Chapter 736
Inside a luxurious apartment in Aethelgard.
Lacey had finished her breakfast early and spent the entire morning having her hair styled and her makeup flawlessly applied.
She then slipped into an elegant silver gown adorned with delicate floral embroidery, paired it with a stunning set of emerald jewelry, and prepared to head to Aethelgard University to see her daughter.
Just the day before, her niece had stopped by for a visit with her fiancé.
“Lacey, it breaks my heart seeing you all alone in this big apartment,” Seraphina had said sweetly.
Sera’s tone was laced with feigned concern.
“I’ve gotten used to the quiet,” Lacey had replied.
“Did you know Mira bought a gorgeous new place here in the city? It’s a massive penthouse, over three thousand square feet. The natural lighting is incredible, and the interior design is absolutely breathtaking.
“Don’t you want to go see it for yourself?
“Eleanor has been staying with Mira lately, and she refuses to come back to the family estate. Wouldn’t you love to move in with them for a while p>
“Sera, I know you mean well, but things between Mira and me p>
“You know how it is. The damage is permanently done p>
“Oh, please! You two are blood. There’s no such thing as an unforgivable grudge between a mother and daughter.
“Mira was just lashing out before, but it’s been so long now. I’m sure she’s cooled off.
“If you just reach out again, she will definitely welcome you back with open arms p>
Sera squeezed Lacey’s hands, her eyes wide with innocent encouragement. “Do you really think so p>
Lacey felt the desperate, long-buried hope flare up inside her chest once again. “Would Mira actually accept me p>
“I swear it. The last time we spoke, she secretly admitted how much she missed her mother p>
“Sera, did she honestly say that p>
Lacey’s eyes sparkled with renewed desperation.
Sera nodded vigorously. “Every word of it p>
Lawrence interjected smoothly, playing the voice of reason. “Sera, don’t give her
false hope. What if Lacey goes there and Mira turns her away again?
“Remember the last time she made a scene at the campus gates? Mira completely ignored her p>
“Ugh, why are you two doubting me?
“After that whole fiasco, Mira confessed to me that she deeply regretted pushing you away that day p>
“Are you serious p>
Lacey’s face lit up with absolute conviction, entirely swallowing the lie.
In her mind, her sweet niece would never deceive her.
“Alright, then I have to try again p>
Lacey’s heart pounded frantically in her chest; she was ready to sprint out the door that very second.
“Lacey, you have to be careful. Girls her age are incredibly protective of their pride. You need to approach this with tact.
“If you stand stubbornly at the
entrance i
e in front of a massive crowd
like last time, shell just shut do
and reject you all over again
Lawrence offered his seemingly helpful advice.
“Then how should I do it p>
“How about you take her, Sera?
“Guide Lacey to a quiet, secluded spot on campus, and then we’ll text Mira to meet us there.
“That way, you two can have an intimate, uninterrupted conversation. It’s guaranteed to work p>
Lacey considered his words and agreed. The last attempt was ruined because the gates were swarming with judgmental onlookers; that had to be why Mira had been so cold.
“Sera, I’d really appreciate your help with this p>
“Don’t be silly, we’re family! Just treat me like your own daughter p>
“But what if she still refuses to acknowledge me p>
“I’ll tell you what to do, Lacey,” Lawrence leaned in, his tone conspiratorial. “If she tries to reject you again, just make a massive che cares too much about her public image to let everyone watch her humiliate you, so she’ll have to play along and accept you p>
Seene
Lawrence’s dark eyes glinted as he fed her the toxic strategy.
“I don’t know… if I force her hand like that, she might pretend to accept me publicly
but still hate me behind closed doors. Then what p>
“That’s exactly why it’s a brilliant strategy, Lacey.
“Once she acknowledges you in front of a crowd, she’ll never be able to brush you off in public again.
“Think about it. Doesn’t that guarantee you a permanent foot in the door to stay in her life p>
Lacey nodded slowly, the twisted logic taking root.
“As long as you have access to her, you have the power to repair the bond.
“If it doesn’t work the first day, try the second. If it takes ten days, a month, or even a year-eventually, you will melt her heart p>