Chapter 48

“The management has instructed us not to approve any article about Grace Cummins,” the editor replied.

Brian asked in amazement, “Is the Stevens or Atkinson family behind this?” It made no sense to him. He had previously written about Lily, and the editor had approved that news. Yet, he was forbidden from writing anything about Grace!

“It’s not them. That’s enough; don’t ask any more questions. If this news is released, you’ll lose your job, and I’ll be fired!” the editor said.

Brian rubbed his eyes. To say he was shocked was an understatement. The editor's statement seemed like a gross exaggeration.

“Grace… is just a sanitation worker. Who would want to protect her?”

“You’re too young. This world holds many things beyond your comprehension,” the editor replied with a sigh. He, too, was puzzled by Mr. Reed's efforts to protect Grace.

Meanwhile, Jason watched Grace put away the utensils. “I heard the woman who asked you to find her ring went to the Sanitation Service Center to apologize.”

“Yes,” Grace replied, “but I gave her gift to Claire.”

“Did you see Sean? The news reported he showed up with his fiancée, Lily.” He watched Grace carefully for her reaction.

“Yes, I saw him,” Grace replied calmly, as if he were inconsequential.

Jason crossed the room. “How do you feel? Did seeing Sean again upset you?”

Grace looked up. “I think I understand.” She smiled softly. “Jay, are you worried about me? Don’t worry. I promise I won’t grieve over a man like him.”

“Worried?” Jason’s gaze intensified. His worry was only part of it…

Grace stroked his head—a tender gesture she’d been doing more frequently. He wouldn’t lie; he enjoyed the feel of her hands on him, even a simple touch like tucking his hair back.

“Jay, Sean means nothing to me. I wouldn’t be sad over someone who doesn’t love me. Sadness would mean I still loved him.”

Jason searched her eyes for any deception.

“Truly,” she said. “I’m glad I feel nothing when I see him. And I’m even more glad I didn’t marry him.”

“Oh? Wouldn’t your life have been easier if he’d supported you? You might be married to him now and not working.”

“That’s not the measure of happiness,” she said. “And I don’t mind working. What I mean is,” Grace continued, “if my emotions could fade, they weren’t that strong to begin with.”

“Hmm.”

Her statement resonated with him. Hearing her assert her feelings for Sean weren’t strong filled him with relief.

“The accident and everything that followed revealed Sean’s true nature. I’m grateful for that. It was a blessing to learn he wasn’t the man for me.”

Jason considered her words. Conflict, hardship, loss—they define us. Grace had faced terrible adversity but had overcome it. Maybe not financially—she had a low-paying job and lived in a modest apartment—but she remained positive and happy. That was more than he could say for most people in his social circles. They had money and opportunities, most of which they squandered through selfish choices or foolishness.

Still, something in her words made him wonder… “Sister, will you ever be sad for me?”

It wasn’t fair, he realized, but he couldn’t help it. He craved her attention—even her negative emotions.

Grace was shocked, speechless.

“Will you?” he asked, bending closer, crowding her. He watched her pupils dilate, her pulse flutter at her neck. She gasped slightly. In her gaze, he saw attraction and uncertainty.

“I… what I meant is, if I loved someone, I would be sad. But Jay, you’re my brother…” Grace replied, her mouth dry.

“Can’t you love your brother?” Jason asked. “We are family…”

He lifted her chin with his knuckles, angling closer, leaving no doubt of his intentions…