Chapter 87

Sean wanted to make amends before Jason Reed could further harm the Stevens family. He tried repeatedly to contact Jason's assistant, Terrence, but to no avail. It was clear Jason was avoiding him. Sean, however, couldn't ignore the situation; he had to protect his family. In a risky move, he went to Grace's apartment and waited outside.

Spotting a Bentley and recognizing Jason exiting the vehicle, Sean hurried from his Ferrari.

"Mr. Reed," Sean pleaded, "the previous incident was due to my sister's lack of propriety. I've compensated Miss Cummins and will make further reparations. Please show mercy and leave the Stevens family alone."

Jason snorted. "Leave the Stevens family alone?"

"If you have conditions, please state them. I will fulfill any reasonable request," Sean offered.

Jason's cold, dark eyes offered no mercy. Sean felt a chill run down his spine.

"Come to think of it," Jason said, "I owe you a favor."

Sean was stunned. "A favor, Mr. Reed? When would you need one?" he asked nervously. "Of course, I'll do anything I can."

"I'll let the Stevens family off the hook," Jason said calmly, "as long as Zoe doesn't attend your engagement dinner."

Sean waited, expecting further demands. "Is that all?"

Jason simply stared.

Sean sighed in relief. Keeping Zoe away wasn't a significant problem. It would upset his parents and sister, but ultimately, they could all save face.

"Thank you, Mr. Reed," Sean said quickly. "I'll ensure it."

"Don't thank me. I should thank you," Jason said, lowering his voice so only Sean could hear. He placed a hand on Sean's shoulder, leaning in. "I should thank you for breaking up with Grace so thoroughly. If you hadn't, I'd have had to put more effort into it now."

Jason spoke gently, as if sharing an amicable anecdote. He then strolled away, seemingly unconcerned.

Sean remained rooted to the spot, bewildered. What had just happened? Did Jason mean that Grace would have been his target if Sean hadn't broken up with her? Jason's words sounded more like a threat than a thank you.

Meanwhile, Zoe sat in a high-end club, bored and waiting for friends. She couldn't believe her brother had blamed her for the bank loan rejection. As if offending Grace Cummins mattered! Grace had no connections or influential friends; her family was reportedly estranged. How could a "road sweeper" like Grace influence the bank's decision? It was absurd.

Just then, the private room door opened, not to her friends, but to a group of menacing men.

"Who are you?" Zoe asked cautiously.

They closed the door, one man blocking her escape. Fear gripped her, and she reached for her phone, intending to call for help, though her thoughts were racing.

"What do you want?" she asked, trying to remain calm. Perhaps they were new bouncers.

The leader approached. "Miss Stevens," he said calmly, "can you confirm that the person in this video is you?" He played a video on his phone—surveillance footage of Zoe tripping Grace.

Zoe was shocked. She'd paid a large sum to have that footage deleted. How did these men obtain it?

"What what do you want? Are you blackmailing me? I'm Zoe Annabelle Stevens! The Stevens family won't let you get away with this! Delete the video now!"

The man smiled cruelly. "I'll take that as confirmation. Thank you" He stepped closer.