Chapter 24

Seeing Grace working, Chase shook his head. "Excuse me. You're right. I'll go, since you're busy."

As Chase left, Jason grabbed Grace's chin, half-forcing her to face him. "I don't like you seeing other men like this. He doesn't seem trustworthy."

Grace laughed. "What are you thinking? I have no intentions toward him."

"Does that mean he has no intentions toward you?" Jason asked.

She was speechless.

"Is he the colleague who likes you?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I've already asked my friend Claire to discourage him. He's a nice guy, and well-meaning, but I'm not looking for a relationship. I didn't expect him to approach me today."

"If you don't like him, refuse him directly," Jason said. "He's not worthy of you."

Grace laughed. "You think too highly of me. I'm probably not good enough for him. He has a house, a car, and a steady job. Many girls at work like him."

"You are worth much more," he said quietly. His tone held an unnoticed possessiveness.

After Grace finished cleaning the road and was preparing to pack up her tools to return to the Sanitation Service Center, Mia rushed from the side of the building. "Please forgive me! I can't lose this job; it's very important! Please tell the director you forgive me and ask him to cancel the dismissal."

Mia still believed Grace was responsible.

Grace shook her head. "You're mistaken. I have no influence here. I don't know what you did or why you're being let go, but it has nothing to do with me. I have no connection to your director."

"That's impossible!" Mia said anxiously. "You're the only one I've offended. Did Sean see something and retaliate on your behalf? Was I dismissed because of that?"

That seemed the only explanation.

Grace finally understood. "Mia, you're imagining things. Sean he doesn't care about me. He hasn't forgiven me, and I assure you, he wouldn't lift a finger for me!"

"You need to fix this!" Mia insisted.

Grace thought: I'm the victim here, and this bitch thinks I owe her something?

"I don't know what you're talking about," Grace said coldly. "If you think Sean is to blame, talk to him." She took Jason's hand and walked past Mia.

Mia tried to follow, but Jason's brief glance stopped her. His look instilled a sense of fear. She felt that further pursuit might worsen her situation.

She couldn't see his face clearly—his hair obscured much of it—but his eyes terrified her.