Chapter 6 First Encounter

Once dinner ended, Rodger and Julia began gathering their things, ready to bring Grace home to their villa.

Staying at the family estate was a rare occurrence for them-reserved only for family events and major celebrations.

Just as they were about to leave, Ethel summoned the pair into a private room.

Seated regally in her chair, Ethel tapped her cane lightly against the polished floor. "I won't stand in the way of your decision to adopt her, but you should know something," she said, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial hush. "Kids from orphanages have a reputation for sticky fingers. Keep a close eye on your valuables."

Arguing would get her nowhere, and she knew it. For years, she'd watched Rodger and Julia shower Gianna with affection and had been pleased.

Their sudden decision to adopt, especially a girl with no family and a past full of shadows, felt like a blow to the chest.

A frown appeared on Rodger's face as he replied, his tone firm, "Mom, Grace is my daughter now. I will not tolerate talk like that ever again."

Julia, who was usually soft-spoken, surprised even herself with her sharp response. Her eyes flashed as she said, "Ethel, you mustn't say things that would wound Grace. That child has done nothing wrong."

Seeing Julia ready to defend Grace so fiercely made Ethel's temples throb. She pressed her hand to her forehead and waved them away. "That's enough. You should leave. My head aches, and I need some peace."

After leaving Ethel's room, Julia let out a puzzled sigh. "Have you noticed your mom always seems to come down with a headache the moment we're together? Maybe she needs a doctor to check her over?"

Rodger couldn't help but laugh, gently squeezing her hand in his.

Knowing Julia's gentle nature, he could tell her question wasn't meant to be overheard by Ethel.

"Headaches are normal at her age," he said with a warm smile, leading Julia outside.

Grace waited for them on the roadside.

Raindrops from earlier in the evening left puddles scattered along the sidewalk, and Grace stepped around them, her shoes never touching the water.

Out of nowhere, an engine's roar filled the air.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom tore down the street, flinging muddy water high as it passed.

Icy droplets threatened to drench her, but Grace slipped back just in time, letting the water crash harmlessly at her feet.

A sudden screech shattered the night as the luxury sedan jerked to a halt nearby.

Jumping out, the driver rushed over, nerves on edge, sweat glistening at his temples. "Please forgive me, miss. I was distracted. I didn't mean to-"

Sweeping invisible specks from her dress, Grace replied, "No harm done. Make sure you pay attention in the future."

Though her words were measured, there was a firmness to her tone that couldn't be missed.

Surprise flickered across the driver's face-he hadn't expected such confidence from someone so unassuming.

Without warning, the rear window crept downward with a quiet hum.

A deep male voice sliced through the silence. "Care to explain what's happening?"

Raising her eyes, Grace found herself staring at a man whose looks would draw any gaze.

Shadows from inside the vehicle hid most of his angular features, though his sharp nose and thin, unyielding lips were impossible to miss.

His eyes held a glint that felt like cold steel pressed against her skin.

That first glance could chill anyone to the bone. Upon a second glance, Grace's pupils slightly contracted as she realized he carried a rare poison within him.

"Mr. Pearson, it's my fault. I was careless-" the driver blurted out, nerves making his words tremble.

Unfazed, the man's elegant hand moved slightly, the cold glint of a Patek Philippe catching the last of the light.

He fixed Grace with a knowing smirk. "Apologies, miss. Tell me how much you want-I'm in a hurry."

He was desperate to track down the legendary healer, Dr. Q, before it was too late.

Irritation flared in Grace, and she let out a bitter laugh. She tilted an eyebrow and surveyed him from head to toe, her mouth curling into a wry grin. "What's the rush? Afraid you're running out of time on this earth?" she replied, her tone lazy and taunting.

"Don't worry. The poison will hold off for another six months. If you fail to cure it by then..." She let her words hang, then continued, "No doctor in the world will be able to help you."

Colton Pearson, still inside the car, stiffened. His grip on the checkbook tightened, turning his knuckles white. "Come again? What did you just say?"

Did she know something?

"Ah, I almost forgot." Grace's eyes drifted down his legs as if something clicked in her mind. "You're dealing with both leg problems and sleepless nights."

She turned to walk away, but paused long enough to say, "It'd be wise for you to save your money. You'll need it for your recovery."

Grace had no intention of feeding his inflated ego.

"We're leaving now, Grace." Rodger's voice, gentle as always, called from afar.

At once, her mocking expression melted into a bright, genuine smile. She dashed towards Rodger and Julia without hesitation.

Off to the side, the driver could only stare, still rattled by what he'd witnessed.

That girl had sharp eyes! Everything she had said seemed to cut Colton to the core-his poisoning, his paralysis, the restless nights-details scarcely whispered about, even in his own family.

Anyone else brave enough to speak to Colton in that manner had already vanished from this world.

With his gaze never leaving her, Colton watched Grace vanish into the night.

Only after a lengthy silence did he turn away, his voice as chilly as a winter wind. "Let's go."

The Rolls-Royce surged forward, tires humming along the road.

Sitting inside, Colton studied his lifeless legs, absentmindedly tapping his fingers on the polished seat.

"I want to know who she is," he said, his tone unwavering and sharp.

Who exactly was that girl? How could a stranger pick apart all his ailments so easily? Was there a leak about his medical condition? Or did she possess real skill as a healer?

Questions clouded his eyes, making his expression hard to decipher.

His visit today was only because Dr. Q's presence in the area had reached his ears, so he came in search. Instead, he had stumbled upon a girl who was anything but ordinary.

"Right away, sir," his assistant replied from up front, his tone marked with respect.