Chapter 34

“Ah? In the car?” The group leader was clearly stunned. He was surprised a ring worth hundreds of thousands of dollars had been lost and that the two women hadn't supervised the search.

“After all, our Lily is a popular celebrity. If she were to stand here and watch you search for the ring, she'd be surrounded by fans in moments,” Annabelle said.

The group leader agreed, likely also wanting to avoid bad press for the Sanitation Center. “You’re right. Go about your day. We’ll contact you if we find anything.”

Lily’s car was parked nearby. Even from inside, she could easily see Grace, dejected and insignificant, digging through the garbage.

“She’s only qualified to go through rubbish,” Annabelle said cruelly, smiling. “Despite her earlier smugness, she's wading through a garbage dump now.”

Lily calmly replied, “Let’s leave soon.”

Grace’s current appearance made her seem less threatening. Even though this woman had once been loved by Sean, she had ultimately been abandoned by him. Yet, in prison, even with ten bleeding fingertips, ripped fingernails, and broken finger bones, she insisted she was framed and innocent.

Why did she suffer such pain and still claim innocence? Did she believe that persistence would somehow exonerate her?

Jennifer was dead! The law considered the evidence!

“Oh right, best to commemorate this,” Annabelle said, taking out her phone to photograph Grace inside the dumpster, hefting broken bags and sifting through refuse and rotting food. Annabelle shook her head. “You’re right. I’m glad we’re leaving. Can you imagine the stench?”

Grace didn't know when this farce would end, but she wouldn't finish work on time. She'd also gotten Claire and several coworkers in trouble by making them stay late.

Grace removed her plastic gloves and called Jay. “Jay, it’s me. There are some issues at the center; I’ll be very late. Make yourself dinner; don’t wait for me.”

A strong male voice responded, “What happened?”

“Oh, it’s you.” Just hearing his voice brightened her spirits.

“It’s just… work issues. Don’t wait for me,” she replied, noticing the group leader glaring at her. She quickly ended the call, put her gloves back on, and continued searching.

In the Reed Group president's office…

Jason instructed his secretary, Terrence, “Look into what happened to Grace at the Sanitation Service Center.”

“Yes, sir.” Terrence left.

Contemplation crossed Jason’s face. He sensed she was hiding something, but what?

Terrence easily uncovered the incident. “Lily alleges she lost a ring worth hundreds of thousands. She called the Sanitation Service Center director, who ordered Miss Cummins to search the rubbish immediately.”

Terrence's use of Lily's full name and respectful address of Grace revealed their relative importance to Jason.

Jason's eyes narrowed. “Go through the rubbish?” His icy tone made Terrence freeze. “Yes.”

“Is it worth searching through rubbish for one stupid ring?” Jason laughed coldly. He muttered to himself before continuing, “Since Lily likes searching for rings so much, let her look until she’s satisfied!”

Terrence, a long-time employee, knew his employer was angry—a rare occurrence. He'd rarely seen Mr. Reed so furious.

(The final "8 Write your comment Gifts" appears to be extraneous and has been omitted.)