Chapter 299
He seemed to ignore her words, staring at her and asking, "Are you going to hurt me, Sis?"
Her body shuddered; her throat tightened, as if words were caught there. His eyes were fixed on her, as if piercing her.
After a long silence, he muttered, "Is that a difficult question? It's all right if you don't want to answer, but let me remind you" He leaned close, whispering in her ear, "Never hurt me, all right?"
He would praise her to the heavens, love her to the earth, and protect her, ensuring her happiness and safety for life—as long as she didn't hurt him. As long as she didn't hurt him!
In the large room, Grace fidgeted, frequently checking her phone's clock, calculating how long until she received news of her best friend. Jason, meanwhile, had changed into casual clothes and sat on the sofa, reviewing professional reports.
Watching him, Grace recalled his words: She must never hurt him. The statement seemed redundant. Who in Emerald City could hurt a man like him?
As if sensing her gaze, he looked up. "Are you thinking of me? Or Lina Sweeney?"
She was thinking of Lina, with occasional flashes of his earlier warning. Yet, she felt unable to tell him the truth. Despite his gentle demeanor, she feared offending him. She couldn't afford to; she relied on him to find Lina.
Just then, Jason's phone rang—the sound sharp in the quiet room. Grace's eyes immediately went to the phone on the coffee table. It was already 11 p.m. Could the call be from the investigator Jason had hired?
Jason glanced at the caller ID, answered, and seeing Grace's eager expression, activated the speakerphone.
A man's voice said, "We've found her, Young Master Reed. Lina Sweeney was taken by Hadwin Stephenson. She should be at his house in Crescent Bay."
Jason frowned. "Hadwin Stephenson?"
"Yes, sir. He captured her today," the man confirmed.
"All right," Jason said, ending the call. He looked at Grace. "When did Lina Sweeney become involved with Hadwin Stephenson?"
Grace looked confused. "Hadwin Stephenson? Who is he?"