No one in the crowd dared to intervene. They watched in astonishment as Quine Group's guards escorted Yvonne away.Anyone involved in an extramarital affair should face its consequences.Nonetheless, the crowd was filled with continuous whispers and expressions of empathy."Quine Group and Lewis Corporation would have reached the stars if they had formed an alliance.""Benjamin had a perfect marriage with the heiress of the Lewis family, but he ruined it by cheating on her.""Benjamin must be kicking himself for his foolishness."Amidst the crowd's judgmental looks, Benjamin looked at Grace, who stood out like a star. He felt a whirlwind of emotions churning within him.He had been in a state of profound shock ever since the truth had been revealed.The remarkable change in their statuses following the divorce made everything seem rather surreal.He recalled a time three years ago when Grace had taken the initiative to propose their marriage and agreed to keep their identities
"Grace!" Benjamin's voice rang out. Then, he turned to look at Harold, who was beside her. "Mr. Lewis Senior, can I talk to her privately?"Harold remained silent and deferred the decision to Grace. She wore a subtle, emotionless expression, her lips curving slightly."Okay," she said.As Harold walked away, he gave Benjamin a serious look. "Mr. Hawkins, since you're divorced, just make a clean break and stop beating around the bush."Benjamin offered no objection. He simply nodded slightly and watched him leave."What do you want?" Grace's expression remained calm, as if it were an ordinary conversation.Benjamin remembered the day they had gotten their marriage certificate three years ago. She had stood shyly by his side while the photographer had taken their first photo together.His thoughts drifted briefly, but as he regained his focus, he found himself looking straight at her face."Why did you conceal your identity and marry me three years ago?" He asked.Grace didn't e
"The equity transfer agreement has been sent to all members of the board via email. "This year's board meeting will be held in Pamore, where you will be publicly announced as the new president."Even though Aaron had already announced this at Harold's 70th birthday celebration, Grace still felt the weight of responsibility for taking over the entire Amirate Corporation."Isn't this a bit too soon? You know, I've only recently joined the company, and there are many aspects of the business I'm still not familiar with," she said worriedly."Your capabilities are widely recognized. Remember, you single-handedly resolved the crisis that our family faced years ago. I believe in you, and I'm sure you can manage Amirate well," Aaron reassured her."But … " Grace still had doubts.Aaron extended his hand and gently ruffled her hair. He continued to reassure her, "You're our family's cherished daughter. Leading Amirate is your destiny. So don't stress too much. "We'll be here to help yo
Grace scanned the room, her gaze finally landing on Samuel Walker. She pursed her lips slightly, then asked, "What do you mean, Director Walker?""You need to prove your worth with actual results. Why don't we settle for 30%? "If you can improve the company's performance by 30%, you'll get to be president, and we'll be satisfied. If not … I'm afraid we won't be so easily convinced."Samuel's words piqued everyone's interest. Raising performance by 30% was impossible, no matter how you looked at it. Not even Aaron could do it. He was clearly giving her an impossible mission."Director Walker, we both know that an international corporation like Amirate struggles to increase its performance by 10% as it is. "What are you trying to achieve by demanding 30%?" David couldn't help but protest. However, no one else dared speak up.Samuel didn't seem to care and said nonchalantly, "Well, because only a demand like that can prove Ms. Lewis' worth. "If she can achieve that goal, every
"Do you think I have a choice?" she asked.She was new here. If she didn't have the results to back herself up, those old geezers would never submit to her."Director Walker's only being demanding because he doesn't want me to be president. If I had backed down, there's no telling how they'll keep making things difficult."So I might as well assert dominance," Grace explained."But this bet is too risky. Director Walker was that arrogant because he knows you can't possibly increase company performance by that much."Grace grunted in agreement. "What's done is done. Now, all