Chapter 324

Grace's first reaction was that Jason would target the small restaurant. An up-and-coming company, described by others as having a bright future, was now in jeopardy and likely to be eliminated—let alone a small restaurant.

“I… I hadn’t thought of it that way,” she muttered. She didn’t want anything to happen to Kyla’s restaurant because of her. Kyla seemed like a kind person, and she could tell that caring for a deaf son must be incredibly burdensome.

“It’s best if you hadn’t. You can stay here in peace,” Jason said with a smile.

Grace pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Jason took Grace’s hands and pressed her palms against his cheeks. “Since you’re determined to find your own job, have it your way, but no matter how late you come back every night, you must bid me good night, all right?”

She was surprised by his request. Bid him good night… That’s what she used to say to him every night in their rental house. He had been her family then, someone she thought she could depend on.

Were they still family now?

He smiled, appearing perfectly at ease. She only felt her palms growing hotter and hotter until they burned.

Grace took her credentials the next day and went to the small restaurant as planned. Kyla Corbyn checked Grace in, gave her a briefing, and assigned her an electric bike.

“You can ride this to and from work. By the way, do you know how to ride this?” Kyla Corbyn asked, remembering the question.

“Yes, I’ve ridden one before, but not in years. After a little practice, I should be able to manage,” Grace said truthfully.

“Then you can practice later,” Kyla Corbyn said. “You know you’ve been in a car accident before, so you need to be careful on the electric bike. Don’t exceed the speed limit, even if you want to be fast. It’s alright if you’re late. Better safe than sorry. It’s for your safety and the safety of others.”

Grace replied, “Yes, I know. I’ll be careful not to speed.”

Kyla Corbyn smiled. “Well, that’s it. Your salary will be paid on the 15th of every month. I’ll pay you a basic Social Security wage. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.”

“All right,” said Grace. Suddenly, she felt something clinging to her leg. She looked down and saw a young, beautiful face.

Grace remembered Kyla calling the child “Nelson” the previous day.

“Come here, Nelson,” Kyla Corbyn said, gesturing to her son.

However, the little one clung to Grace’s legs, looking up at her curiously and ignoring his mother. Kyla Corbyn stepped forward, intending to pull her son away.