Chapter 227

Rumors circulated about Jason's abrupt departure from the party. Some speculated he left angrily after an argument with other guests; others suggested he was overwhelmed by the many women present. In short, various explanations abounded.

Grace, reading the online comments, wondered what had happened. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She opened it, gasping at the sight of Jason.

"Ahem… Cough…" She coughed, her face flushing. She couldn't believe the person everyone was discussing was standing before her.

Jason frowned slightly, patting her back. "What's wrong? Why are you choking? Do you have a cold?"

She shook her head. She was simply startled by his unexpected appearance. Catching her breath, she asked, "Why… why are you here?"

"Why? Can't I be here?" he replied rhetorically.

She pressed her lips together. He could be there, but…

He entered, closing the door behind him. The small rented apartment felt even smaller with him present. His gaze fell on her swollen, red left hand. "How did you hurt your hand? Working as an extra?"

He reached for her wrist, but she exclaimed, "Don't touch it! I just applied ointment!"

His fingers paused, but his eyes remained fixed on the swelling. He'd only heard Patrick mention the groveling and kneeling; he hadn't expected her hand to be injured so severely. The redness and swelling were stark against her fair skin.

"It was hit by a prop," Grace replied lightly. Then, surprised, she added, "You know I was an extra today?"

He had, however, noticed a bruise on her forehead. His frown deepened. "Is this from the groveling?"

She gasped as his finger brushed her forehead. Though not as severe as her hand, it throbbed with dull pain. Since he knew she'd been an extra, it wasn't surprising he knew about the groveling. After all, she'd done it in front of many people.

Jason's sullen expression seemed to lower the air pressure in the room. Grace stared, bewildered. Why had he left the party early and come to her apartment just to ask about her work as an extra? Her innocent expression inexplicably irritated him.