Chapter 149

They were still perplexed by the material evidence and the unanimous witness testimony.

"How dare they treat you that way! They criticize others from a moral high ground without knowing anything," Lina said indignantly.

Grace calmly replied, "It means nothing to me."

Lina recalled her friend's pain and sighed. "When I first welcomed Grace after her release from prison, I saw her wounds—both fresh and old. Although she never discussed her prison experience, I can guess what she endured."

"I'm afraid Grace suffered greatly in prison," Lina added.

Changing the subject, Lina asked, "Is Jay really Jason?"

"Yes," Grace nodded.

"But if he's Jason, why did he pretend to be homeless and live with you for so long?" Lina asked. "I can't understand. Does Jason have some peculiar interest?"

"It was a game to him," Grace replied bitterly. "Hearing him say that felt suffocating. Jason, who treated me so well, warmed my hands, waited for me, and listened to my woes—it was all an illusion, a game. Absurd, yet so real!"

"A game?" Lina was perplexed.

"Yes. Those rich people are probably bored and wanted to kill time," Grace replied softly.

Lina was unsure how to comfort her. "I know you hate and fear deception most. Jason undoubtedly dealt you a heavy blow."

Grace smiled faintly. "I'm fine, don't worry. Besides, I no longer have a relationship with him. His game is probably over. I didn't lose much. I'm back to living alone."

But her smile made Lina want to cry. "Then I'll move in with you."

"You don't have to, Lina. I don't want you to fight with your family over me again," Grace said. "I appreciate your kindness, but I don't want you to feel guilty. I already owe you so much…"

"Don't talk about owing! We're best friends! When someone stole money in class, you were the only one who believed me and helped catch the thief. You believed me then, and now I believe you, and I'll help you!" Lina exclaimed. "Ever since that incident, I've known Grace would be my best friend for life!"

"Thank you," Grace murmured. "When I helped you all those years ago, it was nothing, but now you've sacrificed so much for me."

"Exactly! What are your future plans?" Lina asked.

"I'll go back to work at the Sanitation Service Center after the holidays," Grace replied.

"But the news about you at the hospital entrance is online. The Sanitation Service Center probably knows about the incident from three years ago. How will your colleagues treat you…?" Lina said worriedly.