Chapter 52

From the sidelines, Johnny stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief as Grace dominated the basketball court.

Maybe he'd been wrong about her all along. In his mind, she had always been just another pretty girl without a clue-how wrong he'd been.

In the audience, Beatrice's jaw tightened, frustration spilling from every word. "Hmph, nothing but blind luck. No reason for her to act so smug."

For as longas she could remember, she held the spotlight and basked in everyone's admiration.

Now,though, every gaze was fixed on Grace.

By the end of the game, there was no doubt-Grace would walk away as Briskvale High's new sensation.

The scoreboard flashed a twenty-point lead, and wild cheers shook the bleachers.

For their rivals, it was the worst defeat in recent memory.

Grace's teammates swarmed around her in a blur of excitement. "Grace Miller! That was unreal! You're the

real MVP!"

She brushed off the praise with a gentle smile."Everyone played their part. That's what matters."

Across the gym, Johnny sat slouched on the bench,his thoughts tangled as he watched her. Only now did he begin to wonder if he ever truly saw the real Grace.

Beatrice stomped over, envy lacing her words. "Don't get too full of yourself. You only got lucky coming off the bench.Big deal."

Grace gave no answer, choosing instead to turn and walk away.

As she left, Johnny's voice cut through the noise."Grace!"

She paused and glanced over her shoulder.

His mouth moved hesitantly before he finally muttered,"Thanks."

Grace's acknowledgment was brief-a small nod-before she walked off, Adrianna falling in step beside her.

All around, students buzzed with energy, the thrill of the game echoing in every conversation.

Later that night, Johnny hobbled into the Holden

house,wincing with each step. Julia's eyes narrowed with concern as soon as she saw him. "What happened to you, huh? Did a wild animal chase you home?"

Johnny let out a dramatic sigh. "Seriously,Mom? I'm your own son. Can't you act worried for once?"

Julia snorted. "If I didn't care, you wouldn't still be in one piece.You're fine."

A moment later, Grace stepped up, pressing a smnall bottle of liniment into his hand. "Try this for a couple of days. You'll heal up just fine."

Julia wasted no time in pulling Grace close for a warm hug."You're always so thoughtful,sweetheart."

Turning away,Johnny pretended not to notice, the sight stinging more than he cared to admit.Sometimes he wondered if he'd somehow been switched at birth. Grace fit in so naturally, it was as if she belonged more than he ever did.

"Hey, Grace, did you hear? The Aurora Gem Fair's happening this weekend." Julia's face brightened as the memory of the invitation came rushing back. Her voice rang with excitement. "We're all heading there together. I want you two to see something truly unforgettable."

"Count me in, Mom," said Grace, her lips curling into a warm grin. Of course, she already had her own

invitation tucked away. Still, tagging along with everyone else suited her just fine.

The weekend rolled around before anyone realized it.

Rodger called everyone together and they piled into the car, ready for the outing. Word had spread that the fair would showcase a breathtaking assortment of rare jewels this year.

Naturally, Gianna made sure she wasn't left behind.

The instant she heard Rodger and Julia would bring their kids to the fair, she wasted no time letting everyone know she planned to join them.

She'd attended countless gem fairs before.

For those in the upper crust, knowing gemstones was a mark of true breeding. No one wanted to look clueless in front of society's sharpest eyes.

This was her moment to make an impression on Rodger and Julia, a chance to remind them she was still the Holden to watch.

Confidence radiated from Gianna. Her knack for choosing the best raw stones had never failed her.Most of her picks ended up revealing rare, expensive minerals.

She shot a sidelong glance at Grace, who gazed quietly out the window, lost in thought.

"Just wait," she muttered to herself. "It won't be long before you're put in your place."

The car pulled up outside the bustling exhibition hall.

Inside, the Aurora Gem Fair had blossomed into an extravagant affair. Everywhere one looked, influential faces mingled and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

Every booth seemed to sparkle with an array of polished gemstones and a multitude of rugged,untouched mineral stones.

Most eyes, however, were drawn to the main attraction-the suspenseful mineral auctions, where every unopened rock might hide a small treasure or a life-changing windfall.

Gianna strolled along the aisles, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Grace, I can't help but notice you've been staring at those uncut stones for ages," she chimed,her tone syrupy sweet. "Why don't we spice things up with a little bet?"

She had waited for a moment like this andfinally saw her opening.

Grace looked over, catching the bold sparkle in Gianna's eyes with ease. A faint smile appeared as she replied, "Alright. What are the terms?"

Gianna's expression lit up with anticipation."Whoever loses has to stand in front of everyone, declare herself an idiot, and jog around the hall yelling it for all to hear.Agree?"

Her words practically dripped with anticipation-she could already picture her victory.

Nothing delighted Gianna more than the thought of humiliating Grace, and she planned to film every humiliating second for the school to see.

Julia's brows pinched together. "Gianna, there's no reason for family to place silly bets."

Gianna's smile became strained. Did Julia actually think Grace couldn't withstand a little embarrassment?

That tiny protest only made Gianna more eager to prove her point.

Determined not to let her mother worry, Grace gave Julia's shoulder a reassuring pat. "It's all right, Mom.Gianna wants a game. I'll play."

She met Gianna's stare, her voice steady. "Agreed.Let's keep it fair-no running away if you lose."

Doubt flickered in Julia's eyes. "Are you sure about this?"

Everyone in the family knew Gianna's reputation-her years spent examining gemstones had made her something of an expert.

Grace, on the other hand, had never even set foot in such circles until now.

Sensing the moment slipping away, Gianna jumped in before anyone could reconsider. "Absolutely, I accept the challenge. No way I'm backing out now."

There was little point in arguing, so Julia finally gave up,releasing a resigned sigh. The stage was set. The two girls focused on the glimmering piles of uncut stones, their friendly competition now in full swing.