Chapter 35
When Jessica and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. The others–Charlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin–had presumably gone riding themselves.
“Oh, Jessica!” Grace’s smile was syrupy sweet. “You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?”
Jessica hesitated.
Hadn’t Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her?
“There are professional instructors,” Jessica offered. “I could call one over.”
Grace’s lips formed a slight pout. “But instructors are so intimidating. I don’t know them, and they might be harsh. You’re so kind–you wouldn’t scold me, would you?”
Jessica wasn’t comfortable with such forced familiarity from someone she barely knew.
She glanced at Asher, seeking his input.
He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. “Lia, would you mind teaching her?”
He’d thrown the choice back to her.
Jessica considered carefully.
Grace was Asher’s sister, her future sister–in–law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed -friendly enough.
Being naturally generous, Jessica preferred not to assume ill intent.
“Alright,” she agreed, turning to Grace. “I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons.”
“Really?” Grace beamed. “Thank you, Jessica! You’re too kind.”
The excessive sweetness was almost cloying.
Jessica wondered if she’d been overthinking Grace’s earlier hostility.
“Of course,” she replied politely.
Grace studied her future sister–in–law.
She should call her “sister,” she knew.
But she couldn’t bring herself to use the word.
She refused to accept that this woman would marry Asher.
The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.
“Thank you for doing this, Lia,” Asher said warmly.
Turning to Grace, his expression cooled notably. “Mind Jessica’s instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful.
“Yes, brother.” Grace’s smile was pure innocence.
13.49
Wedding Plans Cancelled! Billionaire Fiancé Bankrupted by Pentagon Princess.
Chapter 35
“Come with me,” Jessica said, leading Snow.
Grace followed.
“Mount from the left side,” Jessica instructed patiently. “Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over.”
She supported Grace as she mounted. “Careful now.”
Though not in proper riding attire, Grace’s athletic wear would suffice.
Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground.
Jessica led
“How does it feel?” she asked, looking up
nt
Grace.
Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet
Her smile vanished, eyes turning cold. “Fine.”
act.
Jessica wasn’t bothered by the attitude shift.
This felt more natural than forced friendliness.
“Posture is crucial for beginners,” Jessica explained. “Sit straight in the saddle.”
“Try the reins,” she said, handing them to Grace.
“To move forward, don’t pull back. Just release the tension slightly, and she’ll walk on.”
Grace followed the instructions, and Snow obligingly moved forward.
“Her name is Snow,” Jessica said warmly. “She’s very gentle–you’re quite safe.”
“Am I?” Grace’s tone was odd.
“I’m right here,” Jessica assured her. “Nothing will happen.”
Grace’s smile was enigmatic. “How reassuring.”
Jessica continued: “To increase speed, use leg pressure against her sides. The more pressure, the faster she’ll go.”
“Remember to release the pressure once she’s moving.”
“Clear enough?” Jessica asked
“Quite,” said Grace.
They’d moved some distance from their starting point.
Grace glanced back–Asher was out of sight.
As Jessica continued explaining riding basics, Grace wasn’t listening.
In her right hand, holding the reins, she/concealed a brooch she’d removed earlier.
Jessica, unaware, asked, “How are you finding it? Exhilarating, isn’t it?”
“Mm, quite nice,” Grace replied absently.
“Beautiful evening,” Jessica remarked, admiring the sunset.
Chapter 35
The late afternoon light painted the sky in brilliant colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass.
“Shall we head back?” Jessica suggested.
Grace’s smile turned calculating.
Jessica frowned, confused.
That’s when it happened.
Snow suddenly bolted, charging forward at full gallop.
Grace clung to the reins, screaming. “Help! Someone help!”
Jessica stood frozen in shock.
How had this happened?
It was so sudden–she hadn’t had time to grab the reins.
Her mind went blank momentarily.
When she recovered, she immediately called the emergency response team.
Grace was thrown, rolling across the grass.
The horse continued its panicked run.
The response team arrived quickly, loading Grace onto a stretcher.
Asher and the others ran up behind them.
Seeing Grace injured, Asher’s expression darkened as he looked at Jessica.
She stared back helplessly, eyes wide with confusion.
