Chapter 454 Shane and Grace Negotiate
Shane extended his hand, softly ruffling Grace's hair in a gesture of comfort. "Grace, we may not be related by blood, but the bonds of affection we've formed over time cannot be ignored. You've called me 'Grandpa' for years, and that's not something I can simply forget. I hope you find it in yourself to truly repent."
Grace's heart wavered as Shane's words resonated with her, stirring a tumult of emotions. Yet, as she teetered on the edge of confession, a stark realization halted her. Revealing the truth meant exposing her deepest secret—that she was actually Debbie. The risk was too great; silence was her only refuge.
Facing Shane with tears in her eyes, Grace mustered her courage. "Grandpa, I assure you, there's no one behind this. When you found me at the orphanage, my longing for a family led me to falsely claim I was your granddaughter. My tales of hardship are genuine, and while my mother's name is indeed Elise, she is not the Elise you knew. The similarity in their names is mere coincidence. I'm as baffled by the blood test results as you are; it was beyond my expectations."
Shane's disappointment deepened. While he could accept the coincidence of names, the inexplicable blood test results puzzled him. Had Grace tampered with them or influenced the technicians? Yet, the sheer number of testing centers made such a feat implausible. Moreover, the comprehensive testing against all Koch family relatives seemed foolproof against manipulation.
The investigation reports further complicated matters. If not fabricated, their accuracy was undeniable. Clearly, Grace had hidden support, but Shane was at a loss to identify the benefactor.
Grace's pleas intensified as Shane remained silent, her tears and trembling form painting a picture of despair.
"Grandpa, I implore you, believe me! I cannot bear the thought of leaving you and the family. Please, don't cast me out!"
Shane, however, remained steadfast. "Your presence here prevents my true granddaughter's return. Your actions have caused her harm, and should she come home, I fear you would only continue to do so. The high-stakes world of high society, rife with deception and manipulation, is no place for such risks within the Koch family."
Despite his resolve, Shane found it excruciating to voice the final decree of separation. The thought of parting was too grievous to articulate.
Grace's plea, barely audible, was laden with a poignant vulnerability. "Are you truly dismissing me, Grandpa?"
The prospect of leaving was unbearable for Grace. Without the Kochs, she faced not only the loss of status but also the looming threat of retribution from Hunter and an uncertain future with no safe haven.
As Shane observed her distress, a pang of sorrow touched him, a reminder of the significant moments they had shared. Before Patricia came into their lives, Grace had played the part of a dutiful and sensible member of the Koch family. Shane found it surreal to recall the early days of their acquaintance, which now seemed like a distant dream.
Aware of the risks, Shane knew he couldn't keep a potential threat within the family. "I'll provide you with a substantial sum. You and your future generations will be well taken care of, even after you leave the Koch family," he stated decisively.
Grace realized the futility of further pleas; Shane's heart had shifted, his affections now fully bestowed upon Patricia, his true granddaughter. His newfound love for Patricia translated into stark indifference towards her. Accepting the inevitable, she finally gave in. "Fine! I'll go," she said, her voice heavy with resignation.
Shane, conflicted and silent, struggled to respond.
Breaking the silence, Grace made a final request, "I know we may never meet again. Your ninetieth birthday is approaching, and I wish to stay until then. It would be my final goodbye and a gesture of gratitude for your kindness."
Shane hesitated before Grace, her hand gripping his, pleaded, "Please, Grandpa. This will be the last birthday I'll spend with you. After the celebration, I'll leave without a trace."
Shane felt an unexpected pang of sadness.
After much deliberation, he gave a reluctant nod of consent. "Just ensure you never return once you leave the country. I'll manage things with the family," he said, setting the terms.
Grace's face brightened with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Grandpa! And before I go, I wish to create one last beautiful memory to cherish, a gesture to keep your secret safe."
Shane sighed deeply, nodding in agreement to her request, and gently patted her head. He hoped she might find a path to redemption and a fresh start in life.
...
In Ivara City, Maria was blossoming with each passing day. Not yet a hundred days old, she was already showing signs of rolling over. The winter chill was kept at bay inside their home, warmed by the constant heat. Dressed in cozy loungewear, Maria managed a little twist and kick, rolling onto her tummy on the bed, much to everyone's delight.
The three older children, enjoying their winter break, eagerly competed for turns to play with Maria, filling the house with laughter and joy.
Yet, amidst the merriment, Patricia's moments of joy were sometimes overshadowed by pensive thoughts. Maria's laughter, so full of life, often reminded her of her son, whose absence left a void filled with unanswered questions: Where was he? Who had taken him? Was he safe and well-cared-for?
These burdensome thoughts weighed heavily on Patricia, casting a shadow of sorrow that seemed to constrict her heart.
Observing her distress, the children would try to distract her with their playful antics, coaxing a smile onto her face. Determined not to let her worries affect them, Patricia would summon her inner strength and mask her sorrow with a brave facade.
Meanwhile, Alan was on a mission to locate Doctor Isabella. Despite receiving timely tips, they were perpetually one step behind, always arriving to find her last known location deserted, as if she had been forewarned and fled just in time. The disorderly state of her abandoned home, with baby essentials left behind, hinted at a rushed departure.
Martin urged Alan to persist in their search, yet no new leads emerged. Isabella seemed to have vanished without leaving a single trace behind.
In the wake of her divorce, Mrs. Watson and her child captivated the global audience, their story resonating far and wide.
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