Chapter 159: "Sacred Records and Bitter Choices"
(Grace's POV)
The sacred family records. My mother's legacy. The one connection I had left to her. The one thing I wanted, needed more than anything, was right there—dangling just out of reach as Marcus played his usual manipulative games.
"You know," Marcus began, his tone dripping with mock sincerity, "this mate bond with Alexander? It's hurting you, Grace. Anyone can see it."
His eyes bore into mine, pretending to be filled with fatherly worry. The act was laughable, but I held my ground, masking the bitterness rising in my chest.
"And what exactly would you suggest?" My voice was steady, cold even. I wouldn’t let him see the cracks beneath the surface. Not today.
"Someone who values you," he said, leaning in slightly as thoug
