Chapter 114: Gracie’s accusation

Words : 1095 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

At the Grant mansion... The air buzzed with warmth and joy. Laughter echoed through the hallways as the family gathered to welcome Vincent back after months of absence. The cheer only grew when Zane dashed in, his excitement impossible to miss. "Grandpa... You are back," he shouted, running straight into Vincent’s arms. "Careful," Zara called out from behind, stepping in with Nathaniel. But Zane paid her no mind, leaping onto Vincent’s lap. "You have gotten heavier in just a few months, haven’t you?" Vincent chuckled, holding Zane closely to his chest. "It’s been more than a few months," Gracie muttered with a slight frown, her arms crossed. "Half a year, Vincent..." She sounded complaining. Vincent ignored her, his attention firmly on Zane. "Let me see you properly... You have grown so much. No wonder you feel like a sack of bricks," he teased, planting a kiss on the boy’s forehead. "Tell me, did you miss me? Or have you already forgotten your grandpa?" Zane tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... maybe I would have forgotten you if you hadn’t come back soon." Vincent threw his head back in laughter. "You little rascal. Where did you learn to talk like that?" "Obviously from Zara," came Riya’s voice as she walked down the staircase, joining the cheerful scene in the living room. Everyone turned their heads toward her. Riya looked stunning in a deep wine-colored evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Her makeup was flawless, highlighting her sharp cheekbones and expressive eyes, while the bold red lipstick added an extra touch of glamour. She carried herself with grace and confidence, her eyes briefly meeting Zara’s as she sauntered toward Vincent. Sliding gracefully onto the sofa beside him, Riya latched onto his arm, pouting playfully. "You have been gone so long," she said with a dramatic sigh. "You don’t even care about me anymore. I signed a major endorsement deal, became the showstopper at a huge fashion event. But you didn’t even call to congratulate me." Vincent chuckled, amused by her exaggerated complaint. He knew exactly how to win her over. "I admit I missed all of that," he said, reaching down beside him to pick up a gift box. "But I brought you something special to make up for it." He handed her the box. "Take a look. You will love it." Riya’s face lit up with a grin as she eagerly tore away the wrapping. Even Gracie, who had been feigning irritation moments ago, leaned in curiously to see what was inside. As Riya opened the box, a soft gasp escaped her lips. Nestled in black velvet was an exquisite red diamond teardrop necklace. "It’s stunning," Riya whispered in awe, her eyes dazzling. Vincent smiled warmly. "This piece was the final creation of a world-renowned jewelry designer. A friend tipped me off about its auction recently. I had to get it for you." Riya beamed. "Thank you, Dad. You are the best." She threw her arms around his neck. "I love it." Vincent patted her head. "I knew you would love it." "This red diamond matches your dress," Gracie chimed in as she lifted the necklace from the box. "Let me put it on you." She clasped the necklace around Riya’s neck and moved back, holding her shoulders. "Wow," she whispered, admiration glowing in her eyes. "You look like royalty. Absolutely stunning." "Thanks, Mom." Riya chuckled, basking in the attention. Her heart swelled with satisfaction and pride. This was what she loved about being part of the Grant family. Her foster parents treated her like a princess, showering her with lavish gifts and praise. In moments like these, it felt like she was the true center of their world. Neither Zane nor Zara could ever match her. Her gaze flicked toward Zara, who still stood silently a few steps away. With a subtle smirk, Riya traced her finger across the glistening diamond, making sure Zara noticed. It was a silent message—she was the most important person in this family, and no one could replace her. Then, with feigned innocence, she said, "Dad, didn’t you bring anything for Zara? You do know what happened, right? She miscarried..." The shift in the room was immediate. The warmth drained from the atmosphere, replaced by a heavy silence. Vincent’s cheerful expression faded as he slowly looked up. Zara stood frozen, the mention of her loss reopening a wound that never truly healed. Her face tensed, and a sharp ache stirred in her chest. The reminder of her miscarriage was like a stab, tears burning in her eyes. Her jaw clenched as she silently endured the moment. A cruel sense of satisfaction curled in Riya’s chest as she watched Zara’s expression crumble. This was exactly what she had hoped for—to see her break, to watch the tears fall, to make her feel that pain again and again. Nathaniel’s gaze flickered to Zara, and the moment he saw the pain in her eyes, something inside him snapped. His face twisted with frustration as he turned sharply toward Riya. "Was that necessary?" he snapped. "Why did you bring it up?" "I..." Riya faltered. "I didn’t mean to hurt her. I was just—" "She was just speaking the truth," Gracie cut in defensively. "Why are you yelling at her for? If anyone is to blame, it’s her parasitic family. Always clinging to Nathaniel for money like he is their personal bank. Thank God we are finally rid of them." Gracie’s eyes burned with hurt and anger as she turned her attention to Zara. "And you—you enabled all of it," she added, her voice rising. "You never once tried to stop them. You stood by while your greedy father and that pathetic half-brother of yours kept draining Nathaniel." "Mom, that’s enough," Nathaniel tried to cut her off, clearly shaken by her cruelty. He couldn’t understand how his mother could be so vicious with Zara. Why had he not noticed it before? But Gracie wasn’t done. "Why should I stop?" she snapped. "You may not want to hear it, but someone has to say it. She kept funneling money to them—sometimes openly, sometimes behind your back. Always caving to their demands. She let them believe they could squeeze more out of her if they kept pressing. And look where it led. Her weakness cost us our grandchild." The words landed like a blow. Zara’s face went pale, her ears ringing. "You mean I... I killed the baby?" she whispered, the horror settling in her voice. Her heart splintered, the accusation crushing her from the inside.

Chapter 114: Gracie’s accusation

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