Chapter 61

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Noah and James exchanged worried glances as they walked through the open, kitchen door, bracing themselves for the worst. But the scene that greeted them was far from catastrophic.

A few shattered glass plates lay scattered across the floor, a small pool of water spreading out from them. Grace, with a cut on her hand, was hurriedly picking up the broken pieces. His mother stood nearby, her face a mix of concern and irritation.

“Everything alright?” Noah asked, stepping cautiously into the kitchen.

“Just a minor mishap,” Grace said through gritted teeth, her voice steady despite the cut. She flashed a reassuring smile. “Nothing we can’t handle.”

Mrs. Vera moved closer to Grace, squatting on the ground. “Let me help you with that,” she said, stretching out her hands, but Grace gently pushed her away.

“No, it’s okay. I can take care of it. You might hurt yourself,” she said with a cornered look.

“Oh,” was all Mrs. Vera could say.

Irritated, Noah snapped, “But you are hurt.” He reach