Shifted Priority

"Jace values you a lot, Grace. More than you might realize," she heard her say.

Grace: "…"

"What do you mean?" A deep voice sounded from the doorway.

Grace and Rose turned to see Richard, Jace's father, standing there with a stern expression on his face. 

His eyes bore into Rose with disapproval.

"Richard," Rose began, her voice steady but with an edge of caution.

"I mean it, Rose," Richard interrupted, stepping further into the living room. "Why are you filling the girl's head with nonsense? Jace has enough on his plate without you trying to play matchmaker. Grace is Charles's nanny, nothing more. Our son doesn't need this distraction, especially now."

Grace's face turned pale, and she looked down at the floor, feeling both embarrassed and confused.