Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 4

Grace gasped in shock, and Arthur looked equally stunned.

Before either of them could speak, Amber pressed on. "It's like this, Grace. My dad has been your free delivery man and laborer for twelve years. Sometimes he even pays out of pocket for your ingredients and other expenses, but let's forget all that. He did it because he genuinely wanted to build a family with you. However, it's clear you have no interest in that. Lucian and I are all grown up now, and people are starting to talk. While my dad is still relatively young and burden-free, I want him to start a fresh chapter in his life. You don't have a problem with that, right?"-

Before Grace could formulate a response, Arthur angrily scolded his daughter. "Amber, how can you talk to Grace like that? This is adult business. You're just a kid, so stay out of it and focus on your exams. I don't need you worrying about me."

"Dad, can you please wake up? If she actually wanted you, wouldn't you two be together by now? Stop using me and Lucian's age as an excuse. You know better than anyone—she's beautiful and runs her own business to support herself. She looks down on you. In her eyes, you're just free labor."

Amber wasn't exaggerating. In her past life, even after Amber and Lucian pooled their money to buy them a luxurious villa, Grace had explicitly stated, "Lucian, I know you're trying to be a good son, but I still won't live with Arthur. We're both getting older, and playing house isn't for us anymore. We'll just live separately, just like back in the alley."

Amber had genuinely believed Grace just valued her personal space, especially now that her social status had elevated. It wasn't until Amber came home late from a business dinner one night that she discovered the ugly truth.

"Look at these photos. They're all wealthy heiresses. Sure, Amber grew up with you, but she's the daughter of a manual laborer. She has no background, no connections. She's not good enough for you. The only reason I made her follow you around all those years was to put on a show for Arthur. It gave him hope that even if we didn't work out, his daughter's future was secure."

"Listen to me. Marry a rich heiress who matches your status. It'll upgrade our family's bloodline, and if you ever run into trouble, your father-in-law will actually be able to help you."

Amber had laughed bitterly in the dark, fighting the urge to storm in and scream, *"Yes, my dad is a laborer, but he's been fiercely devoted to you all these years! I understood your hesitations when we were poor, but now that Lucian is a billionaire, what's your excuse? And you want to set him up with heiresses? What am I to you?!"*