Chapter 3 Love And Hostility

Behind her came Sylvia's voice.

"Leonard, while I was gone, you were all lovey-dovey with her. I don't care-I want you to make it up to me."

"Tell me, what kind of compensation do you want?" Leonard asked.

"I want to be the only one in your heart for the rest of your life!"

"All right."

"And when you propose to me, it has to be way grander than this!"

"Fine."

Sylvia laughed playfully, and Leonard's tone was gentle beyond measure.

Then Leonard quickly called over the restaurant manager.

"Get rid of all these flowers and balloons-every last one of them."

Grace's eyes reddened instantly.

Back at Stone Manor, the first thing Grace saw was a suitcase sitting in the entryway.

Sylvia had moved in.

This villa had once been Leonard's "gift" to Grace.

From the purchase to the renovation, every detail had followed her tastes.

And now, the mistress of the house was about to be someone else.

Grace lowered her head, the corner of her lips curling into a bitter smile.

Had she really thought too highly of herself all along?

Grace hadn't left much behind in the villa.

She packed the few clothes and personal belongings she needed, then walked into the dressing room.

Inside, shelves were lined with rows of luxury handbags and watches.

Back then, Leonard had been generous to Grace.

If she showed the slightest interest in something-even just lingering for an extra glance-he would buy it and bring it home for her.

At the bottom of the trunk lay a scarf Leonard had given her.

Unlike all the other gifts, this one was hand-knitted by him, and it was Grace's most treasured possession.

In the drawer were stacks of cards he had written.

Every single one of them was about her.

"Grace's favorite cake now is strawberry."

"And the ring she wants is a Cartier design."

In that instant, Grace remembered the strawberry cake the manager had wheeled out at lunch, and the Cartier diamond ring nestled inside the velvet box.

Her heart felt as though it had been shattered to pieces, each fragment stabbing into her chest.

She placed each of the cards back into the drawer.

Since she was going to erase everything, it was better not to carry these memories with her.

When Grace finished packing her things and wheeled out the light suitcase, she ran into Sylvia, who had just stepped inside.

"Grace, wait a second."

Sylvia changed her shoes, then casually plucked Grace's keychain from the wall and tossed it into the trash.

Without another glance, she hurried upstairs.

"I need to see what's in your suitcase. How else would we know you're not taking things that aren't yours?"

Grace tightened her grip on the handle, her brows knitting together.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what I mean," Sylvia sneered, blocking her path. "Everyone knows what kind of woman you are. Pathetic and shameless-you even went after the man I dumped. All because you want his money and this villa? You're nothing but a thief!"

Grace clenched her fists.

"Sylvia. I can walk away, but you don't get to humiliate me. Push me, and I won't hold back."

The sound of a key turning came from outside the door.

Grace stepped back, but Sylvia pressed forward, yanking hard on the suitcase.

In the struggle, Sylvia suddenly lurched backward and tumbled down the stairs.

Leonard entered just in time to see it happen. He flung himself out of the wheelchair, staggering forward, and shoved Grace aside as she rushed down to check.

His strength was brutal-Grace was slammed into the wall, breath knocked from her lungs.

"I said I'd make it up to you-so why are you still picking on Sylvia?"

He cradled Sylvia in his arms, and when his eyes met Grace's, they burned with a murderous glare.

"Grace, I never thought you could be this vicious."