Chapter 2 New Family

Grace and Ella led the way, while the Millers followed close behind. Their faces put on a show of worry, but their eyes glimmered with a mean sort of amusement.

Curiosity sparkled within them. They were eager to witness just what kind of home would take Grace in.

In their minds, they pictured some struggling family, likely wanting an extra pair of hands for household chores.

Yet, all assumptions vanished the moment their attention shifted to the driveway.

A white car, paint dulled by time and emblazoned with the logo of a car rental company, waited along the curb. Next to it stood a tall man whose presence seemed to fill the space.

His hair looked tousled by the wind. Dust smudged his elegant silk shirt, but a commanding energy clung to him.

A flicker of recognition stirred in Grace's gaze. It took only a second to identify that shirt as something custom-tailored-a single garment that could have fed the Miller family for months.

Though she looked away, her mind spun with quiet certainty. Whoever he was, this man was anything but ordinary.

Meanwhile, Rodger Holden studied Grace for a moment, his gaze sharp. A flicker of surprise crossed his features.

He had imagined he would find a timid, anxious girl, but the young woman standing before him held her ground, calm and collected, meeting the moment without flinching.

He was intrigued.

Known as the driving force behind the Holden Group, Rodger's reputation stretched across the business world-a man far out of reach for people like the Millers.

His marriage to Julia was strong, and together they had raised two sons. Still, Julia longed for a daughter.

Half a year ago, Julia had met Grace at the orphanage and immediately felt a connection, but at that time, Grace had already been taken in by another family. Julia never truly let go of the hope that one day things might be different.

So when Ella called earlier today with unexpected news, Julia's happiness spilled over-she wept for joy and sent Rodger to fetch Grace without a second thought.

Leaving behind a deal worth a fortune, Rodger dashed across town. On his way, fate tossed in a mishap; his car ended up wrecked, though he walked away without a scratch.

He hurriedly found a rental and sped toward the Miller family's home, setting the stage for the meeting that now unfolded.

Judging by Rodger's unremarkable clothes and the battered rental car, the Millers' sneers grew more obvious.

Their expectations had already been low for Grace's new family, but the reality appeared even more disappointing. The man's dirty shirt and the sight of the rental car only fueled that impression. It looked as though Grace's prospects were nothing but gloomy.

Watching it all unfold, Demi allowed herself a quiet, satisfied grin.

The truth was simple: she basked in her parents' affection, the family's beloved daughter. As for Grace? Life ahead looked grim, and she seemed fated for a rough road with people barely scraping by.

Ella could not hide her surprise. Something felt off about this situation. As far as she remembered, Julia came from a wealthy background, and every time they met, Julia showed nothing but generosity. She suspected there had to be a mistake somewhere.

She moved closer with Grace, her voice polite as she said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Holden. I'd like you to meet Grace Miller."

When Rodger took a careful look at Grace, his good impression of her grew stronger.

It all made sense-why Julia had never stopped thinking about this girl. Sometimes, it came down to a feeling that couldn't be explained.

He was sure of it: their family and Grace belonged together.

With a gentle nod, he replied, "Yes, I remember. My wife told me all about her."

Ella let out a soft breath, relief settling in as she offered Grace a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Grace, meet Mr. Rodger Holden. He's Julia's husband."

Grace acknowledged the introduction, her eyes taking in Rodger's sharp looks and calm confidence. He wore a stern expression, but she sensed a quiet kindness underneath.

For reasons she couldn't name, she had a favorable feeling about him.

Still, there were others who felt differently.

Demi's mouth twitched as she put on a look of innocence and stepped forward. "Grace, did he arrive in a rental car? Should I have my dad loan you one?"

She batted her lashes, and her sweet tone did nothing to hide the teasing glint in her eyes.

Grace turned away, not sparing her a second glance. "That won't be necessary. Rental cars are perfectly fine."

Luke let out an exaggerated sigh. "When you settle into your new home, try to be on your best behavior. Since your grades aren't impressive, at least make sure you don't make any trouble." His tone put Grace down.

Rodger's eyes met Luke's with a chilling steadiness, and his words cut through the air. "Academic performance isn't a concern for us. What matters is that my daughter lives a joyful life. We can afford to give her everything she needs."

The Miller family exchanged uneasy glances. They couldn't help but bristle at his boldness. While they weren't poor themselves, none of them would have dared to speak so boldly. How dare this man bluff before them? Wearing plain clothes and arriving in a rental car, who exactly was he trying to impress?

Demi, on the other hand, felt a secret thrill, thinking Grace would soon be left behind.

Right then, the air rumbled as the sound of engines approached. Three sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantoms pulled up behind Rodger, coming to a sharp halt.

At once, the doors swung open and a group of sharply dressed bodyguards stepped out. Their voices rang out clearly. "Sir, Mrs. Holden sent us to bring you and Miss Grace Miller home!"

Stunned, the Miller family stood rooted to the spot, their faces drained of color. Rolls-Royce cars? Uniformed bodyguards?

Demi stared at Rodger, eyes growing wide. Wait... Could this Rodger Holden be the same person who headed the influential Holden Group?