Grace suddenly recalled the one-week business trip Benjamin had two months ago. She tightened her grip on the phone, her knuckles gradually turning pale.Had he cheated on her? She was Benjamin's secretary and also his secret wife. But she had never heard any rumors of him having affairs with other women until now."Mr. Hawkins is so good to his girlfriend. I wonder who that lucky woman is! It seems like they are going to publicize their relationship soon.""I googled the woman. Is this her?" The nurse pushing the medical cart took the phone from the other nurse. "Yes, it's her!" she exclaimed. "Isn't she the second daughter of the Quine family? With her looks and status, she's the perfect match for Benjamin!" As they walked further away, chatting amongst themselves, their voices gradually faded into the distance."The Quine family ..." Grace thought. After dealing with the hospital's discharge procedures, Grace got into the car the butler had sent for her. Her mind was
"When did you get to know her?"Under the dim lights, Benjamin finally saw Grace supporting herself with crutches. It wasn't until then that he realized she was much thinner than when they'd married three years ago.She looked as if a gust of wind could easily blow her away. "You followed me?" Benjamin's face fell at once."Do you think I have nothing better to do? I was at the same hospital and saw you with my own eyes." Though her voice was soft, she enunciated her words clearly. Benjamin looked angry despite Grace was overwhelmed by sadness. How could he?He still hadn't expressed any concern for her, even though she had been in a plane crash. What felt even worse was how evident the irritation and disdain in his voice were.Clearly, their three years of marriage had been futile. All this while, she had been attending to her demanding mother-in-law and taking care of her sister-in-law, who didn't like her. In the family, she was treated like nothing but a servant, and
Grace took off his shirt and peppered kisses down his abdomen. Her longing for him was so intense that even her ears had turned red. "Didn't you ask me how I became Mrs. Hawkins? Well, I nearly forgot about my main responsibility—conceiving your child."Continuing with her actions, she said, "Right now, I'm just fulfilling my duties.""How dare you!" Benjamin was infuriated. His muscles tensed with his rage."I've sprayed some aphrodisiac in the air. Bear with it. It'll end soon. "I just ... I just want a child too." She was getting more bold, a far cry from how gentle and obedient she had been in front of him before. Benjamin's breathing grew heavy in response to her shameless provocation. He did his best to suppress the effects of the aphrodisiac and fiercely grabbed her hand. "You're so disgusting, Grace!" The burning desire in Grace's gaze dissipated at once. "Is it so disgusting for you to make love to me?" She looked up at him with her watery eyes. "Yes!" Benja
Susan couldn't believe that Grace had actually spoken to her in such a manner.She pointed a finger, which was adorned with a large sapphire ring, at Grace. "What's with your attitude? Say that again!"There was no hint of fear on Grace's face. She fixed her eyes on Susan and said, "Since Yvonne is moving in, you can get her to do the work. I'll never do it again!" She articulated her words clearly. After she spoke, Grace felt an unprecedented sense of relief wash over her.Susan, on the other hand, completely lost her temper. "You—" "Mom!" Celia suddenly caught Susan's arm and lowered her voice. "Grace is angry, isn't she? I heard that yesterday Benjamin had ..." Celia told Susan what had happened last night. Judging from how smug she looked, it was clear that she had exaggerated the story.Susan seemed to understand the situation at once. "How dare you take it out on me when you're the one who couldn't make your husband stay?" Grace had already walked out of the villa
Grace was at the airport. She breathed out a sigh of relief as she stared at her phone's screen, which had already turned black. Maybe she had been under too much pressure at Hawkins Manor for too long. Now she felt like she had gotten a weight off her mind.She looked at the travelers around her. Was she sad that she would be leaving Pamore soon?Perhaps she was, but what she felt more was relief. She had thought that Benjamin didn't love her. But it turned out that he already had someone else in his heart. In that case, what was the point of continuing to cling to him?Grace went to the first-class check-in counter to board the plane bound for Darai.Years ago, she had left her family and hidden her true identity to stay in Pamore. Had it not been for her grandfather's wish to meet her and Benjamin, the medical expo deal with Hawkins Group would never have been sealed. Yet, Benjamin had sent her there alone instead of going together.It was time for her to return now.
