Chapter 113

Thinking of this, Sean shivered. He looked at Lily beside him. The Stevens and Atkinson families were in the same predicament. "Even if Jason were truly interested in Grace," he mused, "he wouldn't take action against both families for her, would he?" After all, Grace's predicament was ultimately her own fault, wasn't it?

Grace felt as if she'd been trapped in a long, terrible dream. In this dream, she was back in prison. No matter how hard she tried to escape or plead, she couldn't avoid the torture: bone-chilling cold water, punches, kicks, and mocking taunts. "Look at her," they jeered, "the great lawyer, the intellectual! Now she's just like us—no, worse! She can't even fight back!"

How long would this suffering last? Why was she enduring such pain when she'd done nothing wrong?

"Grace," a voice echoed, "your biggest mistake? Offending the lord of Emerald City."

Another voice added, "Anyone who offends Jason meets a bad end."

A third voice chimed in, "Mr. Reed is merciful. That's why he didn't kill you. Otherwise, you'd have died in prison!"

Merciful? She'd been imprisoned for three years, left wounded, possibly infertile for life. Was that mercy? The pain was almost unbearable; she felt as if her body might explode.

Who would save her?

"Don't don't" she struggled, unsure whether she was fighting the physical pain or a tragic fate. Who could help her? Who could protect her?

"Sis, it's okay," a familiar voice whispered near her ear. "I'm here. No one can hurt you."

"Whose voice is that?" she murmured.

"Oh, right, it's Jay! Jay!"

Grace opened her eyes with difficulty. A strikingly handsome face met her gaze—Jay! But something was different.

"Sis, you're awake," Jason's voice, though cold, held a hint of tenderness. "Are you still unwell?"

Grace shook her head. As he helped her sit up, she noticed the changes: his thick bangs were swept back, revealing his forehead. He wore a tailored suit, a tie, and a watch she recognized instantly as a multi-million dollar timepiece.

"Is thisJay?" she blinked, feeling disoriented.

"Sis, what's wrong?" he asked, sensing her trance-like state.

"Areare you really Jay?" she whispered.

"Yes, I am," he replied.