Chapter 173

Jason pulled Grace into the car and ordered, "Get us to Royal Court."

"Okay," Terrence acknowledged, carefully observing the expressions of the two passengers in his rearview mirror. He couldn't see Grace's face, as her head was lowered. However, Jason seemed less irritable than before he'd entered Grace's home. Hmm, a good sign, Terrence mused.

The Royal Court Restaurant was Emerald City's most famous establishment, specializing in traditional palace cuisine. Consequently, prices were exorbitant, and the clientele consisted exclusively of the wealthy and influential. Ordinary people couldn't afford to eat there.

When the car stopped at the Royal Court's entrance, Jason took Grace's hand as they exited. She tried to pull away, but his grip was firm.

"Sis, don't move," Jason said casually. "Otherwise, I can't guarantee what I'll do."

Grace, dumbfounded, stopped struggling. He led her into the restaurant. The staff were respectful and courteous to Jason, but they cast several sidelong glances at Grace. Grace was acutely aware that her inexpensive clothes clashed starkly with the restaurant's elegant interior.

"Mr. Reed, you're here!" the restaurant manager greeted enthusiastically. "The usual private room?"

"Yes," Jason replied.

Before the manager could lead them away, Grace spotted someone. She froze. That's… Maria!

Grace remembered Maria as a spoiled, rich girl whose family owned a factory. In a previous encounter, Maria had mocked Grace and even orchestrated her appearance at a student reunion party. What shocked Grace now was Maria's intimate embrace with a short, chubby middle-aged man.

Grace knew Maria only dated handsome men. During their school days, she'd dated only the school's athletes and openly scorned overweight boys. Yet, here she was…

Sensing Grace's gaze, Maria looked over. Upon recognizing Grace, her expression changed.

"Grace? What are you doing here? This isn't a place for you," Maria sneered.

Maria didn't notice Jason. Her attention was entirely focused on Grace, desperately hoping someone would remove her. Grace was witnessing Maria's humiliating situation, and if Grace revealed it…

The thought intensified Maria's dislike of Grace, considering her a bad omen. After their previous encounter at the mall (when Maria's car was damaged), and after the reunion party incident, Maria's family had faced setbacks. Their loan application was rejected, and potential business partners reneged on their agreements. Her family couldn't identify the source of their troubles.

To save the family business, Maria had to ingratiate herself with this wealthy man, even resorting to desperate measures. The effort was nauseating, forcing her to plaster on a false smile.