Chapter 14

Confused by Oliver's muffled words on the phone, Grace watched as Peter's face darkened. "Oliver, old birds are not caught with chaff. Get back here within half an hour!" Slamming the phone down in anger, Peter pointed at Grace beside him and declared, "Grace, just stay put. I'll have Oliver come back and apologize to you." Grace shook her head. "No, you don't have to do that, Dad." After all, she was the one who had instigated the conflict. Not long after, Oliver really returned home. Oliver spotted Grace hiding behind Peter the moment he entered the room. To him, she was deliberately putting on a pitiful act in front of his father. Upon seeing him, Grace's heart pounded as she observed his piercing gaze. What if he confronted her about calling him an old geezer? Grace's eyes darted around the room and then inspiration struck. She quickly changed her expression into a warm smile as she greeted him, "Honey, you're home!" Oliver watched Grace's attitude quickly shift. Just moments ago, she was calling him "old geezer" and "grandpa", and now, she was addressing him as "honey". "Get lost." "Honey, I was wrong," Grace said, readily admitting her mistake. Despite her humble and submissive attitude, regardless of what Oliver might say later, she would simply grit her teeth and refuse to admit anything. However, Peter erupted in anger. He asked, "Oliver, is this how I've raised you to treat your wife?" Oliver remained silent, having just been reprimanded by his father upon entering the residence. As a man, he disdained tattling. Instead, he dismissively shrugged off Grace's words and settled on the couch. "Let's get to the point." "Apologize to Grace." Oliver met Grace's gaze, his expression sparking a pang of guilt in her. At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder what he had done wrong. Why did he need to apologize? Knowing her sharp tongue had provoked Oliver, Grace didn't dare to linger any longer. She decided to put an end to this topic quickly. "A husband and wife are one. There's no need for my husband to apologize to me. Dad, please don't be upset either. Now that he's back, you two should have a talk. I'll excuse myself and head back to my room." Without waiting for a response, she quickly darted back to her bedroom. Rushing back to her room, Grace leaned against the door. Her heart was still pounding from her narrow escape. By noon, after half an hour of reflection, Grace had reached a clear understanding. She couldn't afford to offend Peter in this household, as he was her only support. Her impulsive and childish behavior the previous night had already irked him. If he found out she had called his son an "old geezer" today, it would be over. She would have completely enraged him. While she couldn't provoke Peter, she also had to tread carefully with Oliver. She could only afford to anger him to a certain extent, or her life would become a living hell. Despite her newfound understanding, reality had a way of biting back. Her fiery temper might just get the better of her one day. Suddenly, the door was flung open with such force that it sent her stumbling backward. Grace managed to regain her balance just as she turned to see Oliver standing before her. "Hi," Grace greeted Oliver with a wide smile. "Old geezer?" Oliver had never encountered anyone quite like her. Her ability to switch expressions so quickly and fabricate lies was truly remarkable. Grace's behavior infuriated him. In a flash, he reached out and grabbed her by the back of the neck. "Ouch! Why are you attacking me?" With Grace's neck firmly in his grip and her head forced down, she was unable to move. "Oliver, let go!" she demanded. Oliver stepped closer, and her head rested against his lower abdomen. Unable to raise her head, Grace retaliated by pinching his wrist and exclaimed, "Let go!"