Chapter 50

Just then, Farah Steele approached, briefly glancing at Grace with undisguised contempt. "Honestly, Claire," she said, "why are you talking to her? This woman has been to jail! She killed someone!"

Before Claire could reply, Farah continued, "It's not 'private' if it's all over the internet. She went to jail for reckless driving—drunken driving—and she killed someone!"

"Farah, we're all colleagues," Claire began. "And there are privacy issues to consider—"

"Why are you defending her, Claire? She killed Jennifer Atkinson—Lily Atkinson's sister! It's no coincidence Lily was here looking for a nonexistent ring. She was targeting Grace, and we all got dragged into it."

"But didn't she apologize and compensate us?" Claire asked. "Farrah, that compensation is half of what many of us make in a year."

Farah's mouth tightened, her eyes narrowed. She was clearly displeased. "I knew you'd take her side," she said. "When I told the others…"

It was obvious Farah had leaked the news of Grace's imprisonment. No surprise there; Farah had never pretended to be friendly with Grace.

Farah continued, "…I knew it…when I saw her talking to Sean and Lily on the roadside. I thought, 'Wait a second, this isn't right!' I knew things weren't as they seemed. I don't know how you live with yourself. You should've stayed in prison. It's what you deserve."

"That's enough," Claire interrupted. "This is none of your business, Farrah. You can't harass another employee—"

"Harass?! She's a killer! Honestly, Claire, did you receive a bribe from Grace or something? Why are you defending her?"

Farah's mockery stung, and Claire took a step back. She had accepted the jacket and payment Grace received from Lily.

Grace opened her mouth to defend herself, but Chase intervened. "All right," he said. "The car crash was an accident. Grace didn't intend to do it."

Seeing Chase defend her, Grace was relieved, but it only angered Farah further. Farah was interested in Chase, but he showed her little attention. His defense of Grace only inflamed the situation.

Farah's expression soured. "Chase, why are you defending Grace? Do you think she'll like you? Do you know her ex-boyfriend is Sean Stevens, heir to the Stevens Corporation? When Sean saw Grace as a sanitation worker that day, it probably spoiled his appetite. I bet he'd vomit in disgust thinking about dating her."

Chase flushed.

Grace looked at Farah coldly. "Are you done?"

"Are you denying you were in jail, or that you're Sean's ex-girlfriend?" Farah retorted. "Why pretend to be innocent when you've been to jail?"

"I'm not pretending. So what if I've been to jail? I paid my debt to society. And it's none of your business who I dated. And just because I'm a sanitation worker doesn't mean I can't have dated anyone before. What's your point about sanitation workers?"

Farah recoiled, wary of the reactions around her. She’d offended many by mentioning sanitation work.

Grace continued, "Farah Steele, just because you're in management doesn't mean you can look down on my profession."

Several workers nodded in agreement. Many sanitation workers were present, and their anger was evident.

Grace continued, "You have a slightly exalted position, and you want to abuse your power. Fine, insult me. But look at the people in this room. They're honest, hardworking people supporting their families. Think about that before insulting them or their professions."

Murmurs of agreement arose. Grace smirked. "You bullies, you're all the same…"

Farah glared. "Grace, you… wait and see!"

Grace nodded. "Yeah. I'll be here. You know where to find me."

Grace started to leave, but Chase called out, "Wait… Grace, I… I don't think you're the person Farah says you are."

Grace paused but didn't respond, continuing on her way. She appreciated Chase's support, but it didn't change things. He knew her past. Even if he had liked her before, those feelings would likely change. They always did.