Chapter 204

In the private dining room of an exclusive restaurant, Evan York and Hunter Wilde had been waiting for some time.

"Ethan, Lucy, you're finally here!" Hunter rose with a cheerful grin. "Hope you don't mind this uninvited guest?"

After being cooped up at home recovering from his injuries, he'd jumped at the chance to join when Evan mentioned dinner plans.

Ethan shook his head in mock exasperation. "Now that you're here, it's not like we can kick you out."

Lucy offered a warm smile. "You're welcome to join us."

The meal passed with lively conversation and clinking glasses.

As they prepared to leave, Hunter suddenly asked, "When are you coming to my company to pick out some pieces? I've been waiting forever."

Their original appointment had been postponed due to his hospitalization, and it had been weighing on his mind.

Lucy considered briefly. "How about tomorrow?"

She had live performances to prepare for the day after, followed immediately by filming.

"It's settled then!" Hunter's eyes lit up.

He'd been eager to repay Lucy for saving his life and hoped she'd select plenty of fine pieces.

After dinner, the group headed to Evan's company.

The raw jade stones Lucy had previously chosen still needed cutting. Evan had arranged for his master stonecutter to work overtime.

As each stone was split open, every single one revealed premium jade—several of exceptional quality.

Evan was speechless with shock. In all his years in the business, he'd never seen such precise judgment.

"Lucy's talent for spotting jade..." he murmured to Ethan in awe.

Ethan's lips curved slightly. "Naturally."

"Keep this quiet," he cautioned. "She dislikes drawing attention."

If word got out, it could invite unnecessary trouble.

Evan nodded solemnly. "Understood."

"We must bring Lucy to the next jade auction," he suggested.

It would be a waste not to utilize such remarkable skill.

Ethan agreed with a smile. "Absolutely."

Lucy only took a few of the finest pieces, entrusting the rest to Evan for delivery to the mountain she'd leased. Some mid-to-high grade jade was given to Ethan to craft into jewelry.

The next morning, Lucy and her brother accompanied their mother on a shopping trip.

Upon returning, they found three people waiting at their doorstep: an elderly man leaning on a cane, a well-maintained woman, and the all-too-familiar Giselle Gould.

Grace White's brow furrowed slightly.

Winston Gould stared at his daughter, momentarily seeing his late wife in her features. The resemblance went beyond mere appearance now—even her demeanor was identical.

A pang of nostalgia struck him.

Remarrying had been a reluctant decision back then, his company demanding too much time to handle his rebellious daughter. His new wife had doted on the girl, yet Grace remained cold.

Gradually, his heart had hardened.

Twenty years had passed since they'd last seen each other.

"Is this how you greet your father?" Winston demanded sternly.

Grace scoffed. "I wouldn't dare claim such relations—who knows how I might end up dead."

"You!" Winston trembled with rage. "Have you forgotten your family name?"

"I changed it to White long ago," Grace replied icily.

"Outrageous!" Winston bellowed. "Who gave you permission?"

Beatrice Gould quickly soothed him with gentle words. "Grace, your father has missed you all these years—"

"Spare me the act," Grace cut her off sharply. "We all know exactly what this is about."

She met her stepmother's gaze directly. "Relax, I've no interest in the Gould fortune. Save your performance."

A flicker of triumph flashed in Beatrice's eyes, though she maintained a wounded expression. "How could you think so poorly of me—"

"Enough!" Grace's face twisted in disgust. "Your fake concern makes me sick."

That very same act had driven the wedge between father and daughter years ago. Now, she wanted nothing to do with their so-called family.

Beatrice's face stiffened—being called out so bluntly nearly shattered her carefully constructed facade.