Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 488

On the way back, Ivy huddled in the corner of the back seat, her gaze completely vacant.

Grace held her hand, finding it as cold as ice. No matter how much she tried to warm it, it remained frigid.

“Ivy…”

Grace wanted to say something, but she had no idea where to begin.

It reminded her of herself a year ago.

Back then, she had been just like this—misunderstood by everyone, betrayed by her own family, and thrown out of her home.

Only someone who had been through it could understand that kind of despair.

And now, that same despair had befallen her best friend.

The Maybach sped along, finally stopping in front of the Clarke family’s villa.

“Mr. Clarke.”

The butler was already waiting at the entrance and immediately opened the car door as it came to a stop.

“Grace, take her inside to rest.”

Damien didn’t get out of the car. He lowered the window and looked at Grace. “I have some things to deal with at the company, and I need to go see someone. I’ll be back later.”

Grace knew he was going to handle the matter with Lucian Chow and Serena.

“Okay, be careful.”

Grace nodded and helped Ivy out of the car.

The villa was brightly lit.

As Grace led Ivy into the living room, a wave of warmth washed over them.

“Oh, Grace, you’re back!”

Before Grace could even change her shoes, a kind voice called out.

The elder Mrs. Clarke, leaning on her cane and supported by Marianne Clarke, hurried over.

Over the past year, because of their connection to Grace, the two elders of the Clarke family had become fond of Ivy. They knew she was a good girl without a malicious bone in her body and genuinely liked her.

Grace managed a weak smile and greeted them, “Grandma, Mom.”

She knew her mother-in-law meant well, but saying that at a time like this was like rubbing salt in Ivy’s wound.

Just as she feared, Ivy’s lips pressed into a thin line.

She lowered her head, staring at the tips of her shoes, her fingers twisting together tightly.

“Oh, you, just be quiet for a minute!”

The elder Mrs. Clarke, who understood people far better than her daughter-in-law, shot Marianne a glare and then gently patted Ivy’s hand.

“Child, don’t listen to her nonsense. Here in the Clarke family, you don’t need to worry about such things. Just treat this place as your own home. Whatever you want to eat or drink, just ask the butler. If anyone dares to bully you, I’ll be the first to stand up for you!”

Ivy looked up at the two elders, who were genuinely concerned for her, and her eyes slowly reddened.

She sniffled, forcing a compliant smile.

“Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Mrs. Clarke. I’m fine, really.”

Her smile was practiced and hollow—a perfect mask that didn't reach her eyes.

But as Grace looked at it, her sense of unease grew stronger and stronger.