Chapter 167

Terrence gently closed the door after Grace entered. He had brought Grace not because of her own pleas, but because his boss still cared for her. Perhaps Mr. Reed simply wanted Grace to concede. However, Grace appeared troubled, which could serve Mr. Reed's purposes. This thought pleased Terrence.

At that moment, a secretary in the outer office approached Terrence, asking curiously, "Terrence, who was the woman who just went into the president's office?" Her attire, after all, didn't suggest someone with typical access.

Terrence replied simply, "Don't ask. You'll know in due time." He feared gossip and a breach of Mr. Reed's unspoken rules before that time arrived.

In the office, Grace stood uneasily, watching Jason review documents at his desk. The atmosphere felt heavy with awkwardness. She had previously refused to remain with him, believing their relationship was over. Yet, here she was, just days later. The man before her felt like a stranger.

In his large office, he wore an iron-gray suit. His hair was combed back, revealing a broad forehead. His long eyebrows were raised, and his handsome, peach-blossom eyes were half-closed as he studied his documents. A crisp white shirt and navy blue tie complemented his elegant appearance. His slender fingers held a black pen; his signature, a graceful gesture.

The office was silent until his voice broke the stillness.

"Sis, are you here just to stare?"

Grace was startled. She hadn't expected him to use that nickname again. It felt like a mocking reminder of her naiveté—of bringing him home and offering him the role of her younger brother.

"I need to tell you something," Grace said, licking her dry lips.

"Go ahead," he replied, remaining absorbed in his work.

Hesitantly, she said, "I was wondering if you could release my uncle and the others. Their time in custody should be sufficient punishment. I want to drop the charges, but your lawyer is handling the case, so please inform him."

Jason slowly raised his head and looked at Grace. "I recall offering you a choice. You chose not to release them. Are you changing your mind?"

His gaze felt like a ridicule. She felt her breath constrict.

After a long pause, she said, "I want to let them go."

He chuckled, as if she'd told a joke. "What kind of man do you think I am? Do you think you can simply order me around? I gave you a chance to choose. You made your decision; now accept the consequences."