Chapter 229
Chapter 229:
Brayden’s brow arched slightly at the word “honey,” amusement flickering in his cool eyes.
“Miss Holt is your friend, so naturally, I don’t object,” he said evenly. “Why don’t you two head upstairs and talk? The butler will send up desserts and drinks in a bit p>
“You’re the best, honey.” Gracie laughed softly, taking Jessie’s hand. “Come on, let’s go upstairs p>
Jessie hesitated, her face shadowed with unease.
Brayden turned back to his laptop, fingers moving to reopen the marketing department’s proposals—but his mind refused to cooperate. The words blurred uselessly across the screen as his gaze wandered toward the now-empty staircase.
Upstairs, Gracie led Jessie back to her bedroom and closed the door firmly behind them.
Her smile vanished like mist. “You were reckless, Jessie! Now Theo’s suspicious of me, and your sudden visit just paints a bigger target on your back p>
“I don’t care about that,” Jessie replied, stepping forward to clutch Gracie’s shoulders. “I’ve already bought the tickets—we’re leaving tomorrow morning. With the patent in your possession, you’ll have more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life. I won’t stand by and watch you die again in this second chance we’ve been given p>
Gracie’s voice hardened. “I didn’t come back from death to live like a coward. I won’t waste this life hiding in fear. The people who destroyed us before will answer for it this time p>
Realizing that arguing logic wouldn’t win Jessie over, she changed tactics. “Didn’t you see how Brayden treated me downstairs? As long as he’s around, Theo won’t dare touch me p>
Her tone cooled further. “If we let Theo rise again, he’ll hunt us to the ends of the earth. The only way to stop him is to eliminate him completely. Otherwise, we’ll spend the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders. I won’t spend this life running p>
“Gracie…” Jessie murmured, sorrow creasing her features. “I just don’t want you to get hurt again p>
“I won’t,” Gracie replied with a cunning smile. “This time, we have the upper hand. We’ll strike first. Trust me p>
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Jessie sighed. “Fine. I’ll cancel the tickets for now. But if things go south, I swear I’ll knock you out myself and drag you away p>
“All right, deal,” Gracie agreed with a grin. “But you have to do what I say for once. Besides, I believe in your skills. Even if they caught the private investigator, so what? Suspicion means nothing without proof p>
A knock at the door interrupted their exchange.
A maid stepped in, setting down an ornate tray laden with pastries and juice. “Please call if you need anything p>
“That’ll do,” Gracie said, watching the maid leave before guiding Jessie toward the table. “You must’ve rushed here without dinner. Eat something before you faint. I’ll have the chef prepare a proper meal later p>
“Thanks, but you don’t have to,” Jessie declined gently. “Since you’re staying, I’ll head back and find out where the private investigator’s being held. Theo won’t kill him immediately. If I can pinpoint his location, there’s a chance I can get him out p>
“Alone? You’re going to rescue him alone?” Gracie’s expression darkened.
She still remembered vividly how, in the previous life, Jessie had been captured by Theo trying to save her.
Jessie shook her head emphatically. “What are you thinking? I’m not going to single-handedly brute-force a rescue. Of course, I’ll contact the police p>
She tapped the side of her temple. “Trust me, I will think strategically p>
The tightness in Gracie’s face softened. Relief seeped back into her posture.
They made their descent together.
“Mr. Stanley, I should get going,” Jessie announced politely.