Chapter 26

After ordering coffee, Andrea Schwartz deliberately initiated a conversation about Grace's job, hoping to learn more about her situation and gauge Jason's reaction. Jason, however, remained unperturbed; Grace's answer seemed to hold no surprise for him.

"Grace, why don't I speak to your boss? You could get your old job back. Even cleaning would be better than your current sanitation work," Andrea offered, feigning kindness.

Grace's eyes grew cold. "I have no intention of changing jobs."

"Is that so?" Andrea curled her lip. "You'd probably earn more cleaning than you do now. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Grace replied, her tone equally cold.

Andrea tried to continue, but Tyler Barber interrupted. Fortunately, the waiter arrived with their coffee, temporarily halting the conversation.

"Here's the coffee," Andrea said. "It's expensive, but tastes better hot."

Jason gracefully lifted his cup, inhaled the aroma, and took a sip. Andrea found him captivating, like a celebrity; even his simple act of drinking coffee was aesthetically pleasing.

"Mr. Reed," she asked curiously, "how did you meet Grace?"

"She spoke to me in the snow," Jason smiled.

Andrea was taken aback. "So Grace pursued you?" she clarified.

Jason glanced at Grace, who was quietly sipping milk tea. "I suppose so."

Grace almost choked on her drink. When had she done that? However, realizing Andrea's misunderstanding, Grace decided against clarification; she left it to Jason.

"She's lucky to have a handsome boyfriend," Andrea continued. "How long have you known her?"

"A few months, I guess," Jason replied, his patience waning.

Andrea then turned to Grace, seemingly without much thought. "Ever since Grace's release from prison, I've hoped she'd find someone to rely on. Her past was so devastating. Now that she has a boyfriend like Mr. Reed, it's really"

She trailed off, noticing Jason's knowing half-smile. The words caught in her throat.

"Go on," Jason prompted, raising an eyebrow.

Flustered, Andrea stammered, "Reallyreally generous. A lot of men would mind her prison record."

"I don't mind," Jason said, looking indulgently at Grace. "Her past doesn't matter; I only want her to be with me willingly."