Chapter 152

A shiver ran down Evelyn's spine. "He's is he?"

"Jason, do you know her?" Patrick's surprise was evident. Evelyn was a third-rate actress; an acquaintance with Jason seemed unlikely.

"Yes. We've met once," Jason replied flatly.

Evelyn's eyes widened, her heart pounding. "He's the man who lived with Grace!" She'd assumed their meeting had been in prison. She hadn't expected him to be Jason Reed, the powerful figure in Emerald City. She nearly fainted. "What's happening? Why was Jason living with Grace in that rundown apartment?"

Brian, observing Jason and Evelyn, was surprised. "Evelyn, you never mentioned knowing Jason."

Evelyn shivered, offering a wry smile. "I didn't know I didn't know he was Mr. Reed." She apologized. "Mr. Reed, I'm sorry for offending you. It was a misunderstanding."

Jason ignored her, addressing Brian. "Don't bring this woman to me again. I don't want to see her."

Evelyn's face paled. She remained silent.

A flicker of surprise crossed Brian's face.

After Brian and Evelyn left, Patrick approached Jason eagerly. "Has Brian's new girlfriend offended you?"

Jason drained the rest of his wine.

Seeing Evelyn had reminded him of Grace. If Grace had stayed, she would have had a better life, escaping the grueling work as a sanitation worker and the dependence on others. But she'd rejected him. She'd seemed disgusted by his touch.

He'd told himself she was like any other woman, but his frustration grew.

Later, Evelyn, uneasy, asked Brian, "Did I offend Mr. Reed? He"

"Avoid him in the future," Brian said, appraising Evelyn. "How did you meet Jason?"

"At my sister's apartment. He wasn't dressed like that then. We had a conflict with Mr. Reed because of a family dispute with my sister." Evelyn downplayed the incident, fearing Brian would leave her if he knew she'd offended Jason.

Brian was surprised. "A rental apartment? A sister? Could that be the same woman Patrick told me Jason left Reed Group to help on Thanksgiving?"

"I didn't know it was Jason. If this affects you, I can apologize. Brian, please don't be angry. I'll be good," Evelyn pleaded, her eyes misting. She looked pitiful.

Brian gently touched her lips, a gesture he favored. He'd told her her lips were attractive, yet he'd never kissed her.