Chapter 197

"Tell me, what will Grace think if she finds out the truth someday?" Master Reed asked.

Jason smiled, but his eyes were cold. "She'll never know the truth."

Master Reed grunted. "Do you think that's possible? Now that I know, I'm sure one day, she'll also—"

Jason interrupted. "She'll never know. Right, Grandfather?" His cold voice was low, audible only to them. Master Reed saw a threatening flash in his grandson's eyes. Was this grandson daring to threaten him for a woman? An uneasy feeling welled up in Master Reed's heart. Would his grandson truly remain unconquered by a woman? Could things get worse?

Over the weekend, Grace took the bus to the hospital where her grandmother was. Her grandmother's ward, however, was crowded with relatives. Their faces held a variety of expressions when they saw Grace, especially those of her first uncle, second uncle, third aunt, and their families, who regarded her with fear and hatred. Grace ignored their thoughts, concerned only with her grandmother's illness.

"Grace," her grandmother called weakly. "Come here, let me see you."

Grace went to her bedside and took her hand. "Grandmother."

"I know," her grandmother said, her eyes moistening. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that."

"I just want you to get better, Grandmother," Grace replied.

Her third aunt complained, "Mom, what did she go through? We're the ones who suffered! We were locked up for so long…"

"You're the one to talk!" her grandmother glared.

Her third aunt tried to retort but was silenced by other relatives, who helped ease the tension. The subject was dropped.

Her grandmother held Grace's hand and spoke for a while, but her illness soon caused fatigue. The nurse entered and asked everyone to leave so the patient could rest.

Outside, some relatives departed. Grace's grandfather, Old Mr. Kelleigh, said, "While your grandmother's illness continues, medical expenses are mounting. Let's share the burden; everyone contributes a portion."

Her first uncle, second uncle, third aunt, and their families, seemingly aware of this, all looked at Grace at once.