Grady!
He was here too!
Loraine hadn't seen Grady in quite a while. His presence took her by surprise, and she greeted him with a warm
smile.
As she was about to approach Grady, Marco intervened, his expression stern.
However, Grady had already made his way over. Taken aback by Marco's frosty demeanor, he stuttered out a
greeting. “Marco.”
In a chilly tone, Marco responded, “What brings you here? This is a celebration for Bryant Group and Universe
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtGroup. | don’t see how the
Angela’s Library
Cruz family fits into this equation.”
Grady visibly flinched. His deep-seated respect for Marco was almost instinctual. However, he managed to
summon his courage upon spotting
Loraine standing behind Marco.
“Marco, in truth, the Cruz family also participated in the bidding and managed to secure a storefront in the
business district!”
Since the falling-out with the Cruz family, Loraine hadn't had any dealings with them. Upon hearing this, she felt
compelled to inquire,
“Grady, was this your initiative?”
If the Cruz family had seriously participated, she should have been aware of it. This suggested Grady had
clandestinely arranged for someone else to bid. Loraine had no qualms with Grady, but if he acted independently
and his family caused her trouble Later, it would be a headache.
Grady pondered for a moment before saying, “I just wanted to make amends for my and my mother’s past
indiscretions.”
Marco arched an eyebrow, retorting with a scoff, “Apologies notwithstanding, don’t stir up any more trouble.”
Loraine felt a tad awkward. She had already put those incidents behind her and held no grudges against Grady.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Grady, | don’t expect you to make amends in this manner. The shops in the new commercial area play a pivotal
role in our future plans. They should serve their intended purpose, not act as an instrument of apology,” she
explained.
Eagerly, Grady reassured her, “I won't leave my shop idle. I've planned to set up a new antique store and an
associated gallery. Rest assured,
I'll take it very seriously!”
His earnest declaration somewhat mollified Loraine, and she offered him a nod and a smile, saying, “That's
good.”
Grady breathed a sigh of relief. Nervously fiddling with his fingers, he looked at Loraine with bright, hopeful eyes.
“Loraine, can we still be friends?”
Loraine responded with a smile, “Of course, we are.”