Fiancée?Her marriage to Benjamin had been kept secret from the public. Hence, everyone in the company only thought that she was his secretary.In that case, it seemed that the "fiancée" Jason mentioned was Yvonne. Grace had just divorced Benjamin, and now Yvonne was already here at Hawkins Group. Not only that, but Yvonne would also stay at Hawkins Manor and sleep in her bed, enjoying Benjamin's company. Grace's heart stung just thinking about it. Nevertheless, she still thanked Jason for telling her and left the HR department.Jason stared at her receding figure intently. He thought even a fool could tell that Grace had feelings for Mr. Hawkins. No wonder she had been dismissed.As he turned on his computer, he sarcastically remarked to himself, "It looks like a good show is coming up soon."When Grace stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, she bumped into Larry. "Ms. Lewis, you're here." Larry cast a look at the luggage in her hand. He guessed that she was he
Grace was somewhat hesitant. She had already submitted her resignation, and she no longer had any obligations to handle matters like this. Moreover, although Yvonne's words sounded like a request, her tone made it seem like an order. Grace didn't like it.Then again, Benjamin did have her identification card, and this would be the last time she would be dealing with such trivial tasks. She could also use the chance and ask him for her identification card when she sent the coffee over later. She took a deep breath and said, "Okay.""Thanks." Then, Yvonne walked away. After getting pregnant, Yvonne's demeanor had a touch of motherliness. Nevertheless, her confidence as the affluent daughter of a prominent family still contrasted with Grace's.Back then, thanks to Grace's distinguished family, Yvonne had been nowhere on par with her. However, as the years had passed, Grace seemed to have ended up losing her poise and elegance.Grace stood there in a daze for a while before s
The air instantly became thick with tension.In the past, Grace had always been cautious when speaking with Benjamin. This was the first time she had displayed such an unyielding attitude in the office.Benjamin's face fell at once. "Is that so, Benjamin?" There was an imperceptible frown on Benjamin's face as Yvonne leaned closer to him."Of course not," he replied. "As she said, Hawkins Group is full of capable employees. Why should we keep her identification card? "But since she is resigning, she will have to take off the company uniform and complete her handovers. Otherwise, it'll be against the company's rules and regulations." At this moment, Grace finally understood why Benjamin had forced her to come to the company.She only had two options. Either she stayed at Hawkins Group or left with nothing.She couldn't believe that Benjamin had actually resorted to such a method to make her yield to him. He had taken away the last shred of dignity she had left."I see. T
"Well, it's just that since Mrs. Jarvis introduced me to Ms. Lewis last time, I haven't had the chance to say thanks."The elevator doors opened then, and Dexter left after saying this.…After two hours of emergency treatment, Diana clung to a thread of life. Grace walked out, exhausted, and saw the angry figure of Dexter.Coincidentally, Dexter saw her as well. He turned and called out to her, "Ms. Lewis."Dexter, known for being stern and upright, suddenly smiled, which surprised Grace. "Mr. Hamilton.""You don't need to address me like that outside of work. Just call me by my name."As he had a higher seniority than her, Grace didn't dare be casual. "Are you here visiting a patient?"The weather was nice today. Standing in the sunlight, Grace's complexion was shining, seemingly hovering between youthfulness and freshness. She seemed even more beautiful than the flowers.Dexter suddenly recalled something Orson had said, and his expression darkened momentarily."I must ask
"Mr. Fulton, this.."The guard looked hesitantly at Benjamin lying on the ground and frowned."Isn't this a hospital? He won't die."As Xander said this, he coincidentally met the gaze of a nearby doctor. The doctor flinched and instinctively took a step back."Xander—" Benjamin's call suddenly came from behind as Xander took a step forward."Even if you deal with me, can you handle Alexander?"Benjamin's voice was filled with resentment and self-mockery. He lay flat on his back on the ground, staring at the ceiling. "My elder brother seems to avoid fighting, but if he does, you're no match for him."Xander paused momentarily, then continued to walk away without looking back or responding.Hazel followed closely. "Benjamin doesn't seem to be joking. Could there be a backup plan?""Someone needs to take over to completely deal with the Hawkins family. Let's see if the eldest son of the Hawkins family is willing to step up."As Xander entered the elevator, he coincidentally met
At the entrance, the police saw what was happening and moved to intervene but were stopped. A signal to hold back was given. "Don't worry. Mr. Fulton won't cause any fatalities.""Especially since you dared to make a move against Grace." Xander gave a cold laugh. "She spent a few days in prison, so I'll make sure you repay that a thousand times over.""Xander—"Grace brought this on herself. She even dared to investigate the Hawkins family, to dig into the past of the previous Mrs. Hawkins, to investigate Alexander!" Benjamin endured the pain he felt and was on the verge of a breakdown. "By the way, do you know who Alexander is? And the person he loves the most."Xander's face turned ashen, and he applied more force, causing Benjamin to scream in agony."If you were in my position, you would do the same." Benjamin struggled to speak. "Besides, don't you want Alexander to disappear? Don't you want Grace to be yours and only yours?"Xander remained silent, looking around disdainful
