Chapter 7

Client

Grace walked alongside her adoptive parents, heading towards her new home together.

The moment they stepped inside, her attention was locked on the sight in front of her.

Inside, the house radiated a refined charm-luxury woven through every detail, but not at the expense of comfort.

Her eyes wandered through the living room,where every relaxed accent or decoration turned out to be an irreplaceable treasure.

Without letting go,Julia took Grace's hand and guided her up the staircase.

Stopping at a polished door, Julia opened it with a hopeful smile and a hint of nerves. "This is your room,Grace. I decorated it according to what I thought was best, since I wasn't sure what you'd like. If anything feels off, just tell me and I'll have it changed right away."

Scanning the room, Grace noticed soothing beige walls, sunlight drifting in, and a gentle warmth filling

every corner. Warmth crept into her chest,blooming softly and steadily.

She said softly, her voice quiet but sincere, "There's nothing I would change. It's exactly right."

Delight spread across Julia's face, lighting up her eyes."You see? I knew we'd get along. I never dreamed I'd have a daughter who shared my sense of style!"

For Julia, the feeling was nothing short of miraculous.It seemed as if fate had woven them together with invisible thread.

Happiness bubbled up in her as she squeezed Grace's shoulder. "Just knowing that I have a daughter now fills me with so much joy."

A surprised look flashed across Grace's features before a genuine, shy smile appeared.

When Julia reached the doorway,she turned back,her voice kind and thoughtful. "One more thing-your brothers James and Johnny had to leave for something urgent, but they'll be back tomorrow. I know they'll be so happy to meet you."

Grace returned the warmth,her smile peaceful.

Once Julia left, Grace closed the door behind her and sat on the edge of the bed, still soaking in the moment.

Her phone buzzed against her leg, the name "Patrick"popping up.

The moment she answered, Patrick Brown's animated voice burst through. "Grace, I've got fantastic news!The Pearson family is looking for your help. They're offering twenty million just for a single consultation,plus more depending on what you do next. Are you interested?"

Not a second of hesitation showed as she answered,"No."

Now that she'd become part of the Holden family,her main wish was to grow closer to them.

While she appreciated the allure of wealth,tying herself to the Pearson family was asking for trouble of the highest order. She had always preferred to avoid drama whenever possible.

Panic laced Patrick's voice. "Grace, think about it!We're talking about the Pearson family. Twenty million just to look at the patient, and that's before the real money comes in! Don't you want to sleep on it?"

Loungingacross her bed, Grace wound a loose curl around her finger, not a hint of concern in her voice."My answer's the same. Not interested."

Unwilling to drop the subject, Patrick's tone dropped to a coaxing whisper. "Look, the current head of the Pearson family isn't just anybody. The man's got the city in the palm of his hand, but he's on the brink-poisoned by something no one else could treat. Even the so-called 'Master Healer' failed, which is why you're getting this call. They said you could name any price you want if you cure him."

A small pause hung in the air before Grace let out a soft, amused laugh. "Of course Kevin Chadwick couldn't handle it. That guy was the weakest of all my apprentices."

The line went quiet as Patrick tried to process the idea that Grace might be talking about the renowned Master Healer.

Boasting like that would have sounded foolish coming from anyone else. But when Grace said it, it seemed nothing short of the truth.

Grace's voice grew lighter as she chuckled again."Right now, my hands are full. I need time with the Holden family to settle in."

Patrick's shout came through loud and clear. "Grace!This isn't just any client-it's the Pearsons! People wait a lifetime for this kind of break!"

With a lazy stretch, Grace replied, her tone almost

playful. "Well, let them wait. If patience isn't part of the deal, then they're not serious about getting better."

Once the call ended, Grace let herself fall back on the bed,eyes wandering to the ceiling as her mind drifted.

Images of that man she'd met earlier flashed through her thoughts-a proud figure.

While stories of the head of the Pearson family had reached her ears, their paths had never crossed before.

Colton Pearson's reputation for ruthless business dealings was matched only by his good looks, making him the subject of endless fascination among the city's elite.

Too bad his story always ended with the same rumor -he was running out of timne.

With a faint shrug, Grace rolled over and mumbled,"That's not my problem."

Fate, however, seemed to have a different idea in store.