Chapter 62

Sean replayed the scene from the apartment in his mind. Jason's attitude toward Grace could only be described as gentle. But that didn't make sense. Mr. Reed wasn't gentle; he was all ice. Jason Reed had never been gentle with a woman. Not even Jennifer Atkinson, his fiancée, had been treated with such reverence. Sean recalled their cold interactions; even Lily had mentioned their marriage was one of convenience, a business arrangement.

Suddenly, he remembered the engagement announcement being taken down. They'd assumed it was because of Grace—that Jason hated the Stevens family and disliked their high-profile proposal. But now he realized it was because of Grace, though the motive was entirely different.

At the apartment, Grace and Jason were having their quiet evening meal, a time they looked forward to. Grace recounted what happened at the Sanitation Service Center. “I don’t know why, but the director fired Farah for picking on me. I thought I’d be the one dismissed.”

“Isn’t that good?” Jason asked.

Grace hesitated. “Of course, I’m glad I wasn’t fired, but I’m worried Farah will take revenge.” Farah had been about to hit her before Chase intervened.

“She can’t do anything,” Jason said. He would handle any problems Farah Steele caused. His concern was someone lurking outside in the dark. He hadn't seen them clearly, but suspected it was Sean. Sean must have seen him with Grace at the intersection last night and come to confirm it.

“Do you like living with me like this?” Jason asked Grace.

“Of course I do,” she replied without hesitation.

“Then even if I changed my identity in the future, would you still be willing to live with me?” he asked, his gaze intense.

She blinked, confused. Change his identity? Was he referring to something beyond being homeless? Her friend Lina had always worried that Grace knew too little about him and might be taken advantage of. Grace only knew him as "Jay," that he had no family, and little else. Lina thought he didn't seem like a homeless man; Grace sometimes felt the same. But if he didn't want to tell her, she wouldn't pry. Everyone had secrets.

“I would,” she said gently.

“No matter my status, would you accept me?” he pressed.

He had supported, protected, and defended her, even knowing her past. Would she judge him? The question was answered by her immediate response.

“Yes, no matter what,” she smiled. “Eat quickly before the food gets cold.”

He smiled, a crooked, slightly smug smile. Grace was entranced; she thought his smile was the most beautiful she’d ever seen. She quickly turned her attention back to her food, dismissing the thought. Her "brother" might be attractive, but as his "sister," she should avoid such thoughts.

“Babe, what do you think?” Lily asked in the dress store, wearing a half-million-dollar gown custom-made for the engagement banquet. Sean wondered about the expense, but Lily and her family clearly valued appearances, making a lavish display of their commitment to the engagement.

Sean looked at Lily, the beautiful television star and sole heir to the Atkinson fortune after Jennifer Atkinson's death. Marrying Lily meant gaining entry into the Atkinson family.

“You look beautiful, Lily,” Sean said, feeling satisfied and anticipating the engagement party.