Chapter 540

Grace Harper's gaze was fixed intently on Vivian Bennett.

Her voice held a stubborn edge.

"Vivian, your prejudice against Jason Harper runs too deep."

"Perhaps they were wrong in the past, but people can change."

"I want to give him another chance."

"After all, we shared so many beautiful memories."

"The path of marriage is never easy to walk."

Vivian simply couldn't understand her cousin's reasoning.

A man like Jason Harper was a master manipulator.

His current act was flawless, but who could guarantee he wouldn't revert to his old ways?

Yet she knew Grace's temperament all too well.

Once Grace set her mind on something, nothing could sway her.

Vivian couldn't stand by and watch her cousin walk back into that fire.

"Cousin, I absolutely cannot agree to this."

Vivian's voice turned cold.

"If you insist on reconciling with him, then consider me no longer your cousin."

Grace's face instantly paled.

She never imagined her fiercely protective cousin would threaten to cut ties over this.

Jason's poisonous whispers suddenly echoed in her ears.

A chill rose from the depths of her heart, followed by an uncontrollable surge of anger.

"Vivian, why are you forcing me like this?"

Grace's voice trembled.

"Jason was right."

"You're just trying to get back at him, deliberately trying to tear us apart!"

"You keep saying it's for my own good, but have you considered my feelings?"

"You're always so self-righteous!"

Vivian was stunned.

Seeing that unfamiliar flicker of doubt in her cousin's eyes felt like a needle piercing her heart.

"Cousin... for his sake, you don't even trust me anymore?"

Her voice shook.

Each word seemed forced from her throat.

She had run herself ragged for Grace.

She had worried, shielded her from countless hidden arrows.

And this was the suspicion she received in return.

Nothing was more chilling than distrust from a loved one.

She had weathered too many storms, seen too many treacherous hearts.

That was why she wanted to steer Grace clear of those pitfalls.

But now, her cousin thought she was just meddling.

"My affairs are no longer your concern."

Grace turned her face away, her tone final.

Vivian laughed, the sound filled with bitterness.

"Fine. You said it."

Her voice was icy.

"Everyone must bear the consequences of their own choices."

"You are no exception."

"But Grace Harper, the fact that you'd doubt me for a man truly breaks my heart."

Her eyes suddenly stung, reddening.

She fought hard to keep the tears from falling.

Seeing her like this, Grace panicked.

She realized her words had been too harsh.