A commotion broke out again outside the hospital room. At the same moment, the medical equipment started beeping urgently. Reina's face turned pale with fright as she threw herself onto Diana. "Di Di! Doctor! Someone come quickly!"In a panic, Grace rushed out and pounded on Cael's office door. "Bed 24, Dr. Simpson! Di Di is not doing well!"Cael immediately hurried over with the nurses.Grace was pushed into a corner by the crowd. She leaned against the wall, her face filled with melancholy. This scene did not escape the eyes of someone hidden in a corner, who also felt a sense of wistfulness.She didn't notice the figure cast long shadows in the light, with her being the sole focus in their view.…Meanwhile, in another building, police stood guard at the hospital room door where Benjamin was confined. His face was haggard and unshaven, and he no longer looked like the well-dressed Benjamin Hawkins.Instead, he resembled a prisoner.Before entering, Xander asked, "What's the
"If it were as usual, working for these wealthy families would keep money in my hands. But after Di Di's incident, our whole family got crushed. Her father wanted to give up, but I couldn't, so we divorced.""When I worked at the Hawkins family, both Mr. Hawkins and Mrs. Hawkins treated me well. Mrs. Hawkins knew about Di Di's situation and kept giving me money, but it was never enough. One day, I accidentally stumbled upon Mr. Hawkins having an affair with Susan…"Reina recalled the past with a look of melancholy on her face. "Susan gave me hush money and promised another payment if I did something for her."Grace had a hunch after hearing this. "She wanted you to frame Mrs. Hawkins, who was pregnant at the time.""I didn't want to." Reina shook her head, clearly pained. "But I have a daughter. I couldn't lose Di Di. I needed that money."Even as a mother herself, she could actually harm Felicia Wilson, Alexander's mother."The Hawkins family is wealthy. If you had told Mrs. Haw
Grace thought about it. So that's what happened."So you had someone beat him up?""I forgot to ask. Which hand did he touch you with?" Xander asked seriously.She thought for a moment. "The left hand? I can't remember exactly.""No problem. Both hands were hit," Xander said casually as if discussing the weather. Grace remembered the content of that video. Orson was clearly heavily injured and beaten mercilessly.Luckily, he got what he deserved. Xander had fiercely avenged her.The coat slipped off, revealing her outfit for the day. Xander glanced at it and said, "You're going out."Grace didn't deny it. She thought of today's matter with Celia. "Benjamin was released for medical treatment. I want to see him."Since it had come to this point, a meeting with him was reasonable.Xander leaned back on the couch, not speaking for a moment, his jaw clenched tight. He seemed to be contemplating something, or perhaps he was angry.Grace couldn't be sure, but she was resolute. "I
An hour later, Xander concluded the negotiations, with the partnership successfully sealed and the contract signed that day.He personally escorted the clients to the elevator and then returned to his office. Hazel approached cautiously with a cup of coffee. "Mr. Fulton.""Speak." Xander didn't look up from his documents."Ms. Lewis came by."He looked up at Hazel, his expression shifting. "Where is she?""She wanted to see you directly, but since the contract wasn't finalized, I didn't dare let her in to disturb you, so I…""I asked where she is."His gaze was icy, cutting her off mid-sentence.Hazel immediately lowered her head. "She's in the lounge."He stood up abruptly and headed straight for the lounge, leaving a stern warning, "If you take matters into your own hands again, resign."Hazel was left stunned.Grace hadn't left. Exhausted from the sleepless night, she lay on Futurelink's large couch, lost in thought.When Xander entered, he saw her fragile figure, as if
"What is it?""Ms. Lewis, I just received news that Orson from the municipal bureau is in trouble…"Grace's expression changed. She had just seen him last night. How could something have happened so suddenly? Her first thought was of Xander.Luke sent her a video.It was night time In the video, the street outside a bar was brightly lit, and neon signs flashed from the tall buildings. The place was bustling with people. The videographer had been capturing the night scene when suddenly, the sound of roaring engines was heard—Orson stepped out of a car, dressed formally, and entered a club discreetly. But within minutes, he was kicked out, landing heavily on the ground.Approaching him were five or six masked men in black, clearly part of an organized group of thugs. Orson screamed in fear, "Who are you?"Two men grabbed him, while the others began beating him badly. His screams echoed through the street, and it was clear they were showing no mercy.Blood pooled on the ground.
With nothing better to do, Grace nodded. "Let's watch."Caleb led her out the door.The leading actress of the film they were heading to was a friend of Caleb's in the industry, which allowed him to visit the set under the guise of catching up. As their car parked at the entrance, they saw a throng of reporters pushing their way inside.Celia wore a hat and mask. She was dragging a suitcase, and she looked disheveled and desperate. "You can't fire me! I'm the second female lead! The film is almost finished! You're breaching the contract!""You caused a scandal. That's the real breach of contract. It's a good thing we're not asking you for damage compensation! Get out, get out!"The staff were shoving her out.Reporters swarmed her. "Celia, how do you respond to the video online?""Is it true you have a sugar daddy?""Celia, Celia!""Shut up!" Celia screamed, her hair a mess. "It's fake, all fake! I'm an actress, how could I do such things?""But the video…"Celia lashed out,