Grady, gazing at Loraine, was a mix of disappointment and fear. His face drained of color. He realized


    Florence had caused trouble once more.


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    But he had been silent. Now that Loraine had publicly rejected


    Florence, he feared she would interpret his previous silence as approval of Florence’s words.


    With this in mind, he hastily rified, “Loraine, my mother meant no disrespect. She simply admires


    you. Please, don’t take it personally!”


    A softer look crossed Loraine’s face. She knew Grady was a simple soul with a broad mindset,


    someone she genuinely viewed as a brother.


    Before she could respond, Kassidy cut in, Latching onto Grady.


    “Grady, don’t mind her! She clearly despises the Cruz family. Why are you defending her?”


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    Faced with continued instigation, Loraine’s patience ran thin. With a cold re, she responded, “Miss


    Rivera, we all have our ambitions, but sadly, I’m not interested in yours.”


    Caught off guard, Kassidy’s cheeks red a brilliant red.


    On hearing Loraine’s sharp retort, Florence felt a wave of embarrassment, and whispered, “Loraine,


    what are you trying to say?”


    Loraine had no intention of conversing with Florence any further.


    Having aplished her objective, she had no desire to prolong her stay. All she wanted was to bid


    farewell and depart.


    “Excuse me, but I must leave. I have other matters that demand my attention.”


    Grady’splexion turned pale as he realized that his hopes of fostering a deeper connection with


    Loraine this time were shattered.


    Yet again, he had failed in his attempts.


    On hearing Loraine’s impending departure, a spark ignited in his mind.


    He blurted out in desperation, “Loraine, wouldn’t you Like to take a peek? We have more extraordinary


    exhibits that you seldom encounter…”


    For Loraine, essing rare art pieces was a simple matter of notifying


    Wesley. He would amodate her with an array of masterpieces.


    Her attendance at the exhibition was out of obligation, as her parents were guests of the Cruz family’s


    event.


    Once she owned an Endy-designed watch, matching her father’s style, she yearned to escape this


    ce where she felt Like a mere object under constant scrutiny.


    Politely, Loraine declined, her smile still in ce, “I appreciate the offer, but we can discuss it some


    other time.”


    Loraine’s exit brought immense joy to Kassidy, who was brimming with tion.