Chapter 3 Meeting The Holdens

Ignoring the stunned expressions of the Millers, Rodger's stern look softened as he turned to Grace. "Come along. Your mom is waiting for you at home."

Those words brought an odd rush of emotion that Grace hadn't felt before.

For a moment, she struggled to put the sensation into words. It felt as if winter's chill had brushed up against a warm sunbeam-strange and new, but she could not bring herself to pull away.

Ella's hand slipped into hers. With a quiet voice, she asked, "Grace, Mr. Holden is here for you. Do you want to go with him?"

Lifting her chin, Grace searched Rodger's face. Her tone was soft, but her question was direct. "Are you ever going to send me away without warning?"

Rodger felt a pang in his chest, one he had not expected. At first, adopting a daughter had meant little to him; he agreed only to satisfy his wife's hopes. For a family as wealthy as theirs, taking in a child was hardly a significant act.

Yet now, looking into Grace's anxious, stubborn eyes-the same eyes that reminded him of his wife-he realized he was determined to keep her as his own.

He moved a little closer, offering her a look that was both unwavering and kind. "Never. From this moment forward, you belong with the Holdens. That won't ever change."

Ella's tense shoulders relaxed as relief washed over her. She trusted that when Rodger gave his word, it was as good as set in stone.

With a small nod, Grace stepped forward. All around, the Miller family watched in shock as she headed toward the fleet of luxury cars that marked a life of privilege.

From this moment on, she would no longer be overlooked. She would be cherished and protected as the Holdens' beloved daughter.

Expressions of disbelief and uncertainty flickered across the faces of the Miller family.

Still, being freed of the responsibility of caring for Grace seemed like a blessing in disguise.

Moreover, among society's elite, nothing was ever simple. Grace's fiery spirit might soon see her returned to the orphanage-history had a way of repeating itself.

......

Soon, the luxury cars made their way to the heart of the city.

Grace rested in silence, her backpack settled on her knees. Inside, she carried just a handful of clothes, a compact laptop, and a phone with a design all its own.

Out of the blue, her phone buzzed.

With a swift motion, she unlocked the screen and read an encrypted message. "So, Ms. Fowler set you up with a new family?" The words were cautious, almost hesitant.

She typed a simple response. "Yes."

Her habit of brief replies did not seem to bother the sender, who quickly followed up. "The Holdens have their own set of complications. Should we rethink things since they aren't part of our plan?"

Eyes lowered, she said nothing, lost in thought.

Moments ticked by before the next message appeared. "Anyway, reach out if you need anything. Want me to take action on your behalf?"

Grace responded without hesitation, "Take back everything I gave to the Millers. If they believe they can manage alone, let them."

Back when she had first joined the Miller family, she had poured her efforts into helping them. Their fortunes had soared because of her support.

Elsewhere in the car, Rodger's phone rang. He picked up, and Julia's warm voice spilled through the line, bubbling with excitement. "Sweetheart, is our daughter with you? Tell me what she enjoys eating, and I'll make sure the chef prepares her favorites!"

Catching Grace's reflection in the rearview mirror, Rodger's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Yes, she's here with me. She's truly one of a kind."

Hours passed as the car zipped down endless stretches of highway, finally slowing as their destination drew near.

Pinnacle Estates, the crown jewel of the city, was home to the Holden family. Only the city's most influential and wealthy could claim a place in this rarefied neighborhood.

Among properties where even a patch of land was considered a prize, the Holdens' home boasted sweeping gardens and an artificial lake that shimmered beneath the afternoon sun.

Years ago, Luke had dared to imagine calling this neighborhood home, though such dreams had always been far out of reach.

Their luxury cars glided down a smooth driveway, and Grace peered through the window, taking in the estate's grand architecture that rivaled a royal palace.

Rodger stepped out first and walked around to open her door. He guided her along winding garden paths where every blossom seemed perfectly arranged.

Awaiting them inside, the rest of the Holden family had already gathered in the spacious living room.

At the center of it all, an older woman sat in the place of honor. Though she spoke not a word, her presence alone held everyone's attention.

Perfectly coiffed silver hair framed her face, and pearls glimmered at her ears-Ethel Holden, the respected head of the household.

To Ethel's right sat Carl, her eldest, joined by his own family. Rodger was her second son. The youngest, Eliana, now lived overseas with her husband. Beside Ethel stood a young girl in a crisp white dress, Gianna White, a relative Ethel had taken in.

"Mom, this is my daughter, Grace," Rodger said with unusual tenderness.

An immediate hush swept over the room.

With calm assurance, Grace lifted her head and met their gazes. Not a hint of unease touched her expression.

Her plain white blouse lent her an air of quiet confidence, striking even among the lavish surroundings.

For a brief second, the family was taken aback. They had expected a timid girl fresh from the orphanage, but the confidence she exuded left them speechless.

Unable to hold back any longer, Julia stepped forward in her flowing gown. Her arms closed tightly around Grace, her voice trembling with happiness. "Grace, I never imagined we would be brought together like this. My heart is so full. We're a family now, and nothing will change that."

She kept her secret to herself-that wish whispered every night, hoping Grace would be free again so she could give her a real home.

Wrapped in Julia's embrace, Grace caught the soft scent of iris perfume and felt a wave of comfort. For the first time, she realized what warmth truly meant.