Chapter 175

Despite her brash nature, Maria Martin knew she had committed a grave offense. "Since when does Grace know such a handsome, rich man?" Jealousy surged, but then she recognized him. A familiar face.

Suddenly, her eyes widened. "You're the pretty boy who belongs to Grace?"

The manager's expression instantly changed. Mr. Grant nearly collapsed, wishing he'd never met Maria Martin. In Emerald City, nobody dared speak to Jason like that—it was a death wish!

Jason smirked, his gaze icy. "Maria Martin, what nonsense is this? This is Jason, President of Reed Group!" Mr. Grant interjected anxiously.

Maria Martin's eyes widened in disbelief. This man… is Jason?! Impossible! Why would Jason be with Grace? She killed his fiancée in a car accident!

She remembered an incident before her family's downfall: Greg had bullied Grace at the clubhouse, and Jason had rescued her. Everyone had dismissed it as Greg merely disturbing Jason's peace, Grace fortunate to be rescued. Now, it was clearly no coincidence.

Maria Martin felt a sickening lurch. Her blood felt like it was about to burst.

"But… but Grace…" she began, but Jason's icy gaze silenced her. Horror seized her; continuing would only worsen things.

"Maria Martin, apologize to Young Master Reed and this lady!" Mr. Grant urged.

Humiliated, Maria Martin glared at the impassive Grace. Apologizing felt like a personal insult. Yet, she had no choice; the man beside Grace was Jason.

Just as she braced herself, Jason said, "Then kneel to apologize."

Kneel?! Anger flared. "You want me to kneel and apologize to her?"

"So what? Do you think she doesn't deserve it?" Jason said casually. "It doesn't matter what you think. If I say she deserves it, she deserves it!"

Maria Martin's expression fluctuated as Mr. Grant pressed her to apologize. "Maria Martin, kneel and apologize sincerely! You made a mistake."

But there was a problem: everyone would see. How could she ever hold her head high again? A fierce internal debate raged.

Grace found the situation absurd. Seeing Maria Martin about to kneel, she tried to move away, but Jason's hands held her firmly.

"Sis, don't move. Let her apologize properly," he whispered in her ear.