Secret Meeting with Sierra

Grace couldn’t help but see Sierra in a whole new light. This girl’s got some serious tricks up her sleeve, huh?

She knew that even if she became Kevin Zhuo’s concubine, life would be anything but sweet. So she went all in—risked it, threw herself into the fray, and played the hero.

Prime Minister Zhu already knew the whole story. He shot her a sharp look and asked, “Sierra, why did you faint at the Empress Dowager’s Birthday?”

Sierra kowtowed and said, “I know I picked the absolute worst time to pass out and steal the spotlight, but... swear I didn’t mean to! I rushed out, skipped breakfast, and—bam! Down I went! Please, Prime Minister Zhu, just punish me already, make it dramatic!”

She wouldn’t dare spill the real story—no way.

If she did, Grace would be toast—and Sierra would be totally doomed. They’d both be history.

Luckily, Prime Minister Zhu was no rookie—he knew pregnant ladies were fragile, and Sierra wasn’t a Spirit Practitioner, so he didn’t suspect a thing.

Honestly, who would’ve guessed Grace knew Sierra was pregnant, when Grace Wan and Cindy Zhu were totally clueless—and Grace hadn’t even been home for months...

Finally, after everyone begged and pleaded, Prime Minister Zhu let Kevin Zhuo off the hook—ordered him to clean up his act and never pull this nonsense again, or next time, he’d get beaten to death. Seriously.

And so, Sierra became his concubine, and Grace Wan gave her a cozy little courtyard and a bunch of maids to fuss over her...

......

Grace had someone sneak Sierra out for a secret garden rendezvous.

Her dad only had one wife, one concubine, and five kids—hardly a crowd compared to the other big-shot families.

But the Prime Minister’s Residence was built to impress—it was huge.

So finding a hidden corner for Grace and Sierra’s little gossip session? Piece of cake.

Sierra swapped her maid uniform for some fancy silks, and wow—she looked stunning. With a maid on her arm, she glided over, totally channeling her new concubine vibe.

“Miss Grace!” Sierra bowed. “You summoned me—what’s the scoop?”

Grace helped her up and said, “You know, ever since that palace drama, things have been tense between me, Cindy Zhu, and Kevin Zhuo. So I can’t just drop by your place—I don’t want them blaming you for anything.”

Sierra’s heart warmed. “Miss Grace, you’re the sweetest! I’ll remember your kindness forever—like, tattooed on my heart!”

“You hanging in there?” Grace asked.

Sierra gave a wry smile. “Kevin Zhuo hasn’t dropped by even once.”

“Remember, they think you’re the reason the Empress Dowager keeps stalling his wedding to the princess,” Grace said. “So honestly, him ghosting you? That’s probably the best outcome right now.”

“Yeah.” Sierra’s eyes sparkled with determination.

Grace grinned. “You’re smart—I bet you’ll have him eating out of your hand one day.”

“I’m not that clever! Miss Grace, you’re the real mastermind,” Sierra said, totally sincere.

“Let’s not dwell on that!” Grace smiled. “We’ve got plenty of days ahead. If you ever hit a snag, go see Aunt Crystal—I’ll give her a heads up, and she’ll help however she can.”

“Thanks, Miss Grace! You’re a lifesaver.”

“Actually, I wanted to ask you for a favor today...” Grace said with a wink.

“Whatever you need, Miss Grace! Just say the word!” Sierra grinned.

You’ve worked in Cindy’s Courtyard for ages—I bet you know a few movers and shakers in there, right?

Sierra blinked. “Miss Grace, what are you plotting?”