Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 78

"Tonight, I want everyone in Jarrow City to know that you, Grace, are under my protection."

His voice was soft, but it held an undeniable authority.

Grace’s heart skipped a beat for no reason.

***

The party was held at Jarrow City's top seven-star hotel.

Every guest was either rich or powerful.

The moment Grace entered the ballroom on Damien’s arm, nearly every eye in the room turned to them.

Looks of awe, curiosity, and speculation followed them.

Damien, however, acted as if he didn't notice, calmly leading her to a quieter corner.

He handed her a glass of juice.

"Don't be nervous. Just stay by my side," he reassured her in a low voice.

"You don't have to talk to anyone. I brought you here mainly to help you relax."

Grace nodded.

To be honest, she hated these kinds of events.

But Damien’s thoughtfulness helped her tense nerves unwind a little.

Damien soon ran into a few acquaintances and was pulled aside to talk.

Grace stood alone in the corner, quietly sipping her juice.

"Grace?"

A surprised and delighted voice called out from nearby.

Grace turned to see Lilian in a pink princess dress, looking at her with a wide, excited smile.

And standing beside Lilian was Dorian.

Grace's expression instantly turned cold.

She really couldn't seem to get rid of them.

Lilian gathered her skirts and hurried over, her face a mask of innocent joy.

"Wow, Grace, you look so beautiful today! This dress must have been expensive, right?"

Her words were pointed, her voice just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear clearly.

"You were just fired from OrionVale, so where did you get the money for such an expensive dress?"

"Could it be… you rented it just so you could come to a party like this and meet some rich man?"

Her words were vicious.

Instantly, whispers broke out among the surrounding guests.

The looks directed at Grace were now tinged with contempt and disdain.

Ethan's expression grew even darker.

In his eyes, Grace was exactly the kind of woman who would do anything to climb the social ladder.

He stared at her coldly, his voice dripping with disgust.

"Grace, have you no shame? Is this a place you should be?"