Chapter 605 Making a Deal with Xavier
Jared stared at Grace in astonishment. It wasn't just her words that threw him off, but her expression. It was eerily similar to how he remembered Elizabeth.
It was as if Elizabeth were sitting right in front of him, looking down on him with that same disdainful gaze.
Elizabeth had always carried herself like a queen. No matter the situation, she maintained that regal demeanor, while he always felt like a mere servant in her presence.
Even during their arguments, when Elizabeth knew his power had grown formidable, she remained calm, as if he were nothing more than a joke to her.
Xavier stood beside Grace, their thoughts often in sync. He picked up where Grace left off, saying, "You must have known we were going to do a test, so you tampered with it, didn't you?"
Xavier realized that Jared must have had people watching them. With Jared's influence, manipulating the results wouldn't have been difficult.
Jared laughed heartily. "So what if I did? Grace, you're right, you're not my daughter. But what does it matter?"
"You should feel sorry that your father was such a worthless man. Elizabeth must have been blind to fall for him."
Even though Grace had suspected it, hearing Jared admit it left her in shock.
No wonder she felt such a connection with Dorian. He really was her father.
Jared continued, "Fate has a funny way of playing tricks. I actually liked Elizabeth. She was so beautiful and smart."
But Elizabeth had been too strong-willed and always opposed him.
"That doesn't justify you killing her!" Grace felt a deep sense of injustice for her mother.
Her mother should have had a wonderful life, full of love and happiness. But meeting a monster like Jared had cut her life short.
No wonder her mother had taught her to wear makeup and kept her hidden. She didn't want Jared to find her.
"So what? It's been years. I want what she left behind. You give me that, and I'll give you the antidote for your grandfather. It's a fair trade. Otherwise, I can't guarantee how long your grandfather will live."
Jared knew how to manipulate people. Grace had only recently reunited with the Coleman family, and if something happened to Chase now, it would devastate her.
"My mother didn't leave me anything," Grace said. She had never seen anything that might be what Jared wanted. Her mother's belongings were things she had collected over time, and none seemed to be what Jared was after.
"I'll give you a day to think about it. If you don't let me search, even if you kill me, I won't give you the antidote. And I'll take your grandfather with me."
Jared then turned to Xavier. "Mr. Montgomery, do you have a moment? We could have a private chat. Grace can be a bit naive sometimes. Maybe you can talk some sense into her."
Xavier saw that Jared had more to say and didn't want Grace to be in danger. He preferred to face Jared himself.
"Grace, step outside."
Grace was still reeling from the revelation. Was Dorian really her father?
She wanted to see Dorian, but he was in Aetheria now. Who knew when she would see him again?
Outside, Steven and Scott were anxiously waiting. They relaxed when they saw Grace come out safely.
"Grace, what did Jared say?" Scott asked.
"He said my mother had something he wants. If I give it to him, he'll give my grandfather the antidote. But I don't know what it is. My mother didn't leave me anything like that."
Jared hadn't specified what he wanted, leaving Grace in the dark. Her mother's belongings were few, mostly just her post-marriage wealth, which was just money. Jared didn't need money.
The rest were her mother's personal items, like jewelry, which she had retrieved from Zach and Taylor. But it was unlikely to be those.
"Whatever it is, it can't be good. We can't let him get it," Scott said, knowing Jared's intentions were never good.
"But he won't give us the antidote. My grandfather's condition is worsening," Grace said, worried about her grandfather.
"We'll find another way. There has to be another way."
Grace nodded, her face full of worry.
Scott tried to cheer her up. "Don't frown. It's not good for the baby. Smile."
Grace forced a big smile for Scott, even though she didn't feel like it.
"By the way, I found out something from Jared. I'm not his daughter. My father might be Dorian Astor."
"What? Grace, you..." Scott was stunned.
Steven, however, wasn't as surprised. He had considered the possibility, despite Xavier's previous investigation.
"Where's Xavier? Why hasn't he come out yet?" Steven asked.
"Jared wanted to talk to him alone," Grace replied, unsure of what they were discussing.
Given Jared's tactics, it was likely threats or bribes. But Xavier wasn't someone easily controlled.
Inside the room, only Xavier and Jared remained.
Xavier stood there as Jared spoke first. "Xavier, you're a smart man. How about we make a deal?"
"I don't think there's any deal to be made between us," Xavier replied coldly, his presence imposing.
"Don't be hasty. My phone might have something you'd consider worth trading."
Jared pointed to his phone. Xavier picked it up, finding it unlocked, clearly prepared in advance.
He opened it to find a video of a woman bound and gagged, looking helpless.
It was Brittany.
Jared said, "As I understand, Brittany once saved your life. She's your savior. What do you think will happen if I kill her?"
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