Chapter 2 Her Late Daughter

Gracie left the hotel and drove straight to a quiet cemetery in the suburbs.

Approaching a gravestone, she crouched down and stared at the name on it — Paulina Hughes, her beloved daughter.

"Paulina, Mommy misses you so much."

Paulina had been afflicted with dilated cardiomyopathy at its most severe stage. They had waited a year for a heart donor, only for Gracie to discover that Lorenzo had redirected the donor heart to his lover's son, who needed an urgent transplant following a car accident. Without Gracie's knowledge, Lorenzo had signed away their claim to the heart.

The son of Lorenzo's lover survived, but Paulina passed away on the operating table at five years old.

On the very day of Paulina's cremation, Gracie returned home to find Lorenzo kissing his lover passionately, completely oblivious to her presence.

It was then that Gracie overheard Lorenzo admitting that she had always been just a stand-in for his real love.

At that moment, everything became clear to Gracie.

Their marriage had been nothing but a facade; she was merely a substitute for Lorenzo's true affection.

Even the illusion of Lorenzo as a loving father was shattered; he had completely disregarded Paulina's life.

Ironically, even after they had finalized their divorce the day before, Lorenzo was still unaware of Paulina's death.

"Paulina, Mommy promises, they will pay for what they've done."

Lorenzo was an illegitimate child of Lanny Hughes, the second son in the Hughes family.

Supported by Lanny, Lorenzo's career had ascended swiftly.

Gracie knew that to bring Lorenzo down, she had to start at the root — with the Hughes family.

And the real power with the Hughes family was no other than Waylon — Lanny's younger cousin, Lorenzo's uncle.

As a distinguished and noble figure in Jorvine, everyone showed him respect.

Gracie was aware that leveraging Waylon's influence was the key to depriving Lorenzo of everything he valued.

As the night unfolded, the moon cast a gentle light over the surroundings.

Tonight marked the occasion of Lorenzo's promotion banquet.

In the luxurious hall, under the glow of opulent crystal chandeliers, dignitaries and elites were lavishing praise on Lorenzo.

"Mr. Hughes, you've received the highest votes in the board election. It seems the president position is surely yours! Let's toast to your future success."

"Indeed, Mr. Hughes, with your ascent to the top of the Hughes Group in just under six years, you've shown yourself to be an exceptional talent! We all depend on your leadership going forward."

Lorenzo acknowledged each compliment individually, casting meaningful looks toward his beloved, Norene Bailey, who was across the room.

Gracie, clad in a sophisticated black gown, stood quietly in a corner, sipping her red wine and watching them with a faint smile. She wondered, if Lorenzo were to lose everything, would Norene still remain by his side?

Gracie finished her wine just as Norene approached her with a provocative air. "Gracie, I owe you for playing your part with Lorenzo over the years, helping to shape such a fine man. Do make sure you attend our wedding soon."

Gracie's hand tightened around her wine glass, nearly enough to break it, yet she responded with unnerving calmness. "There's no need. Only rats scavenge through the trash."

Norene detected the bite in Gracie's words, her face flickering with emotion before smoothing over.

"Oh, and I appreciate the donor heart for my son. Do you know why Lorenzo chose to save my son over your daughter?" As Gracie stayed silent, Norene continued, "Because I told Lorenzo that Gavin is his son."

The revelation from Norene's mouth ignited a fierce desire in Gracie to make her pay dearly.

However, the sharp sting in her palm snapped her back to reality.

Among the evening's attendees were police officers; any impulsive act could jeopardize her plans for revenge and potentially land her behind bars.

Was Norene trying to provoke her in this way?

Gracie decided to let Norene have her way — for now.