Chapter 172

He leaned forward, closing the gap between their faces. His cheek gently caressed hers. However, his next words sent goosebumps rippling across her skin and bones.

“None of my business? I can find out the answers if I want to. Should something happen to him? Then I'll find out how important he is to you…”

Grace trembled, glaring at Jason. “What are you going to do? We're just colleagues. We have nothing going on!”

“But he has feelings for you, doesn't he?” he mumbled, his thumb gently rubbing her lips.

Her lips burned where his thumb touched, as if about to ignite.

“Don’t… do anything to him,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Does that mean you care about him?” His breath and voice were disarming, but his gaze…

“No… Not at all…” She tried to avoid his scent, but failed. It seemed to trap her. Not only were her lips burning, but her entire body was growing warmer.

“Really? You have no feelings for him at all?” His lips gently brushed her nose, teasing her like a distressed animal.

Grace stiffened. “No.”

He smiled, his eyes and brows crinkling in a way that seemed to smile as well. He looked pure and clean, yet alluringly attractive—a captivating contrast.

Grace was dumbfounded. His smile was like a return to his old self.

“You should remember what you said today and keep your word,” his voice pulled her from her daze.

He is not Jay. He is Jason!

A gurgle—her stomach made a resounding protest at the poor timing.

He was startled, then looked toward her stomach.

She blushed crimson with embarrassment.

“I almost forgot you haven’t eaten,” he mumbled, releasing her.

Grace breathed a sigh of relief, but then saw him approach the table. He touched her food container. “It’s cold.”

“I’ll just heat it up,” she said, pursing her lips.

He wordlessly took her hand. “Since it’s cold, let’s get some hot food. I remember saying I’d buy you a nice meal when I made a lot of money.”

Grace's heart skipped a beat. She remembered the elation she’d felt hearing those words, her anticipation of a happy meal together. Now… the same sentence left a bitter taste.

Without allowing her to refuse, Jason took her hand and they headed outside.

Terrence, waiting outside, immediately got out of the car and respectfully opened the door as his boss and Grace approached.