Chapter 4 Scorn

Energy sparkled in Julia's eyes as she squeezed Grace's hand. "Take a look! Grace's eyes are just like mine when I was a girl!"

With uncontained excitement, she turned to her husband. "Don't you think so, darling?"

Rodger's eyes flicked between his wife and Grace. The usual hardness in his expression faded, replaced by a rare softness. "There's no denying it. They really do resemble each other."

Maybe it was a mere coincidence, yet the likeness between Julia and Grace was uncanny from certain angles.

Both shared big eyes with a gentle tilt, matching noses, and jawlines that seemed cut from the same mold.

Julia couldn't hide her delight as she said, "We could pass for mother and daughter. Maybe this was always meant to be."

Sometimes, a single meeting was all it took to know someone belonged.

From the start, Julia had taken a liking to Grace, feeling an instant bond.

The others in the room, however, could hardly believe their ears. No blood ties connected them, yet Julia acted as if Grace were her own.

Unbothered by anyone else's opinion, Julia focused only on Grace, her words gentle. "I promise to love you dearly. You are my cherished daughter now."

Ethel, sitting nearby, watched Grace's entrance with a critical gaze and a frown.

To her, Grace's plain clothing and simple background stood out like a sore thumb. The girl had grown up in an orphanage, moving from one family to another, and had missed out on a proper education.

"The paperwork was finished. From that moment on, she belonged to the Holden family," Ethel said, her tone as cold as ice itself. "Make sure that once she settles in, someone teaches her how to behave. The standards in this family are not for just anyone."

There was no mistaking the scorn that colored her words.

She had never agreed with this adoption. With Gianna already thriving-enrolled at a top school, always at the top of her class, and talented in the arts-what was the point of bringing in a stranger with no background?

Despite Ethel's objections, Grace had found her way into the house. She blamed Julia for clouding Rodger's judgment. Frustration churned in Ethel's chest, and a storm gathered on her face.

"Please don't let this upset you, Grandma." Gianna came closer, her hand soft as she patted Ethel's back. Her voice was sweet as she said, "Grace is new here. We'll help her learn everything she needs."

She threw Grace a glance filled with silent mockery, the hint of a smile curling at the edge of her mouth.

Watching Grace stay calm, and seeing Julia fawn over her, made Gianna's blood boil.

Julia had always spoiled her, buying every luxury and chasing down the latest fashion just to see her smile.

With Grace now in the picture, Gianna felt the sting of jealousy. Would Julia's love stretch that far, or was she herself about to lose her place?

"Grace, you sure are awfully quiet tonight. Is there something wrong, or..." Gianna let her words linger, dropping heavy hints that Grace might not even be able to speak.

All eyes shifted in Grace's direction, only then noticing she had not said a single thing since her arrival.

A look of contempt flickered in Gianna's gaze. She scoffed to herself, thinking Grace was probably stunned speechless by the grandeur around her.

Any worries about Grace coming back to threaten her place in the family faded away-it seemed those fears had been for nothing.

Remaining steady, Grace lowered her eyes in a gesture of respect. "I know my place. The elders are speaking, and I shouldn't interrupt."

Watching the family's back-and-forth felt like witnessing a play, so she found no space to join in.

Surprise flashed across the room. None of them expected such a thoughtful response-perhaps there was more to her than they assumed.

Gianna's expression soured as she silently fumed. Was that a subtle jab at her?

Even Ethel's frosty exterior eased a touch. "You know how to behave. That's good."

Right then, the butler entered and announced, "Dinner is served."

Before long, the whole family was settling in at the dining table.

Julia made sure Grace took the seat right beside her.

Throughout the meal, she paid special attention to her new daughter, serving her the tastiest dishes.

Watching Grace savor each bite, Gianna's envy spiked as she glanced at her own plate.

Months of dieting just to stay slim had left her hungry and irritable.

Seeing Grace eat with such ease gnawed at her nerves, so she quickly shifted the conversation. "Grace, I heard you dropped out of high school. What do you plan to do? Wanna continue school? I know people at Crestwood High. Maybe I can help you get in."

Crestwood's reputation wasn't exactly stellar-most students lacked motivation and ambition, content to coast through their classes without putting in any real effort.

Bringing up Crestwood was nothing but a jab meant to put Grace in her place.

Before Grace could reply, Rodger spoke up. "I already arranged for her to enroll at Briskvale High. She'll be starting next week."

The entire family froze at his words.

Gianna's fake smile vanished, her eyes growing huge with shock. "Briskvale High?"

That school was legendary, reserved for the country's elite. Most families could only dream of sending their children there-how could someone from Grace's background possibly get in?

Trying to hide her jealousy, Gianna forced a smile and said, "Uncle Rodger, Briskvale isn't just open to anyone. You need more than connections to get accepted. Grace even dropped out of school, so how will that work?"