Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 118

Chapter 118 Marry Up 

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Grace stared into the mirror and flashed a wide grin. No one was going to stop her from climbing the ranks. So what if the Morren sisters looked down on her? She’d create her own shot. 

She marched out of the restroom with fire in her chest. The hallway was nearly empty. After a moment of hesitation, she took a deep breath and slipped onto the nearby escalator. 

Where is he? I saw him heading this way. Why isn’t he here? she thought. 

Her eyes darted around as she walked. 

“Looking for someone, ma’am?” Ryan leaned in from the shadows, watching her sketchy 

movements. 

The voice jolted her. She tripped hard, stumbled forward, and smacked into the floor. She slowly raised her head and looked toward where the voice had come from. 

Ryan! 

Her cheeks flushed. Her big eyes locked onto him in shy panic. “Hey, Ryan.” 

That one word hit him like a slap. He took a step back and turned away fast. Oh, hell. His poor eyes were gonna need therapy. 

“Your fans stalking you now?” Mason joked. 

“Shut up! I don’t even know where this creep came from!” Ryan waved a hand and covered his face. Ever since she walked up, the air reeked of the cheapest, most awful perfume imaginable. 

A loud whoosh followed as someone yanked down a curtain. It slammed into a half–full paint bucket hidden behind it, knocking it over. The curtain flew over a bushy potted plant and landed right over Grace’s head. Keith dusted off his hands. “There. Trash taken out.” 

Ryan shot Keith a thumbs–up. “That’s what I’m talkin‘ about.” 

“Let’s find somewhere else to chat. That thing’s squirming like a maggot. Who even brought her here?” Keith stood and shook his head. “Can’t even get a moment of peace.” 

Not one of them looked at Grace. They stepped right over her and kept walking. 

It took her a while to tear the curtain off. Her carefully styled hair was a disaster. She sat there shaking and broke down crying. 

They went too far! They called her a creep. They said she looked like a maggot! 

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Chapter 118 Marry Up 

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She scrambled to her feet, tugging her clothes into place while wiping her face. She sniffled her way down the stairs. 

“You okay, miss?” A deep male voice hit her ears just as she reached the bottom. She looked up and saw a clean–cut man with a kind face. She had no idea who he was. She tilted her head and brushed back her hair. 

“I’m good. Just slipped.” She didn’t stick around. She darted straight into the bathroom. One look in the mirror and she shrieked. Her hair was wild. Black paint streaked across her face like a horror show. 

It took her over thirty minutes to clean up. Her eyes were red, and she was seething. 

Guests were strolling toward the dining room in small groups. Grace blinked back her rage, lowered her head, and followed quietly. 

“Grace? Where have you been?” Avery frowned the moment she saw her walk in late. 

Grace rushed over. “I’m sorry, Grandma. I took a nap and totally lost track of time.” 

Avery pointed to an open seat. “We saved you a spot. Go sit down.” 

Grace bit her lip and sat with a flushed face. 

This was the host table. Everyone seated here either belonged to the Morren family or was practically family. And yet, they’d saved a seat just for her. Jane looked like she’d swallowed a lemon. Her expression was pure disgust. She was clearly pissed at her grandmother’s choice. 

Margaret patted her hand gently, but Jane held it in and shot Grace a death glare. 

Grace could feel the stares all around. Jane’s loathing was loud and clear. But that only made her sit up straighter. Avery had picked this seat for her. Even Jane couldn’t change that. 

Ava glanced over at Grace, confused. She hadn’t seen her with Caela or the others. She’d dipped out earlier with some excuse. 

After lunch, Margaret started organizing a few ways for the guests to relax. 

Ava had been up way too early. Once she’d eaten, sleepiness hit hard. Jane caught it right away and smiled. 

“Go crash on the third floor, Ava. I’ll wake you up at two–thirty.” Jane draped an arm around her and leaned in. “Tonight’s the main event. Rest up. It’s your stage, and I expect fireworks.” 

“Which room?” 

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Chapter 118 Marry Up 

“Second on the left, third floor. Go on!” 

Ava had just reached the second floor when a voice stopped her. 

“Ava…” Ethan walked over with easy steps. “Sorry I didn’t make it to you earlier.” 

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