Chapter 1017

It was precisely because he knew this so well that Julian understood—unless it was absolutely necessary, Albert would never show his face.

Seeing Julian staying silent, Albert’s temper flared again.

Just as he was about to lash out once more, a loud commotion erupted downstairs.

Among the noise were sharp cries from a woman.

“Ah! Stop it! All of you, stop it right now!

“This is outrageous! Lawless! In broad daylight, not only are you trespassing, now you’re even smashing our things?”

Carol’s screams did nothing to stop Grace.

In fact, Grace seemed to enjoy the look of panic on her face.

“What’s wrong? Still worried about your dear husband and son at a time like this?”

Grace raised her chin slightly, deliberately pausing between each word. “Look at this. Even as I tear apart your home, those two—father and son—are hiding behind you.

“And they send a woman out to face all of this. What’s left for you to protect?”

Carol collapsed onto the floor, sobbing. Hearing those words only made her heart ache more.

She didn’t know how to respond, but her cries grew louder and louder.

Tessa sat beside Grace, watching the once imposing Carol, who used to lecture her with harsh rules, now reduced to something no better than a stray on the street.

It was immensely satisfying.

Clearly, Grace was always one step ahead.

No matter what she did, she had her own way of handling it.

Tessa was pleased. Being by her mother’s side gave her a deep sense of security.

Carol mentally replayed everything Grace had said, and, surprisingly, she found herself agreeing.

What was she struggling for?

Was it just to let those two men keep hiding?

She said nothing. Her head hung low, looking pitiful, nothing more.

Grace didn’t say anything more.

She understood that this woman was pitiful in her own way.

After all, how many people ended up with a husband and son who hid behind them, sending a woman out to face everything alone?

Grace shot a glance at the bodyguards, signaling them to continue.

Without hesitation, the bodyguards raised their arms, ready to resume what they hadn’t finished earlier.

Just as the next blow was about to land, Albert couldn’t hold back any longer.

That vase in the living room had cost him a fortune–he’d picked it out specifically to add prestige to the space.

+15 BONUS

If it got smashed, he’d be heartbroken.

With a fawning smile plastered on his face, Albert hurried down the stairs. “Ah, Madam Grace! What brings you here, really?

“Let’s all calm down. We’re businesspeople—no need to get physical, right?”

Grace and Tessa exchanged a look, both catching the same sneer in each other’s eyes.

As expected, it took something like this to drag this old fox out.

Otherwise, who knew how long he’d keep hiding.

Grace had heard enough about his character to know exactly what kind of man he was.

She crossed her arms and took a few steps closer, smirking at him. “So now you decide to show your face?”

She turned toward Carol, who was still quietly crying on the floor. "When your wife came out to stop us just now, where were you hiding?”

“L…”