Out of Ashes Into His Heart

Laurel was momentarily stunned, seemingly unable to process it. She eventually pursed her lips and frowned with displeasure. "I remember Grace Summers is the one who had a messy divorce with Gavin several days ago."

"Oh, yes, that's the name!" Yanice clapped her hands, pretending to have just realized something.

Laurel's and Yanice's poor acting skills amused me.

They seemed just like kids, likely still in college or freshly graduated. Their gazes even exuded a sense of naive foolishness.

They probably didn't realize how terrible their acting was. Or perhaps they thought no one here could see through their petty schemes...

When I glanced at Tom with amusement, I met with his dark, enigmatic eyes. His expression was casual and unreadable.

Yanice turned to me. "You have the same name as her. Haven't you heard about it?"noveldrama

I couldn't be bothered to beat about the bush and replied with a smile, "I'm the Grace Summers you're talking about."

A flicker of triumph flashed in Yanice's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by feigned shock. She covered her mouth and said with disbelief, "You... You're Gavin's ex- wife?"

With just one sentence, she had exposed my identity.

I thought to myself that I should thank these two young ladies. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to get to this stage. Now, everything was falling into place naturally.

"Yes, that's me," I admitted.

"Mrs. White Senior, did you know about this?" Yanice turned to Rose.

"I'm feeling a bit tired now..." Rose suddenly stood up. As her smile faded, she exuded a commanding presence.

Yanice's mouth fell open. She was clearly shocked and caught off guard. She hadn't expected Rose to remain unfazed even after my identity was exposed.

Growing anxious, she quickly added, "Mrs. White Senior, I heard from Laurel that Ms. Summers was introduced as Tom's girlfriend..."

After a pause, her tone carried a sense of concern. "Could there be some kind of misunderstanding?"

"That's right!" Laurel nodded eagerly. "Tom might have been deceived!"

"Laurel!"

At this moment, Elena suddenly strode over and grabbed Laurel by the ear. "You little troublemaker! What nonsense are you sprouting in front of your grandma?"

"Ouch! Mom, what are you doing?" Laurel yelped in pain. She quickly grabbed her mother's wrist. "It hurts! Let go of me!"

"Serves you right!" Elena shot Laurel a fierce glance.

Then, Elena turned to Tom and said apologetically, "Tom, Elena is just a spoiled child. Please don't take her words to heart..."

"At 19, she's hardly a child anymore." Tom's voice was cool while his gaze was as sharp as a blade. "Being foolish enough to be used as a pawn proves Grandma's lessons were wasted."

Laurel's face turned pale at his words. She wasn't stupid, of course. She realized Yanice had used her as a tool.

Besides, I knew these two had likely planned it. Yanice was supposed to expose me, but she backed out and threw Laurel under the bus when the moment came. Their friendship was truly unreliable.

"I... I'm just worried you've been tricked, Tom!" Laurel was clearly spoiled.

With her neck stuck out defiantly, she pointed at me with disdain. "Besides, this divorced woman is unworthy of you! With your status, you can have any woman you want. Why would you bring back someone like her?"

"Because I want to, duh!" Tom retorted.