Chapter 42 The Past 6990 Finished Back then , Oriana had taken the initiative to text Grant , apologizing and begging for his forgiveness . She had written a message so long it could have been an essay . Even Zara couldn't help rolling her eyes at her . But Oriana had remained hopelessly devoted to Grant . When she saw his reply - Got it - she had lit up like she'd just recovered some priceless treasure she thought she'd lost forever . She was so excited that she barely slept that night , and the next morning , she was already waiting at Grant's door again with breakfast in hand . She had woken up early , trudged through the freezing cold , detoured all the way across town , just to bring him a single bottle of hot chocolate milk . For three years after that , Grant had shielded her , spoiled her , and made her believe he truly was different . But deep down , her nature never changed . He still loved no one more than himself . " Zara , if Grant can't find me , he might go looking for you . If he bothers you , let me know ." Oriana said . She didn't want any contact with Grant if she could help it . But even less did she want Zara dragged into her mess . Zara was fearless . " So what ? He's a big shot now , sure , but what could he do to me ? If he so much as lays a hand on me , I'll curse him out and film the whole thing . Then I'll make sure all of Seabar - and the entire country - sees the true face of their so - called tech prodigy ." Oriana pressed her fingers to her temple . She actually believed Zara would do it . After all , she'd been holding back her resentment toward Grant for years . *** The next morning , Alaric showed up at dawn , arms full of items he had spent the entire night buying back at several times the original price . He rang the bell , and the door opened quickly . " What the - Grant ? You're up this early ? Damn , did you not sleep at all ? " 1/4 8:31 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 42 The Past Finished Alaric nearly jumped when he saw the heavy shadows under Grant's eyes and the scruff on his jaw . He had only ever seen Grant look this wrecked once before - back in college , when his family had fallen apart and his legs were crippled . And now ? This was just a fight with Oriana , and he was already like this ? " You got everything back ? " Grant's voice rasped like it had been scraped over sandpaper , putting Alaric instantly on edge . " They're all here ! " Alaric handed him the small box carefully . " Grant , are you okay ? " Grant clutched the box , packed with the treasures he had finally recovered . Last night , he had come home to an empty apartment . He could hardly find a trace that Oriana had ever lived there . He couldn't believe she had erased him so thoroughly , so mercilessly , without him even noticing . She was so heartless . In the end , all he could do was sit through the night in the living room , clutching the few clothes he had once bought her - clothes she had hardly ever worn . But now his mind was clear . He had to bring her back . He could swallow his pride , admit he was wrong . He couldn't live without her . Grant carried the box outside , and Alaric hurried to follow . " Grant , where are you going ? " " I'm bringing her home ." They arrived at the Seabar University girls ' dorms . It was still early , and only a few students were leaving for class . But Grant , who had shown up there just the day before , now stood around again - unkempt , unshaven , his once aloof image replaced overnight with a haggard one . His sudden downfall drew plenty of stares . 2/4 8:31 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 42 The Past Finished Some students even pulled out their phones , snapping photos and recording videos , posting them online in the school forums . Alaric rushed left and right trying to block them , but it was hopeless . " Grant , why don't you wait in the car ? " " Let them film . " Grant's eyes never strayed from the dorm entrance , barely blinking as if terrified he might miss the moment she walked out . In truth , he wanted it this way - wanted the whole world to see . He knew Oriana was soft- hearted , kind . She could never stay so cold forever . She would forgive him . If she found out he had been waiting for her downstairs , she would come . His gaze burned , unwavering . Alaric , watching Grant's eyes full of desperate hope , sighed . Grant didn't care what people thought , not if it meant getting Oriana back . But Alaric cared about reputation . He slipped into the car , rolled up the windows , and texted the company's PR department , telling them to prepare a statement . Minute by minute , time dragged on . Grant stood there from dawn until noon . There was still no sign of Oriana . His certainty began to harden into a darker , more dangerous silence . Alaric couldn't hold back anymore . " What if Oriana's not even on campus ? " Grant stiffened . He pulled out his phone and dialed Zara . She picked up , and his tone was harsh . " Where's Oriana ? " Zara let out a mocking laugh . " Well , well , Mr. Holloway . You're so busy saving the world , and only now you remember Oriana exists ? " " Cut the crap . Tell me where she is . " " Scumbag . Filth . Ungrateful bastard . What the hell are you looking for ? Oriana doesn't want you anymore ." She hung up right after her tirade , satisfied . After all these years , Zara had finally gotten her chance to curse Grant out to his face - and it 3/4 8:31 Fri , Oct 10