Grace remained fixated on her phone, oblivious to her surroundings. Vanory, towering over her with a rising anger, snatched the device from her hand. "Who are you dealing with? Someone was practically all over me while you were wrapped up in talking to... right here, asking you a question.

Are you blind or..." A flicker of annoyance crossed Grace's face as she extended her hand, saying, "Give me my phone." The indifference in her demeanor made Vanory feel even worse, as if he were now the one chasing after her, knowing it had always been Grace pursuing him. So, why did it feel so different this time? Panic flared in his chest, but he brushed it off. Grace used to be so infatuated with him that she was willing to go to great lengths for his sake.

Emotions like that don't just vanish overnight. She was simply playing hard to get.

Vanory smirked and held her phone just out of her reach. "I must hand it to you, Grace. This new approach is solid. Who put you up to this? Because you've definitely grabbed my attention." Grace felt sick to her stomach. How could he be so heartless? She snatched her phone back.

A few women nearby observed the scene, becoming more convinced that Grace had only landed the job through connections. The woman who had been vying for Yancey's attention scoffed, "I don't understand how she's better than me." Jessica sneered, "What do you think? You lost to her because her family is wealthy, and she's known Mr. Henderson since childhood. That's why she keeps getting everything handed to her. Otherwise, she'd never stand a chance. Now that Mr. Henderson meets all kinds of women, it's no surprise he's moved on." With that, Jessica left the room, encountering Chester Reeves, a manager from another company, in the hallway.

Chester had been intrigued by Grace since she entered the private room earlier, and he had been lingering around ever since. "Jessica, who's the woman in jeans and a white top? She's breathtaking. Is she new in your department?" he inquired. Jessica knew Chester's type well-chasing beautiful women only to discard them once he got what he wanted. A malicious gleam flickered in her eyes.

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"She's new. And she's broke. Just flash some cash in front of her, and she'll do whatever you want. I'll send her your way in a moment," Jessica replied. Chester's face lit up with excitement at the thought of Grace's slender legs, sending a surge of heat through his veins. "Perfect. I'll wait by the restrooms at the far end. Tell her to meet me there," he instructed.

Jessica reentered the private room and tapped her knuckles on Grace's table. "Two of the Farm Support Project leads are outside. They have some questions for you. Head to the room on the right when you leave." Grace couldn't refuse since it was work-related. She got up and left, passing the restrooms on her way to the third room on the right.

As she reached the midpoint, Chester, reeking of alcohol, lunged forward and grabbed her arms, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You actually came! I thought I'd be waiting all night. Come on, give me a kiss. Name your price," he demanded. Grace pushed him away, touching her forehead.

Chester stumbled back, his face contorted with rage. He unleashed a string of curses, then grabbed Grace's hair, slamming her head against the wall. "Stop pretending. You'd do anything for the right price, wouldn't you?" he yelled. "Let go of me!" Grace shouted.

Something snapped inside Chester. He lunged at her, grabbed a nearby vase, and swung it at her head. The vase collided with Grace's skull, causing her to feel a warm trickle down her neck. Chester muttered curses, expressing regret at Grace's bleeding. He had the means to have any woman he desired, yet he was faced with someone so challenging. Fate had brought him to this point. Grace fell to the ground, barely conscious, clutching her bleeding head.

Chester knew he had gone too far. He would have to compensate her anyway. "It'll be over soon. Just let me have a taste," he said, regretting his actions.