The Genius Ex-Wife’s Revenge Portfolio novel Chapter 306

Lilly knocked on the door, her knuckles tapping lightly against the wood.

It swung open almost right away, but it wasn’t Jace standing there. Instead, a young girl peeked out, looking curious.

“Hi, can I help you?” she asked, her eyes bright and friendly.

Lilly figured this must be Jace’s sister, Victoria. She was wearing a neat middle school uniform, her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. There was something about her—maybe the spark in her eyes, or the way she held herself—that reminded Lilly of Jace. Victoria was a little skinny, but she looked full of life.

Lilly liked her immediately. She smiled, trying to sound warm and approachable. “Hey, I’m Lilly. I’m Jace’s classmate. I came to see him. Is he home?”

Victoria shook her head. “No, he isn’t back yet.”

It was already late, and he still hadn’t come home.

Just then, a woman appeared behind Victoria. She had gentle features, half of her hair already turned white, and her eyes didn’t quite focus—she was clearly blind. But she radiated warmth, her voice soft and inviting. Lilly could imagine how beautiful she must’ve been when she was younger.

“Are you Jace’s classmate? Come in,” the woman said kindly.

“Hello, ma’am,” Lilly greeted her as she stepped inside.

Tiffany waved her over to the small living room. “Please grab a seat. Jace should be home any minute.”

The place was small, but it was spotless. There were a few gardenias in a water bottle on the windowsill, brightening up the whole room. Lilly looked around and felt a quiet sense of comfort here. Even though the alley outside was dark and damp, this little home felt warm and full of light.

She was still taking it all in when the door creaked again. Jace walked in.

He was tall—at least six foot two—and he filled the doorway without even trying. Dressed head to toe in black, his buzzed hair made his sharp, handsome features stand out even more. Lilly felt a jolt, not expecting him to look quite so intense in person.

Victoria piped up, her voice ringing clear and sweet. “I like Lilly, let her stay for dinner, please.”

Jace looked at his sister, and for a second, the hard edges of his expression melted away. He reached out and ruffled her hair. “Hungry? I’ll make your favorite ribs.”

That’s when Lilly noticed he was carrying groceries. Wait, he could cook?

Jace didn’t even look her way as he headed for the kitchen.

Tiffany tried to help. “Jace, let me do it.”

“Mom, I’ve got it,” he said, not looking back.

Lilly lingered by the kitchen door, watching him move. He handled the spatula with ease, his long fingers steady and confident. She could see the muscles in his arms flex through his thin t-shirt. There was something powerful and graceful about him, like he belonged in a different world, yet here he was, making dinner for his family.