Chapter 177 A Cut Above
Grace barely touched her food during the meal. Luann Weaver, on the other hand, ate heartily, ending up dozing off on the couch, something that Grace found quite distasteful.
In a steady tone, she addressed her grandfather, "I always thought acting was pretty easy, but I've come to realize, there's so much more I need to learn every day."
In the Curtis family, Vito Curtis favored Myron Curtis, but Grace was also held in high regard. As a child, she was quick-witted and always able to charm him. As she grew up, she frequently bought various gifts to show her appreciation.
Despite having plenty, a gift is still a gesture of kindness.
"Oh? What have you learned?" Vito Curtis's gaze softened as he turned to Grace.
Grace sat beside Vito Curtis and naturally looped her arm through his. "Tea brewing."
"I was filming an ancient British court drama at the time, and the director arranged for us to immerse ourselves in the life of the era for a month. We mastered the necessary etiquette, including tea brewing."
"I remember thinking that when I returned, I'd brew you a cup myself to try."
Vito Curtis chuckled and nodded. "I could use a drink, actually."
"In the storage out back, there's a precious tea set I've long cherished but never used. Go get it."
Myron Curtis's eyes moved subtly, casting a glance at Vito Curtis.
"I heard about a silver tea set that sold for millions at an auction a few years back. Never imagined you'd have it."
Vito Curtis waved it off. "Just something I picked up to pass the time."
Grace stood up and looked at Luann Weaver. "Come with me to get it, will you?"
"I have something on my mind and would love a good chat with you."
Luann Weaver didn't decline. "Let's go."
Once they left, Alvin Curtis carefully took a seat next to Myron Curtis, leaning in to whisper. "Big bro, why didn't you interfere?"
"You think she'll harm our sister-in-law?"
Myron Curtis responded indifferently, "Why worry? It's not clear who's out to get whom."
Alvin Curtis blinked, remembering Luann Weaver's capabilities, and realized there was wisdom in his words.
The path to the storage shed was laid with marble tiles, with playful blades of grass peeking through, dancing in the breeze.
Grace stepped on them, crushing their vitality underfoot.
"You've blossomed into something extraordinary," she said.
"You're lucky, marrying into the Curtis family and becoming the leading lady overnight."
Luann Weaver hummed in agreement. "That's what I think."
Grace glanced at her with barely concealed disdain. "But do you think you're worthy?"
"Coming from a humble background, you really consider yourself a lady of high society?"
"If Myron Curtis hadn’t been disfigured, unable to win over a bride, how could you ever think you're on my level?" Luann Weaver glanced at Grace with an amused look, her face devoid of any trace of anger. "How dare you speak to me with such audacity?"
"Plus, Grace, just a little reminder," Luann continued, her tone carrying a hint of superiority. "I'm not on the same level as you. In fact, I stand well above."
"After all, in the presence of others, you have to call me 'sister-in-law,' don’t you?" Grace clenched her teeth in frustration. She was exceedingly annoyed by Luann’s attitude.
"The idea of me willingly calling you sister-in-law is laughable. If it weren’t for the old man…"
"You seem quite fond of 'ifs,' Grace," Luann cut her off. "How about being a little more realistic?"
"You!"
"The storeroom's right here. Go get whatever you need."
Grace shot Luann an irritated look before pushing open the storeroom door. It was less a storeroom and more a spacious room, about a thousand square feet, filled with an assortment of precious items.
Grace found what she was looking for without much effort - a silver tea set placed neatly on a pedestal. As she reached out for it, her eyes flitted towards the doorway where Luann had shifted her gaze, meeting Grace’s in scrutiny.
"Take the item and get going. Stop plotting against me," Luann warned with a calm confidence. "Otherwise, I’ll make sure to lock you in here myself and have you spend the night."
Grace bristled inwardly, her private thoughts so easily exposed. Very carefully, she lifted the tea set.
"No helping hands? Can't you see this is heavy?" she challenged.
Luann, leaning lazily against the doorframe, teased, "The delicate Grace can’t handle a single tea set?"
Grace raised her eyebrows. "Why don’t you give it a try?"
"Sure."
As Luann approached and reached out, Grace abruptly let go. But the crash she envisioned never came. Defying Grace’s expectation, Luann caught the tea set with ease and turned back down the hallway.
"Let's go back."
Grace frowned, surprised by Luann's quick response. Luann had already made her way into the living room before Grace. Myron Curtis's brows furrowed disapprovingly as he saw who was carrying the set. His dark eyes were clouded with a cool displeasure.
"Where's Grace?"
Luann settled next to him, allowing him to massage her hands and arms. "She's right behind."
Grace stepped into the living room a moment later.
Expectation hung in the air as the pointed question was asked, "Too busy to use your own two hands? Needing others to fetch your stuff?"
With a soft yelp, Luann Weaver put on an innocent face, "It's no big deal, just some tea set, not heavy at all."
"Besides," she continued, "Grace is the darling daughter of the Curtis family; she's used to being waited on hand and foot."
"Add to that her current status as a top-tier celebrity—it's no wonder people are tripping over themselves to serve her."
"I guess she's just used to ordering people around, that's why she had me carry it."
"It's okay, Myron, really," Luann spoke up, her palms upturned. Perhaps her skin was too tender, for they were flushed a bright red.
Despite Luann's offensive, Grace remained remarkably calm, not flustered or furious.
"I'm just glad you're so understanding, sister-in-law," Grace said with genuine appreciation. "You know I'm on sets all year round; it really takes a toll on my health."
Their eyes locked, a trace of frostiness hanging in the air.
Luann took a sip of water. She hadn't expected Grace to be so enduring. Had it been Juliet Weaver in her place, she might have been lashing out already.
It was clear why Grace had made it this far in the cutthroat entertainment industry—without real talent, she wouldn't have lasted a second...
