?Chapter 955:


    Anger simmered within Gracie as she watched Brenna remain soposed.


    How could Brenna not be upset after everything that had happened?


    She clenched the earrings in her hand, a n forming in her mind.


    Extending her hand, she said to Ethan, “Do you think these earrings work? I just can’t seem to get them on. Will you give me a hand?” She knew Ethan wouldn’t agree, but she asked anyway.


    Despite feeling angry, Brenna kept her tone cool and said, “These earrings don’t look good.”


    A look of surprise flickered across Gracie’s face. “But I think they’re beautiful.” She wanted to seek Ethan’s opinion, as he had just said they looked nice. Turning to him, Gracie asked, “Ethan, didn’t you just say these were lovely? Why don’t you help me try them on?”


    By now, Ethan saw right through her intentions, and any trace of warmth vanished from his expression.


    “My opinion doesn’t matter; you should decide for yourself,” he said, his voice even. Then, he turned to Brenna, his tone softening. “Weren’t you looking for something special? Let me help you pick something.” Together, Ethan and Brenna walked away.


    Gracie refused to let things end like this. “Ethan, you promised to help me today. I haven’t made my selection yet. How can you just walk away? I don’t really know what style people in Vand like. I need your help.”


    Blocking Gracie’s path, Ellie stepped in with no patience for games. “Let me help you. I’m a fashion designer. If anyone knows how to match jewelry and clothes, it’s me; and I know exactly what’s popr in Vand.”


    Gracie’s re was sharp. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve already made up my mind.”


    With no hint of subtlety, Ellie said, “All you want is to steal Brenna’s boyfriend.”


    Gracie shook her head, her denial firm. “That’s not true. You have no reason to use me of that. I only see Ethan as a friend and sometimes ask for his opinion on things. It’s not like I have anyone else to turn to for advice here.”


    Reaching into her purse, Ellie shed her phone. “That’s simple—add me on Facebook. You cane to me for advice from now on.”


    “I don’t have Facebook.” With that, Gracie turned to speak with the store clerk and chose to ignore Elliepletely.


    The sales assistant attending to Brenna held the ne delicately in her hands. “Miss, would you like this ne wrapped up?”


    “Yes. Put it in a nice gift box. It’s a present,” Brenna replied.


    “Is it for your mother?” Ethan asked while looking at the jewelry on disy. With Christmas just around the corner, he figured it was a good time to pick out something special for Brenna.


    Brenna nodded, then cast a quick look toward Ellie, who was blocking Gracie, talking to her about something. Gracie looked angry.


    Gracie’s frustration brought a smile to Brenna’s face.


    “I’d like to see that one,” Ethan pointed toward a ne adorned with nine shimmering diamonds.


    The sales assistant handed the ne over with care. “You have excellent taste, sir.”


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