Chapter 70

"Do you think she would still be willing to stay by my side?" Jason asked.

Terrence was slightly surprised. "Do you want Miss Cummins to continue accompanying you?"

Since this was only a game, wouldn't it end once Mr. Reed revealed his true identity to Grace? Or could Mr. Reed's feelings for her have grown?

Thinking this, Terrence clutched the papers. "Mr. Reed, you" He hesitated.

"What do you want to say? Speak!" Jason ordered.

Terrence frowned. "Mr. Reed, have you fallen in love with Miss Cummins?"

So, that was why Mr. Reed had been so keen on the game and secretly done so much for Grace. It may have started as a game, but it had evolved into something more. And if Mr. Reed worried about Grace's future with him his feelings were strong.

Jason drew a deep breath. He had fallen in love? How could that be? No. That wasn't right. And Terrence was a fool to suggest it.

How could he have fallen in love with any woman? Wasn't his father's example enough? He would never be so weak, desperate, or pathetic as to be at someone else's mercy. At most, he liked Grace's company. She was kind and uncomplicated, kept her questions to herself, and didn't seek his company for personal gain. She was selfless and patient. Her presence comforted him.

That's all it was.

"Don't say that again," Jason said coldly.

Terrence shivered. "Yes, sir."

He bowed and left the office.

The lights were intoxicating. Patrick Weiss looked curiously at Jason, who sat lazily on the sofa. Jason rarely attended these gatherings, but he'd made an exception tonight.

Patrick leaned over. "Why did you come?"

He and Jason were childhood friends, classmates throughout middle and high school. He knew Jason was quiet and disliked social events. Jason was often bombarded by businessmen and women seeking his attention.

Jason wasn't a partygoer. He didn't drink excessively and didn't care about being seen at trendy places.

"Seriously, bro. I invited you out of habit. I didn't think you'd actually come. What gives?"

Jason sipped his drink. "Do I need a reason? Don't you guys always ask me to join you?"

Fair enough. But they always asked, and he rarely accepted. What changed tonight? Jason's answer made sense, but Patrick still found it strange.

A gorgeously dressed woman approached Jason and began a conversation. Patrick expected Jason to reject her, but he let her sit beside him. Patrick was shocked when Jason ordered her a drink.

Why was he letting a woman get so close? Had the sun risen in the west?

Patrick turned to his other friend, Brian Hart. Brian was similar in height but bulkier; while Patrick was lighthearted, Brian was serious—except with women. He never dated the same woman twice.

Brian stood at the bar, playing with a silver bracelet. "Are you seeing this too?" he asked, laughing. "Our boy Jason is in quite a mood."

"You think he's changing?"

Patrick shrugged. This wasn't typical Jason. Brian's dark eyes glittered.

Brian spun the bracelet. "What's with you and that bracelet?" Patrick reached for it.

Brian jerked his hand away. "Don't touch it." His eyes darkened.

Patrick tilted his head. If Jason was cold, Brian was ice. Despite his partying and numerous flings, Brian seemed detached. Even in conversations, he often seemed absent. Patrick had never seen a woman truly capture his heart.