章 266: Little Mercies

"Do you have to keep rubbing that in my face?" Jace pouted playfully even though he knew Grace couldn't see it.

"Rubbing what in?" Grace asked, feigning innocence.

"That I owe the little mercies I'm receiving from you to Charles," Jace literally sulked, dragging out the words.

"What? Are you serious right now?"

"Completely serious."

"You can't keep getting jealous of your 'own' son, for crying out loud, Jace. As a matter of fact, I think you're not being fair to him. After all, If it weren't for Charles…"

"That's enough," Jace quickly cut her off, his tone shifting as he moved the conversation along. "How did it go with your mom?"

The abrupt change in topic caught Grace off guard for a moment, but she quickly refocused. 

The playful banter faded as she gathered her thoughts to respond.

"It was tough, but I think I got through to her. She's shaken by everything they said, but I managed to reassure her. For now, at least."