Chapter 156

“Wait…” Grace shivered, glancing at the man with even more confusion. How had he known the bracelet was with her?

She’d found it in her work uniform pocket after her shift. Yet this man knew she had it. He'd even found her address and entered her home silently. Who on earth was he?

“You found this bracelet. What reward do you want? As long as it’s not excessive, I can give it to you,” Brian said, lowering his head to look at her.

He’d planned to leave with the bracelet, but seeing her sleeping face, he’d stayed. He’d wanted to see her awake.

Now, she was. Her almond eyes were strikingly beautiful, the dark pupils contrasting sharply with the bright whites. Her upward-curling eyelashes added to their charm. But her gaze held a lifeless apathy that belied her age. It was as if she’d endured great hardship, losing the vibrancy she should possess, resigned to her fate.

Grace didn't know him, but he seemed similar in temperament to Jason. In her current situation, she couldn't afford to provoke him.

“The bracelet was just in my uniform pocket. I didn’t ‘find’ it, so you don’t need to reward me,” Grace said.

Brian raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected a woman living in such a small house, doing cleaning work, to refuse his offer.

“Even if I could offer a life-changing reward, you wouldn’t want it?” he asked.

Grace thought of Jason’s words. These men were alike; both seemed capable of easily changing lives. But this was her life. She wouldn’t be controlled. She wanted to be her own master.

“No, thank you. The bracelet is returned, and I did nothing to earn a reward,” Grace replied.

Brian’s face darkened slightly. He leaned closer, his dark eyes scrutinizing her.

Grace instinctively tightened her blanket, glaring at him. She didn’t know him or his intentions, but his silent nighttime entry proved he could easily harm her if he wished.

They stared at each other. Finally, his cold voice broke the silence. “Are you playing hard to get? Seeking more benefits?”

Stunned, she replied, “I can’t play hard to get. I don’t even know you. Since you have the bracelet, please leave. I need to sleep; I work early.”

He straightened, the small silver bracelet held in his slender fingers. His gaze fell on her face. “I’m Brian,” he said softly. “Now you know.”