Chapter 46

On Saturday morning, just after sunrise, Julia brought Grace to the biggest shopping center.

The moment Julia stepped out of the car, she spotted Eliana arriving with Claire and Gianna close behind.

Eliana didn't seem to be in great shape. As they neared, Julia tilted her head slightly. "Eliana,have you seen a doctor recently?"

Eliana blinked, caught off guard, then answered, "I'm alright, Julia. Probably just tired. Still, I've booked a consultation with a specialist for Monday-just to be careful."

She hadn't originally intended to, but something in her chest didn't feel right.

Moreover, Grace's confidence during their last encounter was impossible to overlook. So Eliana figured she'd go, maybe pick up some medicine while she was at it.

"That's smart. So what brings you out today?" Julia asked.

"I thought I'd let the girIs choose some jewelry," Eliana replied casually.

Julia raised a brow-what a coincidence.

Claire chimed in, clearly pleased with herself. "Gianna scored second in the whole school on her exams, Aunt Julia. She definitely earned something special. That's why my mom brought us here. Are you jewelry shopping too?"

Claire had chosen her words carefully. She had heard whispers about Grace's background-that she was from an orphanage and had only gotten admitted to that school through favors, not merit.

She'd never taken a liking to Grace, so her comment was meant to sting, to put Grace on edge in front of everyone.

Julia's smile sharpened. "Yes, Grace scored full marks this time, top of the entire school. I brought her here to celebrate."

Claire's grin vanished, and Gianna's expression went stiff.

"W-What? You got a perfect score?" Claire stammered,staring at Grace. "How come? You're first, and Gianna's second?"

Grace nodded with ease. "That's right."

Eliana looked genuinely surprised. "Julia, are you being serious?"

Julia rested a hand on Grace's arm and spoke with ease. "Why would I make something like that up?"

Just yesterday, Johnny had dodged the topic but didn't deny it, Julia took that as confirmation.

Gianna's fingers curled into tight fists, her nails pressing hard into her palms until they lost color. She managed a smile. "It's true. Grace performed impressively this tme. I can't deny it."

Grace responded with a mild, courteous smile."Thanks.Maybe it was just my good lucky."

"Yeah, you probably just got lucky this once," Claire shot back, clearly annoyed. "Next time, you'll probably be dead last."

"You think so? Guess we'll find out," Grace said calmly.

"Since we're all here, why don't we go in together?"Julia offered.

Inside, the boutique manager came out to welcome them personally. "It's wonderful to see you guys. We have a special preview of our newest collection just for VIPs today."

Eliana nodded, her pride barely concealed. She turned to Claire and Gianna. "Go ahead, pick out whatever you want. It's my treat."

"Thanks,Mom."

Thank you, Aunt Eliana."

Julia leaned toward Grace. "Let's head up to the fifth floor afterward. They've stocked some really nice pieces-fresh from the latest release. You'll get first pick."

Everyone froze for a moment.

The fifth floor housed Seraphic Jewelry, the most talked-about label in high society.

Though only three years into the market, Seraphic Jewelry had built a name for itself with bold, elegant styles and unmatched detail, quickly becoming a status symbol among the elite.

While not officially labeled a premier brand, its pricing matched the best of them. What truly set it apart,however, was its fiercely selective access, customers needed to spend over ten million and be referred by a senior client just to apply for membership.

And as for Ultra VIP access? That was nearly mythical.

There were only a few Ultra VIPs in all of the city.

Seraphic Jewelry's limited collections were notoriouisly hard to obtain-Eliana herself had waited three months just to secure a single piece.

When Claire overheard Julia mention the fifth floor, her expression shifted.

She forced a smile, her grip tightening around her bag."Aren't Seraphic Jewelry's latest pieces only available by appointment? Aunt Julia, do you have access?"

Julia's smile was composed. "I'm one of their Ultra VIPs. They reached out yesterday to let me know some new arrivals had come in. I thought it'd be the perfect time to bring Grace."

A flicker of envy passed through Gianna's eyes, but she quickly masked it."Grace, you're really lucky to have such a caring mother."

Grace gave her a cool glance, saying nothing in return.

Julia beamed.-"She's my daughter. Of course I want to give her the best."

With that, she and Grace made their way to the top floor.

Everyone in the upper circles understood-access to the fifth floor marked a shift in class.

Fewer than a hundred people had clearance, and only two guests were allowed entry at once.

Watching Julia escort Grace up, Eliana's smile faltered for a second.Beside her, Gianna fumed silently.Why?was Grace the one getting special treatment?

Se swallowed the bitterness and turned to Eliana."Do you think Aunt Julia doesn't like me anymore? She used to treat me so warmly, but ever since Grace showed up, something feels different."

Eliana huffed, clearly displeased. "Julia's just too taken with that girl. Don't let it bother you. You're outstanding, and none of this is your fault. Comne,let's havea look around."

"Exactly, Gianna. Don't feel bad. You're amazing, and if others can't see it, that's on them,"Claire supported.

Gianna's shoulders relaxed a little. "I really am lucky to have you both."