Chapter 57

Grace glanced sideways, then sighed with relief. Looking up at Jason, she asked, “Have you paid the bill?”

“Mm-hmm. Yes,” he replied.

“Then let’s go,” she said, grabbing her bag and hurrying out of the restaurant, almost as if fleeing.

“What’s wrong? Are you hiding from someone?” he asked.

She paused, a fleeting, troubled expression crossing her face. “My former colleagues are here. I… I don’t want them to see me.” She offered a self-deprecating smile. “It’s ridiculous, isn’t it? They all know what happened, and they probably know how miserable I am, but I still can’t bear to face them.”

She didn’t want to see their sympathy, their pity, or their disgust. She had embarrassed her firm after the accident. The news had quickly reported not only her name but also her law firm. The headline, “Top Attorney Needs Her Own Attorney,” had been a juicy bit of gossip.

Law had once been her life's calling. But now, while her colleagues continued their careers, it was a profession she could no longer pursue.

Her self-deprecating expression pierced his heart. He squeezed her hand tighter, saying softly, “Let’s avoid them. One day, you’ll shine brighter than anyone else.”

“Shine…” she murmured, a bitter smile playing on her lips. Right now, just surviving was hard enough.

A different voice cut through Jason's thoughts. It was his father. “I heard Lily wanted to help Grace Cummins find a job. I’m warning you, stay out of it. That woman killed Lily’s sister—Jason’s fiancée! The Stevens family can’t afford to offend Jason!”

Sean frowned slightly. “I understand,” he replied.

“We can’t afford to offend Jason Reed,” his father emphasized. For him, it was all about money and business; happiness was irrelevant.

Sean had heard this countless times. People had questioned his relationship with Grace. Fortunately, after their breakup, he’d started dating Lily. His family approved; the Atkinsons and Stevens were a good match. There had almost been a marriage between the Atkinsons and Reeds years ago, and despite it falling through, business dealings continued. The Stevens family hoped the Atkinsons would intervene if necessary with Jason Reed.

Family connections were crucial. Businesses thrived or failed based on their relationships with other wealthy families.

After the call, Sean stopped at a red light. Grace's face flashed in his mind.

She was undeniably different. While her face remained the same, her demeanor had changed. Seeing her in sanitation worker’s clothes had confirmed his breakup decision. Grace was poor, broken, an embarrassment to herself. Lily was the perfect match for him; Grace was a memory, perhaps even a stain on his past.

Yet, he felt guilty. He’d refused to help her gather evidence that year, even breaking up with her. Some would call it heartless. He had felt pangs of guilt.

But who told her to hit Jennifer Atkinson? She’d offended both the Atkinsons and Reeds—making it impossible for him to help.

As he pondered this, he saw a slender figure across the intersection—Grace!

Stunned, he noticed a man beside her; they were talking, then Grace tilted her chin up as the man leaned in. They were about to kiss.

Anger flared. He hadn’t expected her to move on so quickly after prison. His attempts to help seemed futile.