Chapter 19:

"Reed men should never fall in love," Master Reed snarled, his face contorted with anger—a dangerous state for a man only two days removed from death.

Jason refused to appease him. "Grandfather," he said lightly, "I've declared my intentions. I can protect her. The doctor said, with proper care, you might live a few more years."

Master Reed chuckled, a sound laced with fury. "Of course you're my grandson. You're clearly smitten. Have you forgotten your father's fate? Are you following in his footsteps?"

"Even if I love her," Jason replied, "she won't control me."

"Your father said the same! Look what happened! He died for a woman!" Master Reed mocked.

Jason rose, his voice cold. He leaned over the old man, his dark eyes piercing. "Grandfather, I am not my father. Don't confuse us."

Their gazes locked, tension crackling in the air, a sense of foreboding palpable. Finally, Master Reed broke the silence. "So, you intend to marry her?"

"Why not?" Jason said. He'd always viewed marriage as securing a mother for a future Reed heir. Now, he wanted Grace. He found her captivating, even enjoyable company. He craved her, felt possessive, a desire to shield her from the world. This feeling was unprecedented. He couldn't bear the thought of her with another man; the idea sparked a potent jealousy.

Master Reed remained surprisingly calm. "I've investigated. Grace knows your identity, yet she remains in a peasant's house. She may not want you."

Jason smiled gently, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "Time will tell if I want her to marry me. Grandfather, if I want a woman, she will be willing."

"Willing?" Master Reed coughed, grabbing a file from his bedside table and flinging it at Jason. "Do you think she'll remain willing after this?"

Papers scattered across the floor. Jason picked some up, examining them.

"When she learns the accident was a power struggle you participated in, that she was a victim—will she still be 'willing'?" Master Reed demanded.

Jason's smile vanished, his handsome face hardening. "I didn't expect you to discover this."

"You didn't care to hide it," Master Reed stated.

"My mistake," Jason admitted humbly.