Chapter 9 - The Aftermath And The Empty Ballroom
Within twenty minutes,
the grand terrace and ballroom had emptied completely.
The jazz quartet packed their instruments in stunned silence,
while catering staff quickly cleared away untouched oysters and expensive champagne bottles.
The glittering illusion of high-society perfection had shattered,
leaving behind only the cool night air and the quiet rustle of rose leaves in the courtyard garden.
Grace stood near the kitchen entrance,
still holding Lily,
who had finally fallen asleep with her tiny head resting against her mother's shoulder.
Caleb walked down the empty hallway,
his suit jacket unbuttoned,
looking more relaxed than he had in years.
He stopped a few feet away from Grace,
keeping a respectful distance so as not to startle her or wake the sleeping child.
"You didn't have to do all that,
Mr. Westbrook,"
Grace said softly,
her voice steady despite the lingering shock of the evening.
"Sloane would have made your life miserable if you hadn't seen her true colors tonight,"
Caleb replied,
holding up the leather journal in his hand.
"And more importantly,
no one has the right to treat your daughter like that in my home.
Or anywhere else."
Grace looked down at the floor,
feeling a strange, unfamiliar warmth blooming in her chest.
"Thank you,"
she whispered.
"For the contract update,
for Lily... and for standing up for us."
Caleb shook his head slightly,
stepping a bit closer.
"Thank you,
Grace.
For three years,
everyone around me has given me expensive watches, gold cufflinks, and meaningless art pieces to buy my favor.
You and Lily gave me something real."
Grace looked up,
meeting his dark, intense eyes for a fraction of a second before looking away,
her cheeks flushing warmly under the moonlight.
"We should get back,"
Grace murmured,
adjusting Lily in her arms.
"There's still cleanup to do."
Caleb smiled softly,
a genuine, unguarded expression that completely transformed his face.
"No cleanup for you tonight,
Grace Miller.
Go home,
May you like
get some rest,
and let my estate staff handle the rest."
