Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 404 "Okay," Valeria replied. At that moment, the staff came over to tidy up the hall due to the damaged screen. When they saw Valeria and Sebastian , they greeted the couple, saying, "Mr. Grant, Mrs. Grant." Valeria recalled the look Gabriella had given her and Gabriella's promise to give Valeria a "gift". She had never expected the video to be swapped with the one exposing Gabriella for theft. "Did you swap the video?" Valeria tilted her head up toward Sebastian. Sebastian raised an eyebrow and nodded. "She bribed the staff here.

I received word and switched the footage." The video he had once made her delete had now been revealed in another way. Everything Gabriella did today had been under Sebastian's watch, including when she schemed with Sabrina to drug him. In the end, they reaped what they had sown. However, he had watched the video Lucas had filmed of Valeria. It was the one that she said depicted her clumsy, laughable self, brimming with a young woman's insecurities. As they left the place, their fingers laced together. Outside, the sky was a brilliant blue, and the breeze was light.

It was nearly ---- As they left the place, their fingers laced together. Outside, the sky was a brilliant blue, and the breeze was light. It was nearly 1:00 pm, and the sun shone brightly overhead. Gabriella was locked away in a room, cut off from outside contact. The staff only delivered meals to her on schedule every day. The Grant Group scrambled to launch a press conference, but there was no salvaging the situation. Back in high school, Gabriella had stolen money from a classmate. According to insiders, it was their class funds. It happened on the eve of their examinations.

The victim was Jane Carlson, a hardworking student from a poor family who had been living with her uncle. She had been entrusted with the funds. At the time, no one had believed Jane. Who would ever believe a rich heiress would steal money? The internet erupted for days. The scandal sparked fierce debate online, as well as the one-sided condemnation of Gabriella. There were cries for her to quit the entertainment industry. People who had bought tickets to her shows even demanded refunds. ---- The backlash spread into GrantGroupEntertainment's Facebook comment sections.

Even influencers and celebrities who were once close to Gabriella rushed to distance themselves, claiming they'd only been acquaintances or collaborators. There were even many anonymous claims, accusing her of being a diva who refused to cooperate during shoots. Inno time, public opinion had completely ruined Gabriella's reputation. The Grant Group convened a press conference , announcing Gabriella's permanent withdrawal from the entertainment industry and the annulment of her engagement to Lucas.

The PR team proposed a strategy to spare no expense in trying to contact Jane, having Jane post on social media that she now had a good life. The plan was to have Jane accept Gabriella's apology along with some compensation from the Grant Group. The proposal was flatly rejected. Sebastian was playing chess with Nicholas, both of them appearing calm. Their composure seemed unshaken even as the stock market fluctuated due to the scandal. "You already knew, didn't you?" Nicholas let out a cold snort.

"That Valeria is Jane, Wendy's daughter from her previous ---- marriage?" "But not for long." Sebastian moved a piece, blocking Nicholas' path. He continued, "I would rather leave the Grant family than divorce her. If you can't stomach this relationship , persuade Alexander and Wendy to separate instead." "What nonsense are you spouting?" Nicholas scowled. "Valeria and I will return to Broburgh City tomorrow," Sebastian explained. "We won't stay here and be in your way." After the game ended, Nicholas mentioned , "Alexander and Wendy will be coming home later.

Bring Valeria along, and we will all have dinner tonight." His gaze flicked to Sebastian. Your mother had a fever last night. She just recovered, so don't upset her further." Sebastian's lips curved faintly. "And yet, you two are still sleeping in separate rooms." Nicholas glared at Sebastian. "Then, persuade her to stop acting out." Sebastian retorted, "It doesn't count as acting out if she hasn't driven you to your death." At that, he got up. Anticipating the chess piece Nicholas was about to throw at him, he sidestepped neatly out of its path.

---- On her way over, Valeria stopped at a bakery to pick up a box of custom low-sugar pastries. When she arrived at the Grant residence , the shrill sound of screaming and things being smashed could be heard upstairs. Sebastian was just coming down. When a staff member passed by carrying a tray of broken dishes, he said coldly, "From now on, stop delivering meals to Gabriella. Let her starve if she refuses to eat." "Yes, Mr. Grant." Sebastian descended the stairs into the living room.

At the sight of Valeria seated there, his gaze shifted to the pastry box ina traditional-looking package on the table. Opening the box, he picked out a piece and took a bite.