Chapter 112

Zoe nearly fainted. She hadn't expected her serious injury to be the result of Jason's desire to avenge Grace. Why Grace?

Jennifer Atkinson had once been a famous beauty. Grace, while attractive, was now a street sweeper after three years of imprisonment. Her looks had deteriorated considerably. How could Jason, accustomed to beautiful women, be interested in her?

"Don't cause trouble for Grace," Sean warned his sister. "And keep what I told you to yourself. Don't tell anyone—not even your parents! Jason doesn't want others to know. Me telling you was a mistake."

Zoe fell silent. She could usually find a way to retaliate, but not against Jason. Provoking him could jeopardize the Stevens family's position in Emerald City. He was described variously as the king of Emerald City, a business world warlord, or simply…crazy.

Rumor had it a woman once obtained Jason's hotel room key and tried to seduce him. She was subsequently thrown out onto the street. Her family's business collapsed, and she ended up working in a nightclub. The bribed hotel manager vanished—some said he left the city, others that he died or was kidnapped.

In short, Jason was ruthless. Offending him would drag her family down. After this incident, Emerald City's socialites no longer dared to target him. Despite his wealth and attractiveness, who would risk his wrath? The former socialite turned nightclub dancer served as a stark warning.

"Did you hear me?" Sean asked again.

"Yes, I won't mess with Grace," Zoe replied reluctantly.

Zoe left the garden. Sean turned to Lily. "Let's go back to the hall."

Lily's expression was grim.

"What's wrong? Can't accept Jason's interest in Grace?" Sean asked, knowing Grace had killed Jennifer Atkinson.

"Do you think Jason might reopen Grace's case?" Lily asked.

"Reopen the case?"

"With his influence, he could clear her name. If that happened, my sister's death…" Lily's voice trembled.

"Don't worry. Reversing the verdict won't be easy. The evidence pointed to her. Even if Jason tried, it would be difficult," Sean reassured her. "Besides, it's probably a fleeting infatuation. Grace's status prevents her marrying into the Reed family. The patriarch would likely reject her."

Lily relaxed. "That's best. Otherwise, my sister would have died in vain. I was too lenient with her in prison!"

Sean's lips tightened. "Too lenient?" He recalled the image of her broken fingers, bleeding profusely. He had been a cold observer, almost an accomplice. If Grace ever sought justice, he and the Stevens family would face…