Chapter 236
Lucy's hand holding the teacup paused slightly, causing tiny ripples in the amber liquid.
"Mom, aside from being a stock trader, you actually know international mercenaries?" Her bright eyes sparkled with poorly concealed curiosity.
Grace took a delicate sip, her lips curving in a faint smile. "Yes, I'm acquainted with one of their headquarters' executives. We're on good terms."
"Your father knows them too," she added, her gaze drifting toward the window as if recalling distant memories.
Lucy leaned closer, wrapping her arms around her mother's in an affectionate gesture. "You and Dad have been keeping so many secrets from us!"
Grace pinched her daughter's cheek playfully. "Just old stories. Nothing worth mentioning."
"Then what exactly did you two do before?" Lucy pressed.
"Your father mainly studied metaphysics—you know that." Grace set down her cup. "After having you children, I focused on gardening."
She lowered her voice slightly. "Though we did join the International High-IQ Society. Met quite a few interesting people."
"International High-IQ Society?" Lucy's eyes widened.
"A rather discreet organization," Grace confirmed. "Your father was one of the founding members. I was invited later."
Lucy's face lit up. "Mom, you must have been an incredible trader!"
Grace chuckled. "I ranked first once. Mostly stayed within the top five afterward."
A nostalgic gleam flickered in her eyes. "But after marriage, I gradually stepped back."
"You're amazing, Mom!" Lucy breathed in genuine admiration.
"Want to learn?" Grace asked warmly.
Lucy shook her head. "Numbers aren't my thing. Noah would be perfect for it, though."
"I'll ask him sometime," Grace agreed.
Noah seemed much better today, having gone to paint in the study after breakfast.
When Lucy arrived on set, Lily was late—again.
Director Jude's expression darkened, but he couldn't be bothered to reprimand her anymore.
That afternoon, Lucy brought cold drinks and desserts for the crew as thanks.
Lily watched coldly from the sidelines. When the crowd dispersed, she marched straight to Lucy.
"You orchestrated that online mess, didn't you?" she hissed.
Lucy took a leisurely sip of lemon water. "What mess?"
"Buying trolls to hype me up just to tear me down!" Lily gnashed her teeth.
Lucy glanced at Lily's pocket and smirked. "You? Worth my money?"
"Know your place." She stood. "Focus on acting instead of pointless schemes."
Without another glance, Lucy walked off set.
Returning home, she found Rachel having tea with Grace.
"Aunt Rachel," Lucy greeted sweetly.
Rachel beckoned with a smile. "Come here, dear. You can call me godmother from now on."
Grace explained, "Your godmother wants to formally adopt you. I agreed."
Lucy's face brightened. "That's wonderful! I've always seen you as family."
Rachel looked touched. "Tomorrow, our families will have dinner together for a small ceremony."
Grace suddenly asked, "Did Michael agree?"
Rachel's expression turned peculiar. "He had a dream last night and suddenly consented this morning."
Lucy's pulse jumped. "What dream?"
"He said he saw you..." Rachel hesitated. "Jumping off a building. Woke up in tears."
Lucy forced calm into her voice. "Dreams are the opposite of reality."
She turned to pour water, her fingers trembling imperceptibly.
How could Michael have dreamed about her past life?