Chapter 78

Grace found "Jay" in her contacts and called. After a moment, he answered. "Hello."

"I have something to do," Grace said. "I'm afraid I'll be late. You you can prepare dinner for yourself."

"What do you mean, 'you have something to do'?"

"Just tell him you're in the hospital," Lina interrupted.

Jay's tone changed. "What does she mean, 'you're in the hospital'?"

"I fell and I'm waiting for X-rays."

"In the hospital?" Jay confirmed.

"Yes," Grace sighed.

"Which hospital?" he asked. "I'm coming now."

"You don't have to," she said hurriedly. "Lina's here. Just wait at home. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Silence. After a minute, Jay repeated, "Which hospital?"

Grace bit her lip. "First City."

A chill ran through her. The thought of inconveniencing him unsettled her. Orphaned as a child, estranged from her family throughout her adolescence, and later imprisoned, she'd learned to be self-reliant. She wasn't comfortable troubling others; no one owed her anything. She could handle things herself—mostly.

If not for Lina, she would have come alone, saying nothing. She didn't think she'd broken anything, but she'd hit her head hard. Everything ached, and she feared internal bleeding.

"I'm coming now," Jay said, then hung up. He immediately called his secretary, Terrence. "Investigate what happened to Grace today."

"Yes, sir," Terrence replied.

"Also, find the best orthopedic surgeon at First City. Make sure he's on call and check on Grace's condition," Jason instructed. "I expect a report before I arrive."

"Understood, sir."

Terrence stared at his phone, stunned. Mr. Reed's feelings for Grace were escalating. His instructions were precise, and Terrence knew his moods well enough to understand Jason's seriousness. Failure to comply would have dire consequences.

Terrence recalled Mr. Reed's initial reaction to Grace Cummins. He'd helped her, as he might any stranger. Then he'd accepted her kindness and spent the night. Gradually, he'd spent more time at her apartment, virtually moving in. Initially shaken by her electric bike accident, he was now demanding every detail of her current situation and treatment. And that didn't include the slights against her that he'd already retaliated for. He was waging war on anyone who dared to hurt her.

The same woman who'd killed his fiancée. It was unsettling. Mr. Reed was calculating and cold. He showed little strong emotion for anyone—not his former fiancée, not even his family. His current behavior was…fascinating.

While waiting for her X-rays, a nurse wheeled Grace from the ER to a private wing. The rooms were spacious, single-bed, and luxurious.

"Why am I here?" Grace asked. "Dr. Haan was treating me."

The nurse shrugged. "I was told to bring you to Dr. Craigge. He's the best. You're lucky; he's usually off today."

Grace was rolled into a bright, modern room with a large window, television, and couches. Before the bed stopped rolling, a middle-aged man entered, grabbing her chart.

"Hello," he said, eyes on the chart, not Grace.

"Hello, Doctor," Grace replied carefully.

The nurse smiled and left.

Dr. Craigge had been summoned by the hospital director. As senior attending physician, he knew the call was serious. There were many top orthopedic surgeons—he'd interviewed and hired them.

Under the guise of reading the chart, he observed Grace. Her clothes were simple, even cheap. Her hospital gown covered her top, but her worn pants and faded shoes showed signs of use. She was average height and weight, with clear eyes, clean hair, and no makeup or jewelry.

Her chart revealed disturbing information. "Don't make any mistakes," the director had said. Dr. Craigge didn't need threats; he always gave his best. He'd been called in for politicians and businessmen before. This girl didn't seem important. But it didn't matter; she was his patient now. As a doctor, he didn't care about a patient's importance or wealth. There was an injured human being before him, and he would