Chapter 30 Grace Sets the Record Straight
What was going on today? The teacher stood frozen for a second, stunned by Grace’s sharp tone.
+8 Pearls
Sure, Zayden was a top student, and yeah–plenty of girls liked him. But she had never heard anything about him being in a relationship.
“I came to the school today just to clear things up,” Grace said firmly. “If anyone thinks they can lead my son off track, don’t be surprised when I show up at their doorstep to have a word with their parents.”
Her eyes landed directly on Naomi. With that, Grace turned and walked out of the office.
Naomi stood in the hallway, completely shaken. Her lip trembled, and her face went pale as tears started spilling down her cheeks.
Everyone knew exactly what Grace meant. She was calling Naomi out for getting too close to Zayden.
Sure, the Rivers family had some status–but it was nowhere near the level of the Holts.
“Naomi, are you okay?” a classmate asked gently, stepping closer to comfort her.
But Naomi didn’t answer. She just turned and ran down the hall, crying.
Back in Class Six, Eliza sat quietly at her desk, flipping through her workbook like nothing had happened.
None of this surprised her.
Grace might have liked Naomi before. But the second Naomi became a distraction to Zayden’s future? That was it. Grace would drop her in a second.
Public humiliation? Please. She’d been through worse. This didn’t even count.
Compared to what Eliza had gone through in her past life, this was nothing.
Back then, she chose Zayden without a second thought. She gave up her place as the Rivers family heiress just to be with him -and Grace still treated her like she was nothing.
Even after marrying Zayden, Eliza spent years doing everything for that family. She looked after Grace, ran errands, and took care of their home.
And still, Grace never showed her any kindness.
Because Grace was selfish. Always had been.
Whoever ended up marrying into the Holt family? That girl was doomed.
“Man, Zayden’s mom is something else,” Henry muttered from nearby. “Her kid starts dating, and she flips out and storms the school like it’s a crime.”
Just as the words left his mouth, Grace appeared at the door of Class Six.
She smiled sweetly, then waved at Eliza. “Eliza, come here, dear. I need a quick word.”
All eyes turned to her.
Eliza stood up slowly and walked out of the classroom with a calm expression.
She put on a polite smile. “Madam Grace, is something wrong?”
Grace gently patted her hand and leaned in. “Zayden’s in a different league, you know. There are always people trying to use him to get ahead. As his fiancée, you should be keeping a closer eye on him.” Then, lowering her voice, she added, “I know you understand what I’m saying. You’re the only one I see as my future daughter–in–law. Once you graduate, if college isn’t your plan, you and Zayden can get engaged. You’ll move in with the Holt family, live comfortably, and when the time’s right, we’ll have the wedding.”
8:40 AM
Chapter 30 Grace Sets the Record Straight
Eliza’s eyes darkened slightly.
+8 Pearls
In her past life, it was those very words that convinced her she’d found a place to belong. That she could finally escape her own family.
But all it did was throw her into a deeper nightmare.
She almost laughed. There was no way she was falling for that again.
Still, she nodded sweetly, playing along. “Don’t worry, Madam Grace. I’ll make sure Zayden stays focused at school. I won’t let him mess around.”
“Good girl,” Grace said, gently patting her head before walking away.
As soon as Grace walked off, Eliza’s face dropped its polite act.
Keep an eye on Zayden? Yeah, right. Like she’d waste her time on that.
Honestly, the more reckless he got, the better.
Let him fall for Naomi. Let him ditch his SATs. Let him ruin his future. If everything fell apart and the Holt family went down in flames, maybe Naomi would ditch him too.
As Eliza turned to head back inside, Nolan brushed past her and walked into the classroom.
He didn’t look at her–just muttered under his breath, “Nice performance.”
Eliza didn’t say a word.
Back in Class One, Naomi barely made it through first period. She kept her head down, trying to hold it together. Zayden had been called to the office.
The classroom was unusually quiet until Scarlett–who never really got along with Naomi–turned around and said, “Hey Naomi, didn’t you say you already met Zayden’s parents? What’s all this about?”
Naomi forced a smile, but it was clearly tight and uncomfortable. She hated people seeing her like this. Still, she forced a laugh. “That wasn’t about me. Madam Grace was talking about someone else.”
Scarlett raised a brow. “Then why were you crying? I heard Zayden’s actually engaged to Eliza.”
“What?” a few students gasped.
“Zayden and Eliza are engaged?”
“When did that happen? How did we not know?”
“No way. Scarlett’s just trying to start drama again. Zayden and Eliza don’t even talk. Everyone knows she’s the one always trying to get his attention.”
“Sounds like some dumb rumor. I don’t buy it.”
