35

A week goes by in a frenzy. Everything is still a mess. My life is literally falling apart, and now I have to spend five days on a fucking yacht.

Exactly what I needed.

I tried to convince Amanda to cut some slack and let me skip this shitshow, but arguing with a wall might have been more fruitful.

She was set on this plan, with no way of swaying her.

I cross my arms and watch the calm water as a man carries my suitcases inside the gigantic white luxury yacht. The sky is a clear, brilliant blue, with the sun shining in the middle of it. Everything is so bright, if I wasn't wearing my sunglasses, it would've hurt my eyes.

My flight from New York to here, LA, was alright. I tried to get done as much as I could, because I know I won't be able to do much the second I set foot inside this mega yacht.

My heart skips a beat just by thinking I'm going to meet Spencer again. We didn't see each other after my extremely pathetic mental breakdown.

But Julia will be with him too. I bitterly remind myself.

After that God-awful Tuesday, I spent the following days in my own office, at MK enterprise, with Mom and Mason, trying to defuse the ticking bomb. So far, our attempts have been short-term solutions, like talking those buyers out of accepting the deal with Nathan.

I rub my brow; the lingering headache threatens to grow stronger.

The guests are already inside, Mom and Mason climbed onto the yacht too. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, letting the fresh salty scent of the sea into my lungs.

I savor these last moments of peace, hoping Sophia will be able to handle the company and our shares during these five days.

The irony! The life I worked my ass off to build is close to breaking apart, and I'm going on a vacation. As if I'm celebrating my destruction.

I roll my eyes and huff, pushing my shoulders back and standing taller. With one final sharp breath, I collect my courage and stride towards the small portable bridge.

My phone starts ringing, pausing me.

I fish out my cell phone from my purse, my brows knit together as I read Sophia on the screen.

"Hey, what's up?" I nibble my bottom lip anxiously.

"I hope it's not a bad time, but I've got two news for you."

My eyebrows jump with surprise. "Good or bad?"

"Um..." her voice trails down and my palms get clammy from my growing stress. "Both, I guess," she answers after a beat.

"Start with the good one," I tell her, pinching the bridge of my nose.

She laughs. "Sure. About the accident, I've pinned down the driver. The guy we spoke with back at Vegas has started talking more the second I told him I'll pay him. Apparently, they had given the driver a picture of your parents' car to run over. Benjamin's men even gave your parents' pictures to ensure they are in the car before crashing their vehicle. On top of that, I used a few connections of mine and found out, all the security cameras, both in San Francisco and Vegas have been wiped out on some specific dates, and times. Exactly around the time, his men visited these guys and the accident. I also found the hotels those two men stayed at, and their plane tickets. Everything is lining up. I just need to gather a few more pieces of information and then we can reopen the case. I don't want Benjamin to get the chance to destroy anything after we've submitted a request at the court. We have to move quickly though; I don't trust this guy from Vegas."

"Oh my gosh," I breathe out, not believing my ear. "Sophia, for real?"

"Yes!" she raves. "We've got this."

A relieved giggle bubbles out of me. Finally, something good is happening.

"Are you sure everything will work out from here on?" I ask, my heart drumming in my chest, but fear doesn't let my excitement overtake.

"Absolutely! By the time you're back, everything should be ready."

At last, I allow myself to grin, and bask in the joy the news carries. For the first time since last Tuesday, a small ball of hope, shines at the end of the tunnel, giving me the strength to pull myself together and be my usual, strong, badass bitch I pride myself for.

But as the elation rides off, my smile and mood falter. "There was bad news too," I mumble.

"Yeah... well about that, it's not exactly bad," she says, her voice getting pitcher by the end.

I frown with confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nathan sold all the shares of MK enterprises that were under his name."

"What!" I shout. A bucket of ice pours over my head as I stand frozen on my spot. For a beat, everything swims around my head, and I get lightheaded.

He sold the shares.

I'm fucked.

It's over.

My breaths wheeze in and out of me as I struggle to keep on breathing.

"Calm down, Gracie, it's not as bad as it sounds. The buyer has actually paid five times more than what the shares are actually worth."

The fuck? "What?"

"Looks like this Nathan guy's businessman side kicked in and he couldn't refuse the offer. The transaction happened about six in the morning today... quite an odd time, but yeah, so you no longer need to worry about Nathan."

My mouth stays agape as I blankly stare at the sea. "Who bought the shares?" I hesitantly ask.

"That's the problem... I don't know."

