Chapter 45

Lily offered a sincere apology, appearing on the verge of collapse and eliciting considerable sympathy. After a pause, she continued, “I will go to the Sanitation Service Center to express my sincere gratitude to the sanitation workers who helped me. I will also donate all my income from this year’s work to establish a breakfast stall where sanitation workers can receive a free breakfast every day.”

Once the press conference video was uploaded online, many felt Lily had handled the crisis well. Fans actively posted online, helping restore her previous “darling” image. Consequently, many viewed the incident as a misunderstanding.

Lily’s gratitude towards the Sanitation Service Center was impressive, attracting numerous reporters. The center's director arranged for the workers who had found the ring to shake hands with Lily, receive gifts, and participate in individual press interactions.

Each worker lined up to accept Lily's gift of gratitude. Claire received her gift—a designer down jacket and a ten-thousand-dollar check—and considered whether to sell it online.

Returning to the center, Claire found Grace. “Hey, I’ve been looking for you! Hurry outside; everyone from the third shift is lined up. Lily’s giving out gifts and compensation. You worked harder than anyone; go get what you deserve!”

Claire nudged the seated Grace.

“I don’t need it,” Grace smiled.

“This down jacket costs over a thousand dollars, and the check is for ten thousand! Are you crazy? Why don't you want them?” Claire exclaimed incredulously.

Grace shook her head.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking. Just take it and leave; you’ll be fine,” Claire insisted, pulling Grace to her feet and toward the door.

“There’s no need, Claire, really,” Grace protested.

Before she could free herself, Claire pulled her outside.

“There’s still one person who hasn’t received a gift!” Claire announced.

Cameras and reporters immediately focused on Grace, causing her to instinctively shield herself. The cameras reminded her of being hounded by the media outside the courthouse, microphones thrust in her face. She then spotted Sean, standing just outside the camera's range.

Three years ago, in prison, he had stood there coldly. When Lily had injured her hand, he had looked down at her bloodied fingers and uttered a curt "good." Three years later, at the country club, he had remained passive while Gregory accosted her. Some things, even after three years, remained unchanged.

Grace lowered her hands, her heart calming slightly. It's okay. You're okay. she thought, breathing deeply. Lily was the target today, not her. This media spectacle wasn't aimed at condemning Grace.

Sean met her gaze. He didn't break eye contact.