The guy speaking had this air about him-ssy, but not in a stuck-up way like Dn''s chilliness or Richard''s overbearing vibe. Hisid-back attitude was the kind you''d expect from someone who''s always had it easy, but he managed to keep it just right without tipping over into arrogance like Simon could sometimes do.


    ra felt like she needed to say something, even though she couldn''t quite ce him. So, she just gave him a bit of an awkward smile.


    He was tall, probably around six foot one, and he strode over to her, leaning in close. "ra, what are you doing in such a ce? Is it about Simon again?"


    Jackson had just touched down in the Capital tonight, still fighting off jetg. His hand was casually shoved in his pocket, and he gave off this effortlessly rxed vibe.


    ra took a couple of steps back. "And you are?"


    Jackson raised an eyebrow, the amused twinkle in his eyes quickly turning cold. "What kind of game are you ying now?"


    Before he could say more, Dn called out, "Jack."


    That was when it clicked for ra-this was Jackson from the well-known Dawson family.


    Jackson was a big deal in those fancy social circles. The buzz was that three years ago, his family set him up with a marriage, and he made a break for it, skipping his own wedding. The Dawson family was dead set on the whole marriage thing, and in the end, they were left with a bride but no groom.


    Now that Jackson was back in town, it seemed like he was about to meet the wife he''d never even known.


    ra had heard the gossip back then. The word was that Jackson was living it up abroad and had zero interest in his bride-to-be. After three years away, it seemed like he was back to sort out a divorce.


    ra steadied herself and spoke calmly, "Oh, hi Jackson."


    Jackson returned to Dn''s side, scoffing with his arms crossed. "What''s this madness about?"


    ra wasn''t new to being spoken to like that. She was confused. Had she tangled with this Dawson guy before her memory yed tricks on her?


    Jackson continued. "In the past, you''d look down your nose at us like a real fool. Today, you''re not avoiding us. Aren''t you worried Dn might just eat you alive?"


    ra picked up on the suggestive undertone in "eat." She nced at Dn, who was gazing into the bar with a don''t-get-too-close vibe.


    Jackson lost interest in ra and turned to Dn, "Have the people you were waiting for shown up? Should we go inside?"


    Dn, sitting in his wheelchair, had this otherworldly presence. "They''re here." Jackson seemed surprised, scanning around. "Here? Where?"


    Dn didn''t reply. He just moved his wheelchair forward, and Jackson quickly fell in step.


    ra trailed behind them, catching Jackson say, "Tomorrow, let''s hit the cemetery first."


    Dn''s wheelchair halted, and his whole demeanor shifted, bing somber and silent.


    ra instantly realized they were going to visit Shelly''s grave.


    Lost in thought, she barely noticed when they stopped, and Jackson''s voice turned icy. "ra, how long are you nning to tail us?"


    His coldness was genuine. ra had a feeling that if Dn wasn''t around, Jackson might not have held back.


    He turned around, his eyes full of disdain. "Don''t think the Dawson family has forgotten what you did back then just because we''re not tearing into you now."