Chapter 321

Leaving the company after another unsuccessful interview, Grace offered a wry smile. Despite her mental preparation—she'd even been willing to work as an unpaid rider, a concession some companies offered—she'd been rejected.

Seeing it was nearly noon, she found a small roadside restaurant and ordered a ten-dollar bowl of noodles, the cheapest on the menu. An old television set in the restaurant played a news replay from the previous day. Initially listening casually, Grace looked up sharply at the mention of a familiar company: the one where she'd first interviewed for the rider position, and whose boss had called Jason to discuss her application.

Jason had previously expressed his desire to leave that company. Now, the news reported the company was facing a capital crisis. Funds earmarked for investment had been abruptly canceled, and numerous private investors were protesting outside.

Grace watched, horrified. Had Jason caused this? Could he have single-handedly reduced a promising company to such disarray in mere days? If so, he was incredibly capable. If not… were such coincidences even possible?

These thoughts occupied her as she ate. Suddenly, she felt a tug on her shin. Looking down, she saw a beautiful three-year-old boy, clad in dirty clothes but possessing delicate features and soft, fair skin. She wanted to pinch his chubby cheeks. His dark, round eyes were fixed on her.

Looking around the nearly full lunchtime restaurant, Grace couldn't determine which table he belonged to. She picked him up; his gaze remained on her noodles.

"Do you want some noodles?" she asked.

The boy remained unresponsive, his eyes glued to the bowl. Grace decided she wouldn't feed the boy until she found his family.

Just then, a modestly dressed woman in her thirties rushed up, apologizing profusely. "I'm so sorry my son bothered you. It's my fault for not watching him. I'm so sorry"

Grace recognized the woman as the restaurant cashier, whom she'd seen earlier. She'd even heard someone call her "boss." She hadn't expected her to be the boy's mother.