Chapter 143
“I can’t refuse, can I?” Grace asked.
Jason’s eyes flashed, and his smile vanished. He straightened, looking down at her. “No, you can refuse. I can give you the right to refuse, but…”
He paused, then looked at her with a faint smile. “Sis, are you sure you want to refuse?”
Grace felt the air freeze. If she agreed, she could gain much, perhaps even changing her destiny. If someone else had offered this, she might have accepted.
But Jason… She feared him. He’d never directly harmed her, yet a single sentence from him had caused her immense suffering in prison. For three years, during her imprisonment and trial, no one dared take her case after learning she was the fiancée of Jason, who had died in the car accident. Even the fabricated evidence and biased witnesses who accused her of drunk driving made her suspect his involvement.
This man was a nightmare, suffocating her. Since discovering his true identity, she stiffened whenever he approached, trembling at the slightest touch. How could she keep such a man by her side?
Taking a deep breath, she suppressed her trembling. “Yes, I want to refuse.”
His face fell, his black eyes hardening. “Do you really not want to stay with me?”
“Yes,” she replied.
He sneered. “Well, I didn’t expect to be rejected by a woman. Grace, think carefully. Without my protection, what will happen to you in Emerald City? Even if the Atkinsons leave you alone, do you plan to sweep streets for the rest of your life?”
She bit her lip. “That’s my business.”
His lips tightened, anger rising. He’d never done this for a woman before, yet she rejected him, actively trying to escape. How long had it been since he’d been this angry? He wanted to strangle her, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
“Couldn’t bear to?!” He couldn’t believe he’d even considered it. It was ridiculous.
Jason left without another word. Only then did Grace relax.
The doctor arrived for her daily checkup and announced her recovery. Blood tests showed no trace of drugs.
“Can I be discharged?” Grace asked.