Chapter 125

I looked Jace straight in the eye. "What do you want? Here to demand compensation? Or perhaps you plan to sue me for assault?"

His voice dropped, cold and CEO-like. "What do you take me for?"

"I'm here to apologize. I was impulsive and reckless yesterday. You were right to hit me," he said, surprising me.

I glanced at the bandage peeking from under his cap and nodded. "Good you realize it."

Jace let out a bitter laugh. "Rea, you've become… more ruthless."

How exactly? I didn't ask. Instead, I said, "What you did was wrong."

"Yeah, I know. Yesterday was my fault. Getting too close to Tanya, ignoring your feelings—that was my fault too. Letting her stay in your penthouse, giving her my supplementary card—all wrong," Jace continued, reflecting on his mistakes.

I had no idea where he was going, but he pressed on. "I'm apologizing because I messed up."

"There's no need. Right or wrong doesn't matter anymore," I said, starting to walk away. He blocked my path.

"Rea, I'm not finished."

I glanced at his cap. "Then keep talking."

"I've apologized, and I know I was wrong. There's nothing between Tanya and me. As for that kiss—it was a joke, an accident. If you think it's unfair, you can kiss someone else to even the score," he suggested, making me clench my fists.

Jace noticed and stepped aside, then back again. "You can hit me, just not yesterday's wound. Pick another spot."

Pfft!

I couldn't help but laugh.

Was this really Jace? Or was he trying to charm his way back into my good graces?

"Rea," Jace reached for my hand. "Let's start over. Or maybe… let me win you over again?"

"I must have hit you harder than I thought—you don't even know what you're saying," I pulled my hand away.

"I know exactly what I'm saying," Jace replied, his eyes locked on mine. "I still want to marry you."

I scoffed. "Jace, whether you're playing games or genuinely scrambled, let me be clear—I don't do second chances."

"I know you're angry. It's fine, be angry. I'll wait," Jace's shameless persistence annoyed me.

I pressed my lips together. "Your mother didn't tell you, did she? She wants to make me her goddaughter. That would make you my godbrother. Do you still think we can get married?"

Jace's expression darkened. He frowned. "That's not happening. My parents only want you as their daughter-in-law."

I wasn't in the mood to argue, so I turned and walked away.

Just as I reached my car, I heard him call out, "Rea, I've also rejected your resignation."

'Damn it!' I slammed my hand on the steering wheel, fuming. 'I'm literally going to a job interview, and he's refusing to approve my resignation? How am I supposed to explain that?'

Jace was pulling out all the stops, clinging on.

But no way was I letting him win.