The thought of returning to Montgomery Manor that evening, where she would have to face Ethan, made Grace's chest tighten with dread.
She took a deep breath and turned to Vanessa. "Vanessa, I don't want to go back tonight." Her voice wavered, thick with emotion. "Can I stay at your place?"
"Of course you can!" Vanessa responded without hesitation, pulling Grace into a comforting embrace. "Stay as long as you want! My home is your home." Her heart ached as she noticed Grace's pale face. "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, no one's going to bully you."
Meanwhile, Ethan carried Lily in his arms, striding urgently into the hospital emergency room. "Doctor! Someone help us!" he called out anxiously.
"What happened to the patient?" A nurse rushed over with a gurney.
"She said her h
