Chapter 344: Responsibility

"Jared?" Lizbeth gasped, shocked. "He's your boyfriend?"

Josephine, noticing Lizbeth's expression, asked, "Huh? What's wrong?"

Walter strode over, smiling. "Lizbeth, this is Mr. Chance. He's the person you asked me to call, so you've met him!"

Lizbeth frowned. "Grandpa, why didn't you tell me Jared is Josephine's boyfriend?"

Walter replied helplessly, "Well, you didn't ask! Besides, I didn't know if they were officially a couple. I didn't want to jump to conclusions!" He then asked, "How do you know Ms. Sullivan?"

"Grandpa, I went to the same university as Josephine! Of course, I know her."

Josephine was surprised. "Lizbeth, Mr. Grange is your grandfather? Why didn't you mention that in university?"

Walter had been a renowned government official in Summerbank. One would expect his grandchild to readily share that connection. However, Lizbeth never mentioned it.

Lizbeth explained, "I didn't want anyone to know about my family background. I wanted to rely on my own abilities."

Walter said, his voice filled with affection, "Lizbeth has always been strong-headed! She never wanted to rely on others."

Jared, observing Lizbeth, was impressed. He noted that many young people relied on their parents, making Lizbeth stand out.

Lizbeth smiled. "Grandpa, can't you see how well I'm doing without relying on family? Don't worry about me, okay?"

Walter laughed. "Indeed! You're doing great, Lizbeth. Keep up the good work with General Long. Who knows? Maybe one day you'll take his place! Alright, I'll go greet the others. You carry on."

After Walter left, Lizbeth continued to study Jared. She clearly had questions.

William waved to Josephine. "Could you come over, Josephine? I want to introduce you to some people."

Josephine apologized. "Excuse me, Lizbeth. I'll be right back!"

"Oh! Go ahead!" Lizbeth nodded.

Alone with Lizbeth, Jared asked, "Ms. Grange, I presume you have some questions for me?"

Lizbeth, slightly taken aback, asked, "Are you responsible for what happened at the Whitaker residence?"

"Yes," Jared answered immediately.

His swift confession stunned Lizbeth.

Seeing Lizbeth's silence, Jared asked, "Did you organize this just to get to me?"

Lizbeth didn't hesitate. "You're right! We're here to bring you back to Summerbank."

Jared surveyed the scene. He counted fewer than ten Department of Justice officers, none of whom appeared capable of fighting.

He asked calmly, "You expect to apprehend me with these people? What if I refuse? Will you use force?"

Lizbeth was momentarily speechless. She realized that capturing him alone would be impossible given his demonstrated capabilities.

Lizbeth's determination remained firm. "Regardless of the odds, we must try. It's our responsibility!"