Chapter 177

“Jason has been supporting Grace ever since!”

Grace followed Jason into a private room. After she sat, Jason asked the manager to bring appetizers.

“Come on, eat something to take the edge off your hunger. The appetizers here are quite good.” He picked up a piece, offering it to her.

Grace hesitated before taking and eating the appetizer.

Jason then placed the menu before her. “Sis, take a look. Is there anything you’d like?”

“No, you can order for me. I don’t have any preferences.” Even while eating the delicate appetizer, her tongue felt numb; she couldn’t fully savor the taste.

Jason narrowed his eyes, staring at Grace. The atmosphere instantly grew cold.

The manager, still in the room, held his breath, his heart pounding. He feared this powerful man would lose his temper.

Fortunately, Jason smiled. “Then I’ll order for you.”

He ordered several dishes, the manager meticulously recording them before discreetly leaving the room.

Outside, the manager finally relaxed. Who would guess Emerald City’s seemingly ruthless emperor could be so considerate towards a woman? The woman, however, seemed unwilling to accept his care.

“Manager, did Young Master Reed bring that woman here for a meal?” a curious waitress asked. “What’s their relationship?”

The manager glared. “Some things are none of your business. Do you think Young Master Reed was joking when he forced her to kneel and apologize? She won’t have a peaceful life in Emerald City from now on!”

The waitress shrank back, but still glanced curiously at Jason’s private room.

Meanwhile, Jason smiled at Grace. “Sis, you don’t like the appetizers? I’ll have them changed.”

“No need,” Grace replied, looking at the cheerful man. Once, she had loved that smile; it had seemed to banish all her weariness. Now, it filled her with dread. “Does this mean I can go home after the meal?”

A flicker crossed his gaze. “Are you in a hurry?”

“I want to rest early,” she excused herself. The truth was, she wanted to avoid him. Every moment with him highlighted the gulf between them.

Her heart ached for the Jason she remembered—a Jason she knew was a fabrication, a persona he’d created. But she still missed Jay.

“You’re afraid of me,” he stated, not as a question.

Her body tensed; she pressed her lips together.

“Why? Because I’m Jason?” His gaze seemed to pierce her. “Sis, do you still miss Jay?”