Grady!


    He was here too!


    Loraine hadn’t seen Grady in quite a while. His presence took her by surprise, and she greeted him


    with a warm smile.


    As she was about to approach Grady, Marco intervened, his expression stern.


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    However, Grady had already made his way over. Taken aback by Marco’s frosty demeanor, he


    stuttered out a greeting. “Marco.”


    In a chilly tone, Marco responded, “What brings you here? This is a celebration for Bryant Group and


    Universe Group. I don’t see how the


    Ang’s Library


    Cruz family fits into this equation.”


    Grady visibly flinched. His deep-seated respect for Marco was almost instinctual. However, he


    managed to summon his courage upon spotting


    Loraine standing behind Marco.


    “Marco, in truth, the Cruz family also participated in the bidding and managed to secure a storefront in


    the business district!”


    Since the falling-out with the Cruz family, Loraine hadn’t had any dealings with them. Upon hearing this,


    she feltpelled to inquire,


    “Grady, was this your initiative?”


    If the Cruz family had seriously participated, she should have been aware of it. This suggested Grady


    had ndestinely arranged for someone else to bid. Loraine had no qualms with Grady, but if he acted


    independently and his family caused her trouble Later, it would be a headache.


    Grady pondered for a moment before saying, “I just wanted to make amends for my and my mother’s


    past indiscretions.”


    Marco arched an eyebrow, retorting with a scoff, “Apologies notwithstanding, don’t stir up any more


    trouble.”


    Loraine felt a tad awkward. She had already put those incidents behind her and held no grudges


    against Grady.


    “Grady, I don’t expect you to make amends in this manner. The shops in the newmercial area y


    a pivotal role in our future ns. They should serve their intended purpose, not act as an instrument of


    apology,” she exined.


    Eagerly, Grady reassured her, “I won’t leave my shop idle. I’ve nned to set up a new antique store


    and an associated gallery. Rest assured,


    I’ll take it very seriously!”


    His earnest deration somewhat mollified Loraine, and she offered him a nod and a smile, saying,


    “That’s good.”


    Grady breathed a sigh of relief. Nervously fiddling with his fingers, he looked at Loraine with bright,


    hopeful eyes.


    “Loraine, can we still be friends?”


    Loraine responded with a smile, “Of course, we are.”