?Chapter 1088:

    Gracie copsed there, too weak to get up, her breathing ragged and her energypletely spent.

    Gracie was too weak to even lift a finger, but she managed to stay conscious, her strength barely holding on. She had to admit that Brenna was truly terrifying. She had felt only a breath away from dying just now.

    A silent promise formed in her heart; she would never mess with Brenna again. Now, she understood why even Waldo never dared to cross Brenna. If he ever tried, he would probably be destroyed by her.

    Brenna crouched beside Gracie, her voice cold and steady. “Tell everyone what really happened. If you lie, I’ll make sure you get another taste of near-death experience.”

    For a long moment, Graciey there catching her breath. Fear made her shiver as she finally said, “I faked the leg cramp earlier. I only wanted to set up Brenna. I just couldn’t stand her.”

    The real reason for her actions stayed hidden. She didn’t dare admit her true intentions, scared that Ethan would hate her and cut her off for good.

    Eventually, she sat up, forcing a wounded look toward Ethan. “Even if I was wrong to frame her, she shouldn’t have treated me like that. Ethan, do you realize how close I came to dying just now? Are you really going to stand by and let her keep hurting me? Please, don’t let someone so heartless like her stay by your side. I’m afraid that she’ll actually kill me next time.”

    Tears streamed down her cheeks as she tried to stand, reaching for Ethan’s hand, but he stepped back, not wanting to touch her at all.

    Waldo, however, extended a hand to help Gracie up, reassuring her, “I’ll protect you. From now on, I’ll make sure no one bullies you.”

    The contrast between the two men was clear. Waldo showed her kindness, while Ethan was cold, but Gracie still found Waldo repulsive. Her heart remained tied to Ethan.

    She desperately wished Ethan would take her side, or at least speak up for her. But Ethan had no words offort for her. “Brenna pays back every slight and never lets anyone disrespect her. She’s not someone who bullies people for no reason. As long as you stay in yourne and don’t provoke her, you’ll have nothing to fear.”

    Brenna’s voice stayed calm as she said, “If you stop stirring up drama or causing trouble for me, I’ll leave you alone. You don’t need to worry about meing after you.”

    After a pause, she said, “I’m leaving now.”

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    Ethan quickly followed her, sensing Brenna’s anger and feeling the need tofort her.

    Only Waldo and Gracie remained behind. Gracie sat on the ground, hugging her knees as she cried, feeling lost and abandoned, especially by Ethan, the one person she had counted on the most.

    Despair filled her heart, but she still couldn’t bring herself to ept the reality.

    “Miss Wilson,” Waldo said, hoping to strike a deal. “Have you given any thought to what I asked? If you choose to be with me, I’ll make sure you’re happy, and no one will ever mess with you.”

    Anger red in Gracie’s eyes. “Leave me alone!” she snapped. No matter how desperate she felt, she would never agree to be Waldo’s mistress. In her mind, he didn’t deserve her.

    “It’s obvious you’re interested in Mr. Mitchell, but he doesn’t even notice you. There’s no way you’ll ever win him over. The sooner you ept that and choose me, the sooner your life will get better,” Waldo said.

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