Married To My Ex's Brother, Reborn Miraculously

"Anne, right?" the woman said warmly, extending her hand. "Hello, I’m Gracie. I used to be a friend of your father-in-law."

Anne blinked in surprise. Augustine had never spoken of his parents’ old friends or colleagues. Still, she smiled politely and took the woman’s hand. "Oh—hello. It’s nice to meet you."

Gracie’s expression softened with a trace of melancholy. "Your father-in-law was a good man. Strong, kind. We always believed he’d take the reins of the Beaumont Group someday. He had the vision, the heart. But..." Her voice trailed off into silence, her eyes drifting for a moment.

Anne’s heart tugged at the heaviness in her tone.

"His sudden passing was a terrible shock to all of us," Gracie continued. "Then we heard Augustine had gone abroad. And after that... no news of him. It’s truly heartening to see him again tonight. And I’m so glad to know he is married."

She stepped closer, her hand resting gently on Anne’s shoulder. "Tell him you met Gracie. He’ll remember. And please, come visit when you have the time. I’d love to know you better."

Anne’s heart softened. The woman’s kindness felt genuine, unexpected. She nodded enthusiastically. "I will. Thank you so much."

A soft smile lit her face.

However, Gracie’s smile faltered, and her eyes widened as they locked onto the necklace resting against Anne’s collarbone. Her hand lifted almost involuntarily, fingertips brushing the sparkling blue diamond with a mixture of awe and disbelief.

"This is..." she whispered, her voice catching. "Oh my God! This is the antique necklace that once belonged to the mayor’s wife. It was auctioned a month ago..."

She stopped mid-sentence, stunned, her mouth hanging open.