"What!" I wave my hand around, as my mouth opens and closes, no words coming out. "How can you not know?"

"Apparently, whoever it is, strictly stated he doesn't want anyone to know his identity. I've messaged the guy's lawyer, but so far, I haven't got any replies."

I shove my free hand through my hair. What if it's Benjamin?

But why would he pay five times more than what it's actually worth?

Can it be another enemy? Someone I have no idea is my enemy?

"Figure it out Sophia," I order, through gritted teeth. "When I get off this stupid ship, I want to know who the fuck owns thirty percent of my shares."

"Don't worry. I'll find it, one way or another."

You better. "Fine." I sigh and with a quick bye we hang up.

Worry and agitation make my insides queasy. With a deep frown, and my mind running a thousand miles an hour, I step onto the yacht.

I can't believe while I have so many important things I need to attend to, this is what I'm doing.

I catch Amanda's souring expression and immediately plaster a smile on my face and greet the guests, feeding them the compliments they crave.

Two hours go by, but in the end, I've met everyone, except Spencer and Julia.

A small part of me wishes they skipped coming, so I won't have to put up with seeing them together.

But another part of me, wants to see Spencer, even if it's at the cost of bearing Julia alongside him.

Heaving a sigh, I amble around the small hall, until I decide to grab a drink and escape to the top floor.

As the bartender prepares a cocktail for me, Mason walks inside the hall, nods at some of the guests with his usual confident smile, and makes his way to me.

He plants his elbow on the bar and raises an eyebrow at me. "Isn't it a bit early for getting drunk?"

"Shut up," I grumble and snatch my drink. Holding my head high, I saunter out of the hall and Mason tails me.

"Mom is upstairs. Thought I'd be a good older brother and save you from these snobs."

"Gee thanks for remembering after two hours of being on this shithole."

"They're your in-laws," he fires back.

I roll my eyes and climb the stairs, keeping one hand on the railing to not lose my balance with these long needle heels I decided to wear for today.

"Not just yet," I say as I reach the top, throwing a smirk at him over my shoulder. But as I turn and scan the area for Mom, my eyes land on Spencer... and Julia, in his arms.

My fingers tighten around the stem of my glass and I clench my jaw as I glare at Julia. She's completely unaware of me, resting her head on Spencer's shoulder, as they watch the ripples the yacht is causing as it glides over the water.

My heart aches painfully, and I hate myself for wishing to be in Julia's place. I need more alcohol.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mason's voice snaps me out of my miserable state.

I blink a few times and turn to him. "What?"

"You said not yet, but you are marrying that loser, why would you say like that?"

I shrug and open my mouth but he raises his index finger. "Don't lie to me. You're up to something, aren't you?"

I sigh and nod, trying my best not to glance back at Spencer and Julia, and make my way to where Mom is seated at. In the far corner, she has perched her elbow on the low backrest, her face turned towards the sea as a strand of her recently dyed hair is tucked behind her ear. Even from where I'm standing, I can note the deep frown etched on her features, tugging the corner of her mouth downwards.

I slide next to her, sitting on the plush seat attached to the low wall of the yacht's body. "Hey, Mom." I lean to the backrest and push my sunglasses up.

An instant smile brightens her face. "Hey sweetie." She caresses my hair and pushes a strand out of my face.

Mason settles on a chair on my right and lays his forearms on the small white table in front of us. "Spill."

I huff and sip my drink. Mom's confused gaze flickers between us before she quirks an eyebrow at me.

I survey the area, everyone seems to be busy with their own matters, and Julia is far enough from us she won't be able to hear. Once I'm hundred percent sure no one will be eavesdropping, I explain from the beginning, why Sophia, Spencer, and I went to Vegas up until her phone call before I got on the yacht.

Somewhere in between, I ordered a Bloody Mary for myself, ignoring Mom's disapproving look.

"Let's assume, we win the case, Benjamin goes behind bars, and we get what's ours... but that doesn't change the part where you have to marry that asshole," Mason says.

I toss my hair behind my shoulder and crane my neck back, closing my eyes and enjoying the delicate breeze on my face.

"You'd still have marry him, if you don't want to pay your way out of William's contract. And the last time we checked, we'd go bankrupt if you decide to do that." Mason drums his fingers on the table before sipping his Highball.

"Who knows, Mase. I might talk Kristian out of this madness."

"You're being uncharacteristically optimistic," Mason flatly points out.

I roll my eyes and straighten myself. "Well maybe I'm tired of constantly calculating and being logical."

He snorts. "Or perhaps it's the alcohol talking."

"I don't think she's wrong," Mom speaks for the first time ever since I explained everything. "If Benjamin is sent off to prison, we'll give a higher percentage of Stewart industry's shares to William and end the contract."

"That could've happened if William wasn't after fixing his son's reputation." Mason raises his glass, holding out his index finger before taking a sip.

"Maybe we can change his mind. Every businessman has a price, you just have to figure it out."

"Wise words, mother, wise words." I upraise my drink over my head, nodding.

"You're drunk," Mason mutters.

I stick my tongue out. "Fuck off."

"Language," Mom warns.

I roll my eyes. "Ugh, I'm twenty-six, Mom." I sip my drink and cross my legs, leaning to the backseat. I glance at the sea and for a moment everything sways before my vision.

Okay, I might be a little tipsy.

"Hi Gracie," a familiar feminine voice chirps.

I hold back my groan as I straighten up and survey Julia from head to toe. "Hey, Julia." Stupid bitch. A sour taste sits at the back of my throat. Her short white dress hugs her form perfectly and shows off her ridiculously long legs. Her shiny brown her is tied in a tight ponytail atop her head and bounces down to her chest.

I wish I could puke on her.

"Spencer." I nod at him. I can't tell if it's my booze-induced brain, or if actually the sunglasses are making him look absurdly hot- well, he was always hot, but now he's hotter.

He takes off his sunglasses and greets my Mom, and she curtly answers him.

I let my eyes travel down his beautifully sculpted body. Julia intertwines her fingers with his, while holding a glass with a colourless drink I can't identify, in her other hand. A fire sets off in the pit of my stomach and I purse my lips to prevent any accidental comments that might cause serious problems.

"We just came here to say hi," she speaks, plastering a sweet smile on her face.

I force an obvious fake smile and hers falters. Good.

"I also wanted to say I forgive-" she continues but Spencer cuts her off, calling her name, but she ignores him and goes on. "Forgive you for your irrational behaviour back at the lunch gathering. I want us to set our differences aside and become friends."

I snort before guffawing. "The fuck did you say?"

"You're drunk," Spencer mutters, his mouth tugs downwards as his brows draw together.

I raise to my feet, swaying slightly, my fingers curl tighter around my drink, as I slide my sunglasses down to the tip of my nose and meet his beautiful dark blue eyes. "Can't the goodie two shoes of Wright family bear to see his sister-in-law drunk? Does it mess with your ever so perfect reputation?"

"Gracie," Mom warns under her breath as she stands up and lays a hand on my shoulder.

I ignore her and turn to Julia. "And what did you say? You forgive me? First of all, I didn't do anything wrong for you to forgive. Second of all, I don't forgive people who call me bitch."

Her pleasant features twist with displeasure.

"Why don't you apologize, and go bring a drink for me while I consider accepting your apology or not." I grin at her.

"We should-" Spencer starts, but Julia pays him no heed and interrupts him.

"You are a rude, arrogant slut-"

"At least I'm not a gold-digging bitch," I interject. "You shouldn't even allow yourself to speak to me like that."

"For someone who is so close to going bankrupt again, you certainly shouldn't talk like that," Spencer says, raising his eyebrows as though warning me to shut my mouth.

Mason jumps to his feet. "Listen you fucker-"

"Mason, stop," Mom harshly speaks over Mason, halting him. She turns to Spencer. "And I believe you, as a shameless cheater, you are in no position to speak to Gracie like that."

Spencer's eyes widen with horror and I bite my bottom lip hold back my laughter.

Things just keep getting better.

"What do you mean by that?" Julia stares at Mom before turning to Spencer. "What does she mean by cheating?" she demands and faces Mom again.

I wave my free hand dismissively. "Aw, you're so dumb, don't you know what cheating means?"

"Gracie!" Spencer snaps.

A toothy grin spreads across my face and Spencer freezes, his eyes stay wide and glued to me.

Julia opens and closes her mouth, but no words come out. Her gaze darts between me and Spencer.

I giggle. "Cheating! Don't you know he's a cheater?"

Spencer presses his lips to a thin line and subtly shakes his head, his gaze frantic as he shoves his fingers through his hair.

"Spencer cheated on his PhD exams." I beam at him. A discreet sigh escapes from him, his tense muscles relax, as he shoots me a glare. "And of course, he's in no position to judge me. He's the man who used his father's power and rank to become the CEO of Judy Corp, something he's not fit for... like, at all."

Mason throws me a confused glance, and Mom folds her arms in front of her chest, never taking her glacial glare off Spencer.

Julia stares at me for a moment longer before nodding once. "But that doesn't justify you being a bitch to me."

"You were a bitch to me first."

"Apologize, or I'll make your life a living hell." She strides to the table, planting her free hand on her hip.

"Julia," Spencer calls, his voice low, yet carrying a ring of warning.

"Oh really?" I feign surprise. "What would you do?"

"Enough fight for one day," Spencer announces, and grabs Julia's upper arm, forcing her to turn around and walk away.

Before he gets her a step away from us, I change my drink from my right hand to my left and start talking. "Hey, Julia! This yacht is full of filthy rich old men, perfect for you."

Julia rips her hand away from Spencer. He shoots me a desperate look which I ignore as Julia storms to the table, her drink swishing with the force of her trembling hand.

"Why don't you find yourself an old rich dude, who probably won't live longer than five years, blow him and marry him. He'll soon die, and it'll serve your pathetic, gold digger life's purpose, and get you out of my hair."

She gasps, and Spencer throws his hands up in exasperation. Mason snorts and laughs while Mom on my right shakes her head, fixing a glare on me.

"What? One guy is not enough? I thought so. Well, don't worry, I'm sure you can find an adequate number of dicks for-"

"You fucking bitch!" she screeches.

I grin at her. "Truth stings, right?"

The next thing I know is her freezing drink splashing on me, and drenching me. I gasp and gape at my dress before gawking at her then staring down at my soaked baby blue dress.

"It was designers," I mutter through gritted teeth, bringing my eyes up to glower at her.

Suddenly, the drink I'm holding, my lovely Bloody Mary comes into my notice.

It cracks me up, I throw my head back and cackle like a maniac. "You dumb whore," I manage to say once I quiet down, ignoring my Mom's constant warnings to let it be and go to my room to change.

"No one throws a colorless drink on someone," I tell her with an innocent smile.

She blinks at me, confusion flashes across her flushed face.

Before Mom, Mason and even Spencer get the chance to react and stop me, I throw my drink on her, pitching the content directly towards her white dress.

She lets out an ear-splitting scream as the oh so very red Bloody Mary trickles down her dress, and slides down her legs.

The satisfaction of the sight almost makes me lightheaded.

I look down at my empty glass and shrug, pushing Mason aside as I try to walk away without losing my balance. Mason's guffaws drown Julia's curse shrieking show, making her everyone's center of attention.

Swaying, I walk past Spencer, pressing my glass to his chest and smiling up at him. "I think your fiancée needs help," I whisper. I clutch his shoulder, ignoring how his body tenses and he presses his lips to a thin line. "Like, serious medical help," I add next to his ear.

His slender fingers wrap around the glass and I let go. "Why do you keep ruining everyone's lives? This was too low, even for you."

I roll my eyes and step away from him, careful not to trip, I saunter away. Catching a glimpse of Amanda's approaching form, I bite my smile and head towards the other set of staircase, and descend the stairs. I'm in no mood for Amanda and William's scolding.

I glance down at my dress, still wet and clinging to my body like a second skin.

Bitch.

I busy my mind with trying to find my room in my intoxicated state, instead of allowing Spencer's words to echo in my head.

He doesn't get it. Not one bit.

Although I can't decide if it's a good thing he can't understand I'm plainly jealous, or not.

❦ ♥︎ ❦

Quite a dramatic chapter, right? Lol xD

Do you guys think Gracie went too far, or not? Is anyone feeling bad for Julia? Or not? =)

Also, Nathan no longer owns the shares... I bet you guys already know who does... right? Well, what do you guys think Gracie's reaction would be once she founds who has bought them?

Last question, do you guys think Gracie can talk her way out of the contract and call off the wedding entirely, or not?

Oh well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, vote if you did. I'm sorry it's a little longer than the usual length of my chapters. Also, I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday, I wasn't feeling good :') And then this chap took way longer than to write than what I initially thought it would.

However, to make it up, I'm going to update 2-3 more chapters in the following 12 hours. So make sure not to miss them, because they have a lot of important stuff in them =) and I bet you wouldn't want to miss out =D Although I'm not sure if I'll upload them all at once, or one by one, whenever they're written and ready. So yeah, keep an eye out for all of them =)

Thanks for reading this chapter ^.^

Stay safe, lots of love, happy reading ♡

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