Five Years Wasted Now They Beg Her Back novel Chapter 82

He paused, then changed the subject.

“I’ll have Ivy come and keep you company.”

Grace was taken aback. “But Ivy… she has work.”

“I’ve arranged for her to have twenty days of paid leave, at double her salary,” Damien said nonchalantly, as if he were just planning afternoon tea.

Grace was speechless.

The world of the rich really was that simple.

Suddenly, she smiled—a genuine, relaxed smile that came after shedding all her defenses and burdens.

“Okay.”

Forget the research, the projects, the revenge.

To hell with it all.

She would take a vacation for herself. If the sky fell, it could wait twenty days.

For the first time in five years, she was living for herself.

Ivy arrived on the island via Damien’s private jet.

Dressed in a colorful beach dress and wearing oversized sunglasses, she ran over and gave Grace a huge hug.

“Oh my God! Grace, you will not believe this! Mr. Clarke gave me twenty days of paid leave! With double pay! Double!”

“He called it the ‘fiancée’s best friend special bonus’! Seriously, what kind of god-tier boss is this? I’m in love!”

Seeing Ivy’s fawning expression, as if she were ready to become his number one fan, Grace didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

But deep down, a warmth spread through her.

Damien’s thoughtfulness was meticulous.

He knew she was lonely and needed a friend, so he sent her only friend to her side.

For the next twenty days, Grace completely let go.

She and Ivy chased each other on the beach, laughing like a pair of kids.

They took a yacht out to sea and watched dolphins leap across the azure water.

They experimented with disastrous recipes in the villa, laughing until their sides hurt.

Damien didn’t appear again. He seemed very busy, only sending a few short messages late at night.

[Have you eaten?]

[It got cold in Jarrow City today. How's the weather there?]

“Go on! My god-tier boss is here to pick you up!”

Grace took a deep breath, changed her shoes, and went downstairs.

Damien opened the passenger door for her, his movements natural and gentlemanly.

The car drove smoothly onto the highway.

It was quiet inside, the only sound being the soft hum of the air conditioner.

Grace watched the street scenes fly by outside the window, her palms growing damp.

She knew where this car was headed.

City Hall.

The silence stretched on.

Finally, at a red light, Grace mustered her courage and turned to the man beside her.

“Mr. Clarke.”

Her voice was low, with a barely perceptible tremor.

“This between us… it’s just a transaction. You’ve already helped me so much. There’s no need to… actually get married.”