Chapter 82

After having her scrapes patched up at the hospital,Grace ducked into the restroom for a moment.

Ready to rejoin Colton and leave, she spun on her heel, only to hear a voice she recognized instantly,thick with tears.

"Grace! Oh, my darling! Are you alright? I was worried sick!"

Julia's sudden appearance left Grace momentarily stunned. The evidence of her mother's sobbing was unmistakable-red, swollen eyes and an emotional disarray that spoke of minutes spent weeping.

Standing close by, Rodger looked equally stricken,anxiety carved into every line of his face.

Grace tried to offer a reassuring smile. "I'm okay,really.How did you find me here?"

"How could we not come the minute we heard about your car accident? It terrified us! I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you safe!"

Just hearing the news of Grace's crash had nearly sent Julia into a faint.

Fresh tears glimmered as Julia scanned Grace from head to toe, unable to hide her distress at the sight of those shallow, red marks on her daughter's skin.

"Mom, honestly, it's nothing-just a few scratches,"Grace assured her gently.

Rodger's concern deepened as he pressed the issue."Are you absolutely certain? I really think it's best for you to get a thorough examination. Sometimes injuries hide beneath the surface and only reveal themselves much later. What if something starts bothering you after we've already left? That's what worries me the most."

Nodding vigorously, Julia echoed his concern. "He's absolutely right! Let's have a doctor check you out from head to toe right away," she insisted. Any amount of waiting or extra cost was a small price for knowing Grace was truly alright.

Reaching for his phone, Rodger was ready to call a doctor, but Grace reached out and stopped him in his tracks.

"No need to worry, really-I know my own health better than anyone. Don't forget, medicine is my field," she insisted with a gentle but confident smile.

To prove her point, she spun around lightly and even bounced on her toes, almost daring them to doubt her flexibility and strength. She looked like she might break into a cartwheel any second.

Her liveliness finally eased some of their worry.Julia's tension faded just a bit, though she still clung to her motherly concern. "I should have come to fetch you myself. It's too risky for someone your age to go home by yourself."

The comment almost made Grace laugh. In truth, she was probably the last person in the world who needed protecting.

Switching gears, she threw out a question to shift the conversation. "So tell me-how did you two know to find me here?"

Julia, easily sidetracked, started to answer. But before she could finish, Colton made his entrance,freshly bandaged from his own treatment.

"It was Colton!" Julia blurted out in relief. "He told me what happened-if not for him, I'd have had no idea where to look. You really gave me a scare this time,sweetheart..." Her voice shook, threatening tears all over again.

A flicker of surprise crossed Grace's face. What business did Colton have talking with her parents?

Elite families often crossed paths, sharing connections through business, tradition, or even arranged marriages-none of that was out of the ordinary.

Still, Grace eyed Colton warily, unable to shake a wave of suspicion.

Wearing a look of harmless innocence, Colton explained, "While you were tending to your cuts,your mom's calls kept lighting up your phone. I went ahead and answered, thinking she'd want to know what was going on." He glanced over, his face full of apology. "Honestly, I wasn't snooping.I just thought it'd be worse not to answer her."

Julia broke into a bright smile, brushing off any concern. "No need to say sorry! Without your help,we'd never have known about the accident. If anything,I'm grateful."

Grace could only sigh, lips curving into a faint,bewildered smile.

In a quiet tone, she leaned closer to Colton and whispered, "Did you really have to tell my mom?I was on my way home anyway-she wouldn't have found out."

Telling her parents had never been part of the plan.Grace intended to slip home quietly, dab on her own custom ointment, and wake up the next morning with barely a mark left behind. No one would have guessed a thing.

A soft laugh escaped Colton as he leaned closer,lowering his voice to a private whisper. "I thought it'd be nice if your folks realized you and I... share a connection. Who knows, maybe you'll give me a proper introduction soon."

Grace stared, taken aback. "Wait-what's that supposed to mean?" The families were familiar with each other already, so what was the point in introducing him to her folks?

Meanwhile, Julia took in the sight of Grace and Colton murmuring together and saw something entirely different.

She gave Rodger a nudge, whispering,"Honey,look at those two... Aren't they just perfect? They seem so close-maybe there's already something going on between them!"

A fierce blush shot across Grace's cheeks."Mom!It's not like that. We're not dating!"

Rodger's posture stiffened at once, concern flickering in his eyes. "That's right. Girls your age shouldn't be thinking about romance just yet."

Colton could hardly hide his amusement as the scene played out. Everything was falling neatly into place. Instead of bristling at Rodger's sternness, he wore a smile.

"You have a point, Mr. Holden. Grace should be focused on life's bigger adventures before she even considers dating."