Today in Lover's Grove

"I'm warning you, don't ever help him pull these tricks again!" Maya Summers pointed at her nose. "I trust Prince Cheng! No matter how you try to slander him, I won't believe it!"

"If it's slander, why not send someone to investigate?" Grace said. "Since she's a courtesan, plenty of people must know her! If you just put in a little effort to check, wouldn't the truth come out?"

"I know Prince Cheng better than any of you! He's an upright gentleman, he'd never do anything to betray me! From now on, please, stop worrying about me!" Maya Summers finished and turned to leave.

Grace paused, frowned, and called out, "Auntie."

Maya Summers turned back to look at her, her gaze unfriendly.

"I'm your niece, and Brother Shen treats you with all his heart," Grace said. "We both see you as family. Do you really hate our concern that much? You won't even check if it's true?"

Maya Summers' eyes flickered, her brows furrowing slightly.

"You know what they say: A man fears the wrong career, a woman fears the wrong husband," Grace said. "Where there's smoke, there's fire. This is a lifelong matter—it's only right to be careful! Why can't we just check it out and see the truth for ourselves?"

Maya Summers took a deep breath. "Fine! I'll send someone to investigate! If it's true, then I've wronged you and I'll apologize. But if it's all made up... then please, stay away from me from now on, okay?"

"Deal," Grace replied.

...

After returning to Forget-Worry Pavilion, Grace had just changed into her casual clothes when Hope came in with a big plate of delicious roasted meat, cheerfully calling, "Cutie Pie, come out and eat!"

She called several times, but Cutie Pie didn't show up. Hope turned to Grace and asked, "Miss, where's Cutie Pie?"

"It... hasn't come back," Grace replied, feeling a little guilty for some reason.

"Huh? Where did it go?" Hope asked.

"It found a hidden cave and went off to cultivate," Grace said.

"Cultivating, huh..." Hope looked disappointed and set the plate of meat in front of Grace. "Well, Miss, you eat it then!"

Grace glanced sideways at the plate of meat. "So what, that's my status now? Whatever Cutie Pie doesn't eat, you give to me?"

Hope giggled. "You can't blame us, Miss. Isn't it always a whole table of dishes? If Cutie Pie doesn't like something, you eat it, right? You're the one who spoiled it!"

Grace: "..."

Thinking back, it really was true.

But who could resist a spirit pet that's so cute, obedient, and smart?

Anyone with a spirit pet like that would spoil it, right?

But now that it's gone to the General's mansion, will Evan Xiao treat it well?

He probably will, right?

He said that seeing her spirit pet was like seeing her—it helped ease his longing for her.

Did he really think about her that much?

Maybe he really did...

Today, in that little grove, he really left her flustered...

Grace picked up a mirror and took a look.

What she saw was a pretty face, eyes full of feeling, shy and sweet.

Her lips... were actually a bit swollen.

It was all Evan Xiao's fault—he kissed her so hard, like he wanted to swallow her whole.

The Empress Dowager's birthday martial bridal tournament... She should go!

If nothing else, just Evan Xiao's looks alone are worth fighting for.

No way she's letting someone else snatch him up!