Free Web NovelChapter 244: Chapter 244 Grace’s Warning and Rose’s New Beginning
Everyone present could clearly understand the meaning behind Ryan’s refusal.
Although his tone was not harsh, his attitude was unmistakable.
He refused to sit beside Rose, and he refused to fulfill even the appearance of being her husband.
In short, Rose had been publicly rejected by her own husband.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became strangely tense once again.
Samantha, who had been standing off to the side with a pale face, immediately brightened.
She shot Rose an almost mocking glance.
Ryan had publicly humiliated Rose for her sake.
Only moments ago, she had been embarrassed, but now she had regained the upper hand.
Rose, however, was not surprised.
From the moment Ryan learned about the child and misunderstood the situation, she had already anticipated this outcome.
It seemed that Ryan no longer intended to maintain even the illusion of harmony.
Leo, who normally appeared warm and approachable, suddenly lost the smile in his eyes.
Grace snorted coldly. “Well, since Mr. Knight doesn’t care about these things, there’s no need to force the issue.”
Rose lowered her eyes.
Beneath the table, Grace gently held her hand and gave it a reassuring pat.
It was a silent gesture of comfort.
Warmth suddenly spread through Rose’s chest.
She wanted to say, It’s okay. I stopped caring a long time ago. Something this small can’t hurt me anymore.
Samantha returned to her seat beside Ryan.
Her cheerful smile had completely returned.
After all, Ryan’s attitude had elevated her status while Rose had lost face in public.
Naturally, Samantha was pleased.
Until the dinner ended, Rose and Ryan had no further interaction.
They did not exchange a single glance.
They sat on opposite sides of the room like complete strangers.
There were no greetings.
Ryan ignored her entirely.
Even compared to before, his indifference had become more obvious.
He no longer questioned her about the child.
Nor did he mention her supposed betrayal.
It was as if he no longer cared about anything she had done.
Rose didn’t let it affect her.
There was nothing wrong with that.
As everyone was leaving, Leo walked beside her with a cold expression.
“He treated you like you didn’t even exist,” he said. “Not a single glance or word for an hour and a half.”
Rose did not explain.
After the misunderstanding about the child, becoming strangers had been inevitable.
Halfway down the corridor, Rose answered a phone call.
When she looked up again, she found Margaret coming down the stairs.
Margaret had come to meet members of the Cooper family, but the moment she saw Rose, her expression changed slightly.
She waved her over. “Rose, come here for a moment.”
Since they had already run into one another, Rose had no intention of deliberately avoiding her.
“Is there something you need?”
Margaret frowned. “What is going on with the Robinson family? This was such an important occasion. You’re a newly appointed NYU professor, yet you allowed the Robinson family to take charge of everything. How is the Knight family supposed to explain this to others? What about our dignity?”
This matter had become a thorn in Margaret’s side.
No matter how she looked at it, she believed Rose had mishandled the situation.
Rose gave a faint laugh. “Do I need to remind you what my relationship with Ryan and the Knight family is now?”
Displeasure crossed Margaret’s face. “After seven years, we are still family no matter what. The Robinson family is only looking out for their own interests. You need to keep your eyes open.”
Rose almost laughed. “No matter what, the Robinson family is still better than that useless member of the Cooper family.”
Her words were blunt and merciless.
Margaret froze. “Rose, how dare you speak to your grandmother like that?”
Knowing that Margaret was about to lose her temper, Rose turned to leave.
Margaret’s expression darkened. “We can discuss that matter later. Right now, the Knight family situation is the priority. You must keep everything completely confidential. If necessary, you should reassure Ethan. As long as you make it clear that you and Ryan still have a good relationship, it will calm him down.”
Rose finally lost her patience.
She turned back, her voice cold. “You allow your grandson to cheat on his wife, yet you come to lecture me and make demands? What kind of logic is that? From now on, whatever happens to the Knight family has nothing to do with me.”
It was the first time Margaret had ever heard Rose speak to her this way.
Her face darkened instantly. “How dare you speak to your elder like this? Hasn’t the Knight family treated you well enough?”
At that moment, Grace happened to pass by and overheard the conversation.
She immediately walked over.
Pulling Rose behind her, Grace looked Margaret up and down.
“The monarchy ended a long time ago. Why are you still acting like a queen? Other than living off public resources all these years, what exactly have you contributed to society that gives you the right to order everyone around? You’re an embarrassment to your generation.”
Rose froze.
It was the first time someone had openly defended her like this.
The moment Margaret saw Grace—and heard her harsh words—her expression became even uglier.
Even in her younger days, Grace had never behaved like a refined socialite.
She spoke bluntly, acted freely, and offended people everywhere.
And apparently, age had changed none of that.
Grace ignored Margaret entirely.
Taking Rose’s hand, she led her away. “A good elder is a blessing to the younger generation. But for an old witch who feeds off her juniors, the farther away you stay, the better.”
Margaret was so furious she could barely remain standing.
Grace paid her no attention.
She simply took Rose and left.
Rose obediently followed her.
Only after they reached the outside did Grace continue muttering a few more curses.
But Rose’s chest felt warm.
Grace felt like the kind, protective elder she had never had.
For the first time in many years, Rose experienced what it felt like to be protected by family.
Grace looked at her seriously.
“Rose, listen to Grandma’s advice.”
She sighed. “Everyone in the Knight family is a demon wearing human skin. Those old-money families have no compassion. A good girl like you doesn’t belong there suffering and being oppressed.”
She paused. “I’m going to overstep my boundaries and give you some advice.”
“Get a divorce.”
“Mr. Knight is not the right man for you. His heart isn’t with you.”
Grace didn’t know the details of their marriage.
But based on the few interactions she had witnessed, along with Ryan’s treatment of Rose that evening, her favorable impression of him had begun to fade.
She couldn’t bear to watch Rose remain trapped in such an unhappy marriage.
In the past, Ryan had been the perfect child in the eyes of the older generation.
He excelled in every area.
Steady, accomplished, and well-mannered.
But when it came to matters of the heart, he had become a great disappointment.
For some reason, Rose suddenly felt her eyes sting.
She did not explain.
The divorce was already finalized.
And Ryan intended to marry Samantha.
She simply nodded. “I’ll remember your advice.”
Grace gently patted her hand. “If you ever need help, come to me. I’ll do everything I can to help you.”
Whether it was because Rose had saved her life or because Grace genuinely cared for her, she was willing to help Rose escape the Knight family if she ever needed assistance.
Rose was stunned at first.
Then she felt deeply moved.
James truly was fortunate.
He had the best grandmother, someone who gave him endless love and confidence.
He was genuinely blessed.
For a moment, Rose felt a little envious.
But that was alright.
She had the best grandfather too.
After parting with Grace, Rose suddenly felt that someone was watching her.
She turned around.
But there was no one there.
She frowned, puzzled.
At that moment, her phone rang.
It was a notification from the hospital.
The paternity test results had been released.
She could finally secure Ariel’s legal residency and custody documentation.
Joy immediately filled her heart.
She quickly sent Trevor a message.
Trevor replied almost instantly:
[Congratulations, Ariel’s mother! I happen to have some free time. Shall we go register her residency today?]
