Chapter 185 Help Jace With His Debt.
Finished
As I approached the quiter area, I noticed Jace under a tree, surrounded by a group of five or six individuals.
It was not clear what the heated discussion was about, but tension hung in the air.
Quickening my pace, I approached the group. “Hey, what’s going on here?”
The group and Jace both turned in surprise.
From their serious demeanors, it appeared they were hassling Jace.
Jace, looking frustrated, explained to them, Tve already told you, I’ll pay back the money. Please stop following me.
The group seemed taken aback.
When I overheard Jace mention debt repayment, my concern deepened. Stepping forward, I interjected. “He works at my company. How much does he owe?”
The group exchanged uneasy glances. The apparent leader, a middle–aged man, hesitated, “Well, it’s a significant amount…
Jace tried to dismiss my concern. “Ms. Mayfield, I’ve got this under control.”
Considering Jace’s situation as a student working a summer job, I doubted he could shoulder heavy debts.
“It’s fine. Are they trying to abduct you?” I asked, noting how they had cornered him in this secluded spot.
The leader’s tone sharpened. “If he owes money and can’t pay, it’s only right we take him.”
I pressed Jace for clarity. “Exactly how much do you owe?”
“Fifty thousand, Jace admitted, looking down. “It’s actually my grandfather’s debt. He can’t pay, so they came after me.”
The group’s stiff demeanor confirmed the gravity of the situation.
Fifty thousand might not be a large sum for me, but for Jace, it was enormous.
“Don’t worry, I’ll cover the debt for you. Just write me an IOU, and you can pay me back when you’re able,” I said. The stakes were high, and I was not about to quibble over the amount.
Jace appeared genuinely shocked, and so did the men confronting him.
“Ms. Mayfield, aren’t you worried I might just run off with your money?” Jace asked, his tone serious.
I replied firmly, “If you run, I’ll have to call the police. What else can I do?”
Behind me, I heard the leader of the group chuckle.
“Are you actually going to pay his debt?” He seemed just as stunned.
“He’s my employee: I can’t just watch you drag him away. Hand over his IOU, and I’ll make the bank transfer, I stated bluntly.
“We don’t have the IOU with us today. Let’s meet here again tomorrow at the same time, he suggested, raising his hand. With that, he and his thug–like associates walked away,
I took a deep breath, relaxing my tense muscles, and turned to face Jace.
He was not showing any signs of fear, just blinking at me curiously.
11:27 AM ch
Chapter 185 Help Jace With His Debt
Finished
Jace gave me a look of admiration. “You’re the first person, aside from my Mom and Grandma, who has ever stood up for me like that
“Really?” I was taken aback. “You’re an only child?”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
That’s terrible of your grandfather, letting a young student like you carry such a burden, I commented, unable to hide my disapproval.
Jace laughed heartily, leaving me bewildered.
Catching himself, he quickly composed himself and added softly, “Actually, my grandpa… he’s a really good man. You’ll see when you meet him.”
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
How commendable can a grandfather be if his grandson is constantly hounded by debt collectors because of him?
“Head back now, and be careful. They might try to take you away if they catch you alone,” I cautioned him.
“Okay,” Jace replied, nodding and heading back toward the office.
I spent about half an hour in a café, and by the time I returned to the office, Shawn had already left.
I called Melanie to discuss the situation with the loan. She advised securing the IOU and recording our conversation when we meet, to avoid any possibility of further extortion. “Be especially cautious if they’re loan sharks,” she added.
Knowing that Shawn was likely headed to the airport later, a daring plan formed in my mind.
I decided I might need to go there myself to gather some proof.
I grabbed my coat in a rush and dashed out.
Realizing I needed assistance, I called Jace.
“Ms. Mayfield, should I bring any documents?” Jace inquired.
“No documents needed, just come. I’ll fill you in on the way,” I said, a sense of urgency in my voice as I planned to catch someone at the airport.
Once Jace climbed into my car on a side street, he asked curiously, “Where are we headed?”
To the airport,” I said, clenching the steering wheel tightly. “Jace, I agreed to help with your debt, and now I need your help with something too.”
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