Chapter 130

It had always been a game, a game between the rich and the poor. Was he going to reveal his true identity and end the game now that she was being discharged? But her calmness intensified Jason's fear. She stood before him, yet felt miles away.

"Are you Jason?" she asked again, her calm tone suggesting a simple inquiry.

His thin lips were tightly pressed. His deep, amorous eyes met her clear almond eyes. After a long moment, he finally said, "Yes."

Bitterness filled Grace's heart. She'd been certain, yet she hadn't given up hope of hearing him admit it.

"Okay, I understand," she said, gently lowering her eyes. She bent to pick up her dropped phone, then turned to leave.

A hand grabbed her arm. His other hand pressed against the glass door, trapping her between them.

"What do you understand?" he asked, lowering his head to look at her.

"I know you're Jason, and that this is a game," Grace said calmly. "Mr. Reed, don't worry, I know what to do. If this is your revenge, you've already seen everything I have to lose. There's nothing left to take."

He narrowed his eyes. Revenge? Did she think he was seeking revenge for Jennifer Atkinson? She wasn't worthy of such actions. Yet, her composure only fueled his anger. He was afraid of her calm demeanor, afraid she would leave. He couldn't tell if his frustration was directed at her or himself.

"As you said, what is there left for me to avenge?" he said coldly.

She smiled bitterly. To speak of revenge was to overestimate herself. He didn't need to stoop to this; he could have easily used someone else, as he had during her imprisonment. Many would gladly harm her to curry his favor.

"Mr. Reed, please let me go. I need to return to the ward and pack my things," she said, acutely aware of his breath near her face.

"You're not leaving the hospital," he said, bending slightly, his face close to hers. His deep eyes studied her pale face. "And you'll continue to call me Jay."

"Mr. Reed, there's no need to continue this game. I don't need to stay here."

'Jay'—the term felt like an insult, a reminder of her insignificance. She'd envisioned a younger brother as a companion, unaware that her companion was the very person she should avoid.

A game, huh? Jason glared at her. While it had started as a game, it had evolved.

"If you think this is a game, I decide when it ends." He closed his eyes, his cheek lightly touching hers, their skin brushing intimately.

Grace remained stiff. His touch was warm, yet she felt intensely cold.