Chapter 340

Previously, Jason wouldn't leave the Reed Residence, not even for significant events, spending nights at his father's memorial tablet to avoid repeating his father's mistakes. This continued for years. Tonight, however, was different.

Jason escorted Grace from the hospital. A black car waited outside. Inside, Grace felt as if she were dreaming. She'd anticipated a nightmare, but his arrival was unexpected.

"Are you scared?" he asked, covering her still-trembling hand.

Grace nodded, biting her lip. How could she not be afraid? Her fate felt entirely in another's hands, her struggles meaningless, her life seemingly at the mercy of another's whim.

"I can't believe he's more impatient than I thought, and would choose this day," she whispered, a little stunned. "What's special about… today?"

Her question altered his demeanor. His lips tightened, his deep eyes fixing on hers with an intensity that felt almost predatory. The car's atmosphere grew heavy.

Grace tried to withdraw her hand, but Jason tightened his grip, staring at her before finally looking out the window. She wondered if there was some unspoken significance to this day; his gaze had felt like trespassing on forbidden ground.

At the Reed Residence, Grace followed Jason out of the car.

"It's late. Go to bed. The old man got what he wanted today. He won't bother you again, so don't be afraid," Jason said. He understood, given their family connection, why the old man had chosen this particular day.

He walked Grace to her room, but instead of entering his own next door, he went downstairs. Grace was surprised.

That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, haunted by the image of Jason descending the stairs. Where was he going? Wasn't he returning to his room? He seemed different tonight.

Hesitantly, she looked at the door between their rooms. A quick glance would reveal if he had returned, but…

Stop being curious! she told herself. Curiosity killed the cat! Don't be curious about a man like Jason!

Despite her mental admonishments, her hand pushed open the door. The room was dark. Using the light from her own room, she saw it was empty.