Chapter 158

A few days later, the scar on Grace's palm would fade, mirroring the fading memory of her encounter with Jason. Time would erase it completely.

Grace clenched her fists and walked out of the Sanitation Service Center.

Before she'd gone far, a silver-grey Porsche blocked her path. A slender figure emerged—Brian, the man the Sanitation Service Center's staff had been discussing.

"Is something wrong?" Grace asked.

"I want to treat you to a meal, to thank you," Brian replied. He opened the passenger door, a clear invitation.

"I didn't do anything to help you with your bracelet, so you don't need to thank me," Grace said, stepping past him.

But he raised a hand, blocking her. His intense gaze, hidden behind a seemingly impassive facade, held an unreadable quality.

"I'm not accustomed to owing favors," he said, his tone不容置疑 (unyielding). The look in his eyes deepened.

Grace bit her lip. Brian, she surmised, was probably unaccustomed to rejection. The more she refused, the more persistent he'd likely become. It was simpler to accept the meal.

Besides, if he'd intended harm, he would have acted last night.

Grace remained silent and sat in the passenger seat.

Brian closed the door, returned to the driver's seat, and drove away.

During the drive, Grace smiled wryly, watching the scenery blur past. Fresh out of law school, she'd believed in reason's power. Experience, however, taught her that sometimes, it depended entirely on the other party's willingness to be reasoned with. If they refused, reason was futile.

"What are you thinking about?" Brian's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"The silver bracelet. It seems important to you," she said casually.

A faint smile touched Brian's otherwise impassive face. "Mm, it is."

"Since it's so important, will the thief suffer?" she asked.

He glanced at her. "Yes, quite miserably."

His voice was light, but she thought, I fear the thief will face a truly terrible fate.

The car stopped before a restaurant.

Grace recognized it as a renowned establishment in Emerald City. Reservations were notoriously difficult to secure, and prices were exorbitant. A simple meal cost the equivalent of one or two years' salary for an ordinary person, let alone specialty dishes. It was beyond the reach of most. For Brian, however, it was likely commonplace.

They entered the restaurant and were seated in a private room.

"What would you like to eat?" Brian asked.

"Anything is fine," Grace replied.

Brian ordered, resulting in a lavish spread.