Grace reviewed the details Ethan had shared with her. The connections between the individuals involved were vividly clear in her mind.

Yancey's mother, Lily Parker, had ascended to the role of mistress due to her remarkable beauty. After displacing the original wife, her position remained unshakable.

Lily's family background was unremarkable – she had three sisters and a younger brother named Hendricks. The family dynamic, with three daughters and one son, shed light on many things. Hendricks, the youngest, born to aging parents, was primarily focused on marrying off his sisters for a suitable dowry while securing a residence in the capital for himself.

The youngest daughter, Lily, was different. She managed to marry a wealthy man, and her success elevated her entire family. Hendricks, on the other hand, was indolent and unproductive, but he had formed a close bond with Yancey. With a little assistance from Yancey, the Parker family never had to worry about their sustenance.

Lily's success stirred jealousy in her two older sisters. The eldest, Olivia Parker, had entered a marriage marred by abuse. Her husband, a compulsive gambler, had amassed significant debts. Although the money she received as a wedding gift had been allocated for Hendricks' education, he failed to complete high school despite the substantial investment in tutors.

Yelena, the second sister, was particular about choosing a partner. Inspired by Lily's achievement in marrying into affluence, she harbored similar aspirations. However, years passed, and she remained single, discontent with her circumstances. Fortunately, recent years had been more prosperous for her, thanks to Grace's financial support for their family.

Grace mentally processed these intricate relationships, growing increasingly agitated. Observing Grace's silence, Yelena presumed victory in their dispute.

"Grace, what's the matter with you today? You're not even attempting to contribute. Have you given up on trying to win Yancey's favor?" Aunt Grace interjected, realizing she had been misguided to allow these manipulative individuals to influence her decisions. She seized the bag from Yelena's grasp and pointed to a more refined, classic style nearby.

"Please, I prefer this one instead."

The sales clerk glanced at Yelena, then at Grace. Yelena became visibly agitated. "What are you doing? I want that one! This one doesn't suit me."

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Despite Yelena's protests, the sales clerk presented the alternative bag, which Grace tried on. "Hmm, this one is perfect," she remarked, reaching for her phone to complete the purchase.

Yelena's eyes widened at the price tag – the new bag was valued at $20,000. "Fine, I'll take this one. Haha! Actually, I could carry that one too," she declared, attempting to grab the bag for herself.

Grace swiftly pulled it back. "Hey, this one is for me. If you try to take it, I'll involve the authorities."

Yelena's expression shifted abruptly, feigning outrage as if she had been wronged of thousands of dollars. "Grace, release it! This is my bag! Give it back!"

Grace calmly addressed the sales clerk, "Do you have security on-site?"

The sales clerk promptly summoned security, and a few guards arrived to restrain Yelena. Throughout the ordeal, Yelena's gaze remained fixated on the expensive bag, her expression contorted with resentment.

"Grace, how dare you lay claim to my bag! Just wait until I inform Yancey. You'll come crawling back, begging for my mercy!"

Grace slung the bag over her shoulder, flashing a smile. "Feel free to inform Yancey. He's the one who advised me to sever ties with individuals like you. By the way, did you know Hendricks is still hospitalized?"

Yelena froze. Hendricks was in the hospital? He had always been coddled by the family and had never endured significant hardship. Reluctant to part with the bag, she reluctantly relented. "I'll leave it with you for a few days. You'll return it to me eventually."

Brushing off the guards' attempts to restrain her, Yelena sneered, "Grace, as long as you're fixated on Yancey, we will have you under our thumb. Next time, have a $100,000 bag ready for me, or I won't forgive you."