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.

Don't you worry,"

took his leave, leaving Thomson alone

his face and started cussing him out, "Get the fuck out of

as he reached out to take Grace's hand. "Grace, your

his face, a faint crease forming between her brows. It wasn't that she was falling for his charm but there was something familiar about him, something that brought back whispers of a

feet and walked

behind, throwing a taunting glance

you don't need to worry about her anymore. Besides, your father just passed away recently. Aren't

because for a moment-just a moment-Grace had looked at

of memory

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

face as her thoughts slowly came to

paused for a split second before curving his

He looked too much like Yancey. That was the

her eyes briefly as discomfort enveloped her. Leaning back, she murmured, "Just take me to

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

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

she and Thomson left, Liam wasted no time in

that man. I've no

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

how good-looking that man could

find her now,"