Regret Came Too Late

Ethan withdrews are and asked, ““What’s going on?”

Upon hearing that, Johan’s tone tumed impatient. “What else? That punk stirred up trouble again. I’ve been sick of him for a while now

The group headedeuside.

Grace quickly picked up on the dynamic–Yancey was surrounded by the crowd just beneath the city’s elite, while Ethan was in the center of it all, flanked by the heirs of the most powerhdfamiles. They were reckless, muttled, and well–mannered but always carried an air of superiority.

She let out a small sich and went to return the outfitto omne

glanced at her and asked, “Grace, do you really not care about Valley anymore?

sloace changed back into her own clothes and nodded. “Yeah, I’ve thought it through. I’m done plewing him.”

omplicated look flashed through Jeanne’s eyes as she folded up her work uniform, “So, are you really working at Henderson Group just to chase after Ethan?”

care chuckled. “Come on, seriously? When I first lost my memory, actually thought than and I might’ve had something. But now? I’ve realized he’s got nothing to do with me I just wants on my job and stop chasing after some guy

Joanne let out a relieved sigh and smiled. “I’m glad you’ve figured that out”

Now, with money in her account, Grace sent Joanne a ten–thousand–dollar transter. “Here’s the money I owe you. I’m heading out–Ineed to find a new place in the morning The area I’m staying in now in’t exactly safe

Joannenodded. “Take care, and next time, don’t get mixed up in stuff like tonight Julian’s not exactly the easiest person to deal with “”

Grace rated a brow. “You know him?

Joanne’s face stiffened up with awkwardness, and she quickly looked away. “I’ve been working here for three years. If someone comes around often enough, I’ll recognize them.” Grace didn’t press further and waved goodbye

The next day, Grace arrived at Henderson Group, barely settling into her seat when a woman walked up with a sarcastic smile.

“Some people really treat their job let’s just a way to chase men,” she said, “Pulling shady moves to take someone else’s spot–hope you’re ready for the backlash when it

rames

Grace glanced up at the woman–Jessica Hull, the department manager.

Jessica had been out sick yesterday, but Grace clearly remembered sending her a formal leave request after she had regained consciousness.

Jessica crossed her arms and smirked. “Grace, the documents Lasked you to organize neær got turned in, which set the whole department back. So, you’re buying everyone afternoon cotle today. Drop your orders in the groupchat, guys‘

The town jumped in immediately.

“Thanks, Jessica!”

“I order Smarbucks!”

Jessica’s smuk deepened. She always had a sharp, put–together look, but from the moment Grace had joined, her dis had been crystal lear noveldrama

“Grace, how about a Sarbucks for everyone? Are you cool with that?”

Sitting at her desk Grace acknowledged that she had missed work on her second day. Even if she had be sick, it was what it was–she’d take the hit

“ho problem,” shesad. “But shouldn’t be added to the work chat first

A few coworkers nearby stiffened, clearly uncomfortable. None of them had even bothered to add Grace as a contact.

Someone finally sent her the code, and she joined the group.

It was a group chat for the whole department, and even Yancey was in it

Grace placed the orders through a delivery app as thecoders rolled in Just as she confirmed the order, Yancey stepped out of his office. He paused beetly as he passed by her desk.

Grare kept her head down, focused on organizing her work. She was not in the mood to deal with him.

Yancey beated to slightly. “Do you have anything to say to me! En tree tonight. Du you want to grab danner?!

Since she hadn’t shown up at the Lambert residence last night, he was in a good mood. He figured he’d amuse himself with her with nothing else to do tonight.

Grace’s expression darkened. I was sick yesterday. Maybe another time”

Yancey let out a cold laugh. “You really expect me to buy that excuse? What kind of liness lets you bounce back just in time to show up at Velvet Eclipse? The Lamberts called you a

Who was she hidding? She wasn’t sick–she just didn’t want to break off the engagement

Grace had no interest in explaining hersel

Wanery tapped his fingers again her desk, histone arrogant “Lasked you a question. Are we going out tonight or not?

Hracoffed, “Oh, please Drop the actin’t know you were this good at playing pretend ”