Chapter 286

"Sure, you can refuse… if you're willing to face the consequences." Ryan's smile twisted with a hint of menace. Grace's hand froze, resisting the urge to hurl the phone away. The call connected. "Shawn, Ms. Bolden is right here. I'll let her speak with you," Ryan said respectfully, sliding the phone toward Grace. He tilted his chin, signaling for her to take it. Grace clenched her pen, fury blazing in her eyes. "I'll leave you two to it," Ryan said. Noticing her expression, he knew she would certainly answer the call. Without waiting for a reply, he walked out. He had fulfilled Shawn's request and saw no reason to linger. As for the phone… Well, it was just a phone. He could easily replace it. … Meanwhile, I drove to Ross' company, utterly unaware that the woman I cared about was being threatened. I soon pulled into the underground parking lot just as Ross' call came through. "Xavier, where are you?" Ross' voice was calm and steady. I pressed the elevator button and replie