Chapter 343

"What if the pain gets worse if you don't take your medicine?" Grace asked. Suddenly, remembering something, she pulled out her phone and browsed an online pharmacy.

Although the pharmacy was a little far, the expedited service fee was acceptable. The medicine would arrive in 20 minutes—faster than waiting for security to buy it.

Grace ordered the same medicine she had previously purchased for Jason. After placing the order, her gaze returned to him.

He was curled into a ball, his lips pressed together as if to stifle a moan, his breath shallow. His eyes were closed, his long lashes casting shadows beneath them. The man who ruled Emerald City looked like a vulnerable child, struggling alone with his pain.

Grace felt a pang of sympathy. He was the last person she should pity, yet she couldn't control her heartache.

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On a nearby desk sat the same photograph displayed in the hall. In front of it was a memorial tablet inscribed, "In loving memory of Kim Reed."

Was Jason's father Kim Reed? The name seemed to suit him, suggesting a certain gentility. Beside the tablet was a photograph of a beautiful woman with long, wavy black hair and captivating, amorous eyes.

Grace noticed the woman's eyes resembled Jason's. Could this be his mother?

Doubt gnawed at her, but relieving Jason's stomachache was paramount. Spotting a water dispenser, she filled a glass with warm water and approached him. "Here," she said, "drink some water. It might help."

His eyelashes fluttered; he slowly opened his eyes. "Do you wish I hurt less, Sis?"

She remained silent, helping him sit up and holding the glass to his lips. He drank slowly but steadily, finishing the entire glass.

He closed his eyes. "But I wish I could hurt more."

Confused, Grace listened as he murmured, "I'm afraid my pain is far less than what you suffered. Will you feel better if I hurt more? If so, will you hate me less?"

Grace was surprised. She never imagined Jason would say such a thing. Was he apologizing for her imprisonment?

Just then, her phone rang. It was the delivery person with the medicine.