?Chapter 1124:


    “Thank you, Elsa. I can’t say it enough. I have no friends or family here, and I am sorry to trouble you sote,” Gracie said as she followed Elsa upstairs, her eyes drifting to the closed bedroom doors, wondering which one was Ethan’s room.


    With a knowing smile, Elsa pointed out thergest door. “That’s Ethan’s room. You’ll stay in the room next to his.”


    A ripple of excitement carried Gracie through the doorway of Ethan’s home. Stepping inside the room prepared for her, she took in the elegant furnishings and turned to Elsa with a grateful smile. “I really appreciate this, Elsa.”


    Waving off her thanks, Elsa offered a gentle reminder. “You should get some rest tonight. There’s work waiting for you in the morning, and I won’t disturb you further.”


    With a pleased expression, Elsa left the room, her heart content that things were going as she had hoped.


    Eager to settle in, Gracie gave the room a careful once-over before climbing into bed. But try as she might, her mind refused to quiet down.


    Long after midnight, shey wide awake, unable to shake the rush of anticipation. The hours slipped by until dawn was close. Restless, she wandered out of the room and paused outside Ethan’s door, curiosity pulling her closer. Pressing her ear to the wood, she listened for any sound. Only silence greeted her.


    Her imagination wandered to Ethan sleeping soundly, his features rxed. A bold, wild idea danced through her mind—what if she crept into his bed? How would he react if he found her sleeping beside him in the morning?


    She believed that the thought was both bold and absurd. Still, she found her hand on the doorknob, trying to open the door.


    However, the door wouldn’t budge. It was locked from the inside.


    A quiet sigh slipped out as she gave up and walked away.


    Back in her own room, she felt that the strange little adventure earlier had left her even more unable to sleep.


    She propped herself up and scrolled through her phone.


    By six in the morning, daylight had broken, and Gracie got up and went to the dining room downstairs.


    Surprisingly, the kitchen wasn’t empty. Elsa was already there, bustling around. “Elsa, you’re up so early!” Gracie said.


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    Elsa nced over her shoulder and couldn’t help but notice how put-together Gracie looked; she was wearing wless makeup and a carefully chosen outfit, all for Ethan’s benefit.


    The sight made Elsa’s heart swell with approval. “Older people need less sleep,” she exined, her tone warm. “Since I woke up early, I thought I’d make breakfast for you and Ethan.”


    Eager to make a good impression, Gracie said, “You’re always so thoughtful, Elsa. Let me help you with breakfast.”


    Not missing Gracie’s manicured nails, Elsa smiled. “It’s alright. I’m sure you’ve never spent much time in the kitchen before. Go rx. I can handle this.”


    A spark of determination lit Gracie’s face. “I can’t just sit here after you let me stay the night. Please let me help with something.” She moved over to the sink and started washing vegetables.


    Elsa did not stop her. “If you want to help, go ahead.”


    Gracie didn’t know how to cook. Before marriage, she had maids and cooks at home, and when married to Hector, she never had to do any cooking. Now, all she could do was wash vegetables.


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