Regret Came Too Late

Edric's lips curved into a smile as he turned to Thomson. "Come, say hi to Grace. You youngsters will have more to talk about with each other. Also, Grace, Thom's popularity has been growing lately. With our support, he's bound to become a top star."

He grinned affectionately as he continued, "Imagine dating a superstar. That would certainly make you proud to take him out in public."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Thomson's eyes.

He had already been thoroughly prepped beforehand to behave well in front of Grace and make her fall for his looks. Once the marriage certificate was signed, he could do whatever he wanted-cheat on her, abuse her, and even drive her to ruin. Domestic violence wouldn't lead to any serious consequences, after all.

What mattered was marrying her and gaining control over her, thereby keeping a leash on Liam.

However, upon seeing Grace's face, his irritation yielded to astonishment. He hadn't expected her to be so stunning-far more beautiful than any A-list celebrities. Sleeping with a woman like her wouldn't be a loss at all.

The smile on his face softened, becoming unexpectedly sincere as he stepped forward and offered her his hand. "Hi, Grace. I'm Thomson."

Grace stared at his hand for a moment before slowly reaching out to shake it. "Hi."

Not far from them, Liam was growing increasingly anxious. He feared Grace might fall for this ploy. Unable to hold back, he called out, "Grace!"

Edric quickly pressed his arm down on Liam's shoulder. "Liam, this is your sister's personal affair. You really ought to stay out of it."

Liam felt a wave of discomfort, coupled with deep disappointment in Grace. How could she be so easily swayed by every man she met?

Seeing the subtle shift in dynamics, Edric and his men were visibly pleased, their expressions smug with satisfaction.

"Thom, why don't you spend more time with Grace these days?" he suggested casually.

Thomson settled beside Grace, feeling utterly satisfied. She was breathtaking, and all he could think was how badly he wanted to sleep with her.

you worry," he

soon took his leave, leaving

pointed straight in his face and started cussing him out, "Get the fuck

didn't even acknowledge him as he reached out to take Grace's hand. "Grace, your brother wants us to

wasn't that she was falling for his charm but there was something familiar about him, something that

rose to her feet and

behind, throwing a taunting

She has a life of her own, so you don't need to worry about her anymore. Besides, your father just

it with confidence because for a moment-just a moment-Grace had looked at him and

approached her car, a collection of broken fragments of memory drifted through her consciousness, yet they remained

stepped forward and gallantly opened the door for her. "Grace, where shall

him, her gaze lingering on his face as her thoughts slowly came to rest.

second before curving his lips into a

exactly why he was here. He looked too much like Yancey.

passenger seat and closed her eyes briefly as discomfort enveloped her. Leaning back, she

into the driver's seat at once. "Perfect. A friend of mine owns a place nearby. The food's

at a conversation. All she wanted was a quiet moment to make sense of the disjointed images

left, Liam wasted no time in calling

Grace just went off with that man. I've no

the line, Yancey could no longer keep his composure. Wasn't she already dating someone? How could she fall

just how good-looking that

Liam. I'll find her now,"