Chapter 3

"Piece of cake," Kayce said. "But what do you need it for? Are you really thinking of quitting the hustle, like the news says? Turning over a new leaf?"

"Cut the crap," I said, rubbing my aching temples. "I need the full video to make some people eat their words."

"Got it. Wait a second," Kayce replied.

I trusted him completely. Kayce was a computer genius I met when I was struggling to survive at rock bottom. No firewall could stand in his way.

But just half an hour later, Kayce called me back.

"Grace, we've hit a snag," Kayce said. "Someone's tampered with the original video file. The most important parts are either encrypted or messed up. I'll need some time to patch it up."

My heart tightened in my chest.

This was no accident. Lily and her crew got their hands on the video and wiped out the original file, so I couldn't prove myself.

"Did they go that far?" I asked.

"Whoever did this is a real pro," Kayce said. "But no firewall can keep me out. Just give me three days."

"Alright," I replied.

How wild would the rumors get in the next three days? And how the Nolan family would treat me?

When I got back to the villa, the air was thick with tension.

Richard was sitting in the living room, his face stormy as he talked on the phone, trying to smooth things over with some important business partner.

"Grace, I know you've been wronged," he said, handing me a bank card. "But right now, the family's reputation matters more. There's 1.5 million in this account. Go abroad, take a break, and lay low for a while. We'll handle everything else."

He gestured to a set of keys beside him. "There's an apartment downtown in your name. When you come back, you can move in. It's quiet there."

This wasn't comfort. It was banishment. They wanted me to shut up and vanish, just so the Nolans could have their quiet life.

"Dad, what if I can prove I'm innocent? What if I can prove this is all a set-up targeting the Nolans?" I asked.

He looked taken aback, like he never thought I'd say that.

"We'll talk when you've proven it," he said. "For now, just listen."

His distrust killed the last bit of fight I had left in me.

"Dad, Grace," Sophie said. "I've set up a dinner with Lily. Can we sit down and talk things out? It's just a misunderstanding. We can clear it up."

She turned to me, her voice sincere. "Grace, Lily's been grounded by her dad. She knows she messed up. Can you forgive her just this once?"

Evelyn hurried out of the kitchen and took Sophie's hand. "You're just too kind, sweetheart. Even after everything you've been through, you're still thinking about others."

She turned to me. "Grace, Sophie's gone to so much trouble for you. Just go. Clear the air, so people will stop gossiping."

I watched the three of them, all smiles and warmth, and felt like an outsider.

"Sure," I said, forcing a smile. "Where are we eating?"

Sophie had booked us a table at a pricey private dining spot.

When we got there, Lily was already waiting.

She couldn't hide the resentment in her eyes, but at Sophie's signal, she got up and managed to squeeze out a stiff, "Sorry."

"It's fine," I said, settling in and pouring myself some coffee. "Not like you're the one who really owes me an apology."

Lily's expression changed, about to lash out, but Sophie quickly held her back.

"Grace, Lily's already apologized. Can't you let it go?" Sophie said, trying to play peacemaker with her gentle voice. "We're here to clear things up, so we can stay a family."

The whole meal was painfully awkward.

Sophie and Lily kept probing into my past and dropping hints that my life was out of control, that I hung out with all sorts of people from every walk of life.

I couldn't be bothered to play their game, so I gave them vague, careless replies.

Just then, a scruffy, greasy-faced middle-aged man barged in, pointed at me and yelled, "Grace, you ungrateful brat. Now that you've made it big, you're acting like you don't even know us anymore."

It was Wayne, my old landlord, a hopeless gambler and a scumbag who used to harass me nonstop. Why was he here?

Sophie looked at him in surprise. "Sir, are you sure you've got the right person?"

"No mistake. It's her," Wayne shouted. "She used to rent from me, always mixing with all kinds of sketchy people, and she still owes me three months' rent.

"Now she's living the high life with a rich family. She thinks she can just skip out on her debts?"

Lily gasped, laying it on thick. "Seriously? You still owe rent, Grace?"

Sophie looked heartbroken. "Grace, how could you? You need to pay Wayne back."

I realized instantly. This was another trap they'd set for me.