Please Me Daddy (Gracie) novel Chapter 50

**Across Distant Skies Lies Hope Waiting To Be Found by Kade Rowan Flint**

**Grace**

“Are you heading to Mr. Grayson’s residence?” the driver inquired, though the tone of his voice suggested he was making an observation rather than asking a question.

I wasn’t in the mood for conversation. My thoughts were a tangled mess, swirling in a chaotic dance that left me feeling disoriented. Yet, I wasn’t the sort to dismiss someone, especially not a man who looked to be twice my age. So, I offered a slight nod. “Yes, I am.”

The driver beamed at me, a glimmer of pride in his eyes as if he had a personal connection to the man I was about to face.

“You must know him well, then. Mr. Grayson is truly a remarkable individual. His family seems flawless, and he’s done so much for our community. I would love the chance to meet him one day,” he said, his admiration evident.

I turned my gaze toward the window, watching the world blur past outside.

What a convenient term, “remarkable.”

He had no inkling of the truth.

People adored the notion of the family man, the benevolent figure who stood for justice. But that was merely a façade. The real Mr. Grayson was a different creature altogether — a man who could smile sweetly while he crushed your spirit, a master of manipulation who made you doubt your own reality.

Yet, I lacked the strength to enlighten him. Even if I did, what would be the point? He wouldn’t believe me; figures like Mr. Grayson were untouchable, not because they were virtuous, but because they were skilled at maintaining the illusion.

“I understand,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Silence enveloped us once more.

As we arrived at the estate, the car slowed to a halt in front of the grand mansion. I opened the door and stepped out, a chill racing down my spine.

I fished out a couple of bills from my pocket and handed them to the driver, who accepted them with a nod, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “Thank you, ma’am. Have a pleasant evening.”

As he drove away, I turned to face the imposing mansion, a shiver coursing through me.

Was it the cold air, or was it the creeping dread that coiled around my heart?

I was stepping into the unknown, and I sensed it wouldn’t end well. I released a slow breath, attempting to calm the frantic rhythm of my heart.

At this moment, I cared little for anyone else. My friends and the twins were the only ones who mattered, and I was determined to shield them, no matter the cost.

With resolve, I stepped forward.

The security guards at the gate regarded me with a single, scrutinizing glance before nodding silently and allowing me entry. I passed through the gate and made my way up the long, winding driveway, each step echoing with the weight of my apprehension.

My heart raced as the front door came into view. Just as I was about to knock, it swung open, revealing a maid standing there, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.

“Miss Grace,” she said, inclining her head slightly. “I’ve been directed to escort you inside.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

The maid turned gracefully and led the way into the mansion, and I followed her into a world that radiated opulence.

I had almost forgotten just how wealthy Charles’ family was. His father wasn’t merely a successful businessman; he was a public figure, a name that resonated in the halls of power.

Which was precisely why I had hoped he would be too preoccupied to intervene.

I muttered under my breath, “I suppose I was too optimistic.”

“Yes, Miss Grace?” the maid queried without glancing back.

I blinked, momentarily startled. “Oh no, that was just a thought to myself.”

We continued down the long corridor, faint sounds of laughter and chatter wafting toward us from the other end.

My mother nodded sympathetically, leaning forward as if to share in the outrage. “I can relate. If it were my son, I’d be livid too.”

“And that’s precisely why you shouldn’t adopt children who aren’t your own flesh and blood,” Charles’ mother snapped. “They lack discipline, no sense of gratitude. Those useless brats do whatever they please and bring shame upon the family.”

“Mom, please don’t—” Charles began, but she waved him off dismissively.

“Am I mistaken?” she challenged, locking eyes with my mother. “She’s merely an adoptive daughter, not even your real child. Yet she struts around as if she’s superior to everyone else. If she hadn’t been adopted, she wouldn’t have even made it through our front gate, let alone into our family. She should be grateful that Charles even considered her. A man like him is wealthy, handsome, and comes from a powerful lineage. She was fortunate to be an option, let alone a fiancée.”

Silence fell like a heavy curtain. My parents sat there, smiles plastered on their faces as if this was all perfectly acceptable.

Charles stared down at his lap, embarrassment etched on his features, but he didn’t protest. His father remained aloof, not acknowledging anyone in the room.

Disgust bubbled up in my throat.

I had never anticipated support from anyone in this place. They had never been on my side, to begin with. Charles’ mother, in particular, had never disguised her disdain for me, simply because I was adopted.

Unable to restrain myself any longer, I stepped forward, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me.

“I’m glad we’re all in agreement,” I stated firmly. “It makes it easier for us to end things.”

Every head turned in my direction.

My mother looked utterly stunned, her expression frozen in disbelief. My father’s jaw tightened, a flicker of anger in his eyes. Charles stood frozen, color draining from his face, while his mother narrowed her eyes at me, as if I were something vile she had found on her shoe.

His sister blinked, seemingly unperturbed, while his father simply observed me, his face devoid of emotion, but there was a flicker of something dangerous lurking in his gaze.

I didn’t care.

“I’ll repeat myself, and this time, I want everyone to hear me clearly: Charles and I are finished.”