Out of Ashes Into His Heart novel Chapter 6

"Mrs. Gould, it's been a while," Mandy said gracefully as she stepped out of the car, her smile radiant and poised.

Amelia's face darkened slightly, but with others present, she held back her displeasure.

"I brought this gift from Magnaris. I hope you'll like it," Mandy said, offering a beautifully wrapped bag with both hands.

Amelia barely glanced at it, making no move to accept.

Mandy, unfazed, maintained her bright demeanor and turned to me instead, holding out the gift. "Grace, could you hold this for Mrs. Gould?"

But I didn't even look at Mandy. My gaze was fixed on Gavin as he stepped out from the other side of the car, holding a bag of medicine—likely the same medication Mandy had mentioned earlier over the phone.

At that moment, I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest.

So, when I needed him the most, Gavin had been busy taking care of Mandy.

"Grace, why are you just standing there?" Mandy said cheerfully, grabbing my hand to force the gift into it.

Fueled by anger, I immediately pulled my hand away, not caring about appearances.

Mandy's face froze, her cheerful expression faltering. She turned to Gavin with a pleading look.

Gavin frowned, about to say something when a stern voice came from the house.

"Grace Summers! Where are your manners? We have a guest, and you dare act so rudely? Who taught you this kind of behavior?"

Victor Gould, my father-in-law, strode out, glaring at me with furrowed brows.

His words stung, bringing up my upbringing.

My anger surged. "I didn't realize the Gould family had a rule about welcoming uninvited guests. Perhaps you can teach me, Dad?"

Victor's face turned a shade darker, clearly not expecting my retort. "What nonsense are you spouting? Mandy is not an invited guest!"

"Oh? So, you invited her then?"

Victor opened his mouth, but seeing the sharp look Amelia sent his way, he quickly swallowed his words. "I won't argue with you about this!"

He turned to Mandy, his demeanor instantly softening as he accepted the gift from her hands. His smile was warm and ingratiating.

"Mandy, when did you return to the country? How long are you staying this time?"

"Hello, Mr. Gould," Mandy replied with a dazzling smile. "I just got back today and plan to settle here in Fuvine."

"Is that so? That's wonderful!" Victor laughed, but his laughter quickly subsided as he changed the topic. "Why are we all standing outside? Let's go in and chat."

He turned to Tom. "Tom, when did you arrive? It's been so long since we've seen you. You've gotten even stronger!"

Tom smirked faintly, his tone laced with teasing. "I've been here much longer than Mandy. Maybe you only had eyes for her and didn't notice me."

"You cheeky boy," Victor forced a smile, clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to press further.

After all, the White family's influence spanned military, political, and business sectors, far surpassing the Gould family's.

Victor's gaze shifted back to me, his tone sharp again. "Grace, stop embarrassing yourself and go make us some coffee!"

My heart sank.

Once again, I was the easiest target.

Victor had vented all his frustration on me. It wasn't new—he often criticized and nitpicked at me.

I knew part of his disdain stemmed from his unresolved feelings for Mandy's mother, his unattainable first love. To compensate for his regrets, he had always tried to push Gavin and Mandy together, going out of his way to meddle.

For Gavin's sake, I had endured this treatment for years.

But not today.

"I'm not feeling well today. Please ask one of the maids to do it."