. When the event concluded, it was nearly midnight. She carried her violin, walking on an empty street. A cold wind blew, and she hugged herself to keep from shivering.
Late at night, the neon lights dimmed. The giant screens of skyscrapers played the news, sustaining the night's splendor.
"Evergreen City business tycoon Henry flew to Harmony City to spend a romantic holiday with a beauty."
In the footage, Celeste was pushing Elodie, blocked by reporters in the elevator. Beside them, Henry looked impatient. Grace thought he was probably angry about being photographed.
Next was Elodie's interview. She smiled sweetly at the camera. "I'm very happy today. I hope my legs can recover soon, and I also hope to learn the violin from the music master Mr. Garcia."
"You ask what my relationship with Mr. Montague is? Mr. Montague is the most important man in my life."
After speaking, there was a hint of guilt in Elodie's eyes. Four years ago, she pretended to be Grace, making Henry believe it was she who played the violin every day.
Elodie was afraid Henry would discover the truth. She feared Henry would know that it was Grace who truly saved him. If that were to happen, she would risk losing everything she had built. However, for the sake of financial security, privileges, and her attraction to the charming Henry, she resolved to perpetuate this deception.
Her only worry now was whether Grace would expose her lie.
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