Chapter 174

Compared to the nausea, Maria Martin feared losing her luxurious lifestyle more. The prospect of working a nine-to-five job and budgeting her luxury purchases terrified her. She considered herself entitled to a life of privilege, looking down on Grace and others like her. Grace's witnessing of her fawning over a wealthy man only fueled her anger.

"Maria Martin, do you know her?" the short, chubby man beside her asked.

"Yes. She just got out of jail and now works as a street cleaner!" Maria Martin spitefully revealed Grace's identity, then turned to the manager. "Since when does the Royal Court allow street cleaners to dine here?"

Jason's back was to Maria Martin, so she didn't see him. Unfortunately, the manager did. He trembled with fear, wishing he could expel her immediately.

He thought, So what if she's an ex-con or a street cleaner? As long as Young Master Reed wants her here, even a beggar could eat here.

"It's not your decision who dines here. I expect you to apologize to this lady," the manager told Maria Martin.

Maria Martin seethed. Apologize to Grace? Ridiculous!

"Don't you want to keep your job?" she spat, then leaned toward the middle-aged man beside her. "Mr. Grant, this man wants me to apologize to a street cleaner! How absurd!"

Mr. Grant was about to intercede when a crisp, cold voice cut through the air. "What's the big deal about an apology? Even if you have to kneel, you should do it."

Mr. Grant was stunned. Looking up, his expression changed. It's… Jason! President of Reed Group!

He'd seen Jason once at a dinner, but their difference in status prevented any interaction. He'd longed to meet him, but never imagined it would be under such circumstances—and with Maria Martin having clearly offended him.

Mr. Grant was a man who enjoyed the company of beautiful women, and Maria Martin had been exceptionally attentive. Her adoration had boosted his ego considerably. However, compared to the potential repercussions of offending Jason, he'd gladly slap Maria Martin! She'd picked a fight with the wrong person—the person sitting next to Jason!

"Young Master Reed, it's a misunderstanding!" Mr. Grant quickly explained, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"Misunderstanding?" Jason's cold gaze swept over Mr. Grant. "If misunderstandings were easily formed, the world would be full of them."

Mr. Grant's face paled, his ample flesh trembling.

Maria Martin was dumbfounded. She didn't know who this man was, but Mr. Grant's reaction indicated he was no ordinary person.

Then she noticed Grace's hand intertwined with his.