Chapter 19:

Was that man the person she loved? He didn't ask. The present him didn't have the right. Perhaps in the future, if he succeeded, he might have the qualification to face her again.

Chase Harper started the car and drove away. Grace walked toward her rental house. Before she reached the door, she saw the lights on. She had clearly turned them off before leaving. Could it be?

A shiver ran down her spine. She opened the door and saw a brightly lit room and Jason sitting in a chair.

"You—" she said, entering the house. "It's so late. Why are you here?"

"I should be asking you that, Sis. You didn't have overtime or duty today, so why are you so late?" He studied her, his eyes slightly raised.

"A colleague resigned. We went out for a farewell dinner," Grace replied.

"Which colleague?" he asked.

She hesitated. "Chase Harper." Even if she didn't say it, he'd find out.

He raised an eyebrow. "He didn't drive you back, did he?"

Grace remained silent, her expression a tacit admission.

"Sis, are you still going to pretend you don't care about him? If you didn't care, why would you let him drive you home again and again?" He stood, approaching her.

She met his gaze. "He's just a colleague. We won't even be colleagues anymore. Believe me or not, that's all I can say."

He stopped before her. His black eyes seemed to assess the truth in her words. Under his scrutiny, she unconsciously held her breath. His gaze was intense; her palms broke out in a cold sweat.

She knew she couldn't show any affection for Chase Harper. It would be bad for him. The less she cared, the better.

Suddenly, he smiled, the intensity in his gaze vanishing unexpectedly.

"Sis, are you nervous?" he asked gently, taking her hand. He gently pried open her clenched fingers. "Your palm is very sweaty."

"Being stared at like thatit's hard not to be nervous," she said, withdrawing her hand. She put her bag down. "It's late. I want to sleep." (This implicitly conveys her desire for him to leave.)

"Then sleep well," he said.

"What about you?"

"I'll stay here."

Grace jumped. "You're staying here?!" Her voice rose slightly.