Chapter 93

Ever since childhood, Grace had strived to please her father and avoid her stepmother's disapproval. Despite numerous accolades, this relentless people-pleasing left her exhausted. Sean had taught her to rely on no one. However, Jay had offered his support. The thought of him brought a smile to her face. Meeting him, after her release from prison, had been her greatest stroke of luck.

Lost in thought, she scrolled through a webpage. A post detailing the scene outside the hotel caught her attention. Jason Reed, head of Reed Group, was attending the engagement ceremony, surrounded by bodyguards who prevented anyone from taking his picture. Reporters were similarly thwarted; anyone attempting to film him was forced to delete the footage immediately. Reed's domineering nature was matched only by his power.

The poster claimed, however, to have risked his life to capture a picture of Jason's back. Jason notoriously avoided interviews, maintaining an air of mystery despite constant media attention. Even Grace, accused of murdering Jason's fiancée, Jennifer Atkinson, had never seen him. He'd been absent from her trial entirely.

Lina had once tried to meet with Reed at Reed Group, hoping he'd understand Jennifer's death wasn't Grace's fault—that Grace hadn't been drinking or intended to harm Jennifer. She was summarily dismissed without even seeing him.

Grace found the irony amusing. She and Jason had never met, yet her life felt inextricably linked to his. During her imprisonment, no one in the city dared help her with her lawsuit, and her ordeal seemed connected to him somehow.

Reaching the bottom of the post, Grace saw the photo. Despite the bodyguards, the figure was striking: wide shoulders, a trim waist, long legs—almost model-like. Among her acquaintances, only Jay possessed such proportions. The resemblance to Jay's back flashed through her mind.

"God, what am I thinking!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. They were completely different people; Jay never wore suits. Yet, she mused, he would undoubtedly look handsome in one. Staring at the picture, she fell into deep thought.

Jason Reed's attendance at the Stevens-Atkinson wedding, she imagined, pleased Sean immensely. Both families likely welcomed the city's "king's" blessing.

"Your Highness, may I have a word?"

Jason snorted, ignoring his friend. He remained in a corner, while numerous executives attempted to reach his table, thwarted by Terrence and several bodyguards.

"Brian, how did you even get through?"

Brian chuckled. "It was good of you to show. The Stevens and Atkinsons were sweating bullets."

Jason shrugged. "And look at this line of people eager to do business. Brighten some lucky fool's future, why don't you?"

Jason smirked sardonically. "I'm too lazy," he said. "Terrence seems to be doing a good job." Jason's lips twitched. Poor Terrence. He deserved a raise.

"I hear you're incredibly busy these days," Brian said quietly. "Hard to even get an appointment."

Jason looked at Brian more closely. Brian might appear aloof, but he was wildly popular with women. "What about you? I hear you've changed your ways."

"Yes," Brian Hart replied faintly, as if it were unremarkable.

"Patrick even bet your ex could end your bachelorhood," Jason added.