Chapter 28

“There should be ninety-nine,” Terrence said. He recalled media interviews in which Mr. Stevens had stated there would be ninety-nine projection ads, representing the love of ninety-nine lifetimes.

“It’s been quite a campaign, sir. And it has certainly elevated Ms. Atkinson. She’s a popular actress, but reports indicate she’ll have several leading roles next year.”

“Remove all of them,” Jason said.

“All of the ads?” Terrence was surprised.

“All of them,” Jason repeated firmly.

“Okay, sir. I will do it.” Terrence suddenly wanted to withdraw the Stevens family's ads. Had Sean or Lily offended Jason? He pondered the reason. Jason's engagement to Jennifer had been a powerful political alliance, promising significant financial gains for both. The Stevens family stood to gain far more, but Reed Corporation didn't need them or their assets. Mr. Reed hadn't commented on the Stevens/Atkinson wedding; he'd even accepted the engagement invitation.

Terrence was puzzled. A chilling possibility struck him.

“Could it be that Mr. Reed wants to withdraw the engagement ads because… of Grace?” Terrence was shocked by his own thought.

Would Mr. Reed do that for a woman? Even for Jennifer, his future wife, Jason had never offended anyone in the business world. What did this woman, Grace, mean to his boss? Grace had driven the car that killed Jennifer.

Terrence was baffled.

Evelyn stood in the hotel corridor, observing a handsome man in a suit and leather shoes—a man who exuded scholarly air.

“Sean… I know. You and my sister’s story is history.”

The Stevens Group was producing a large-scale film. After learning this, Evelyn strategically planned a meeting with Sean at the hotel. Since Grace wouldn't apologize to Sean, Evelyn had to act.

Sean was slightly stunned by the mention of "sister." The incident with Grace at the club a few days earlier flashed into his mind. Although she had once been his beloved, she had nearly destroyed the Stevens family. Had he not ended their relationship in time, and had the Atkinson family not helped, the Stevens Group might now be a third-rate company.

He remembered seeing her at the country club—where they had often dined—wearing an ugly navy blue uniform, stained at the ankles, her hair in a sloppy ponytail. He thought, "My, how she's fallen." He disliked Greg, but not enough to defend his ex-girlfriend.

Grace had been brilliant and hardworking, on the fast track to becoming a senator. She possessed the intelligence and beauty. Until…

Seeing her at society's bottom, literally collecting garbage and sweeping streets, he could hardly believe it. The memory of her desperately clawing at him, her nails scraping, flashed through his mind.

She insisted she'd been wronged!

He almost believed her, but there were witnesses and evidence. How could she have been wrongly accused?

Ultimately, she refused to admit guilt.

And he hated her for it.

She deserved her fate.

“It’s good that you understand,” Sean said coldly.

Evelyn continued, “Well… I’m now the only one in our family who can be relied upon. I hope to secure important roles and earn more money to support my family, but I lack background, and my sister is imprisoned. Getting a good role will be difficult.”

Evelyn painted a miserable picture, hoping for sympathy.

Sean’s expression remained cold. Evelyn pressed on, “After all, my sister once lived comfortably. I can’t bear to see her so destitute. I hope to earn more money and give her a better life. I don’t know if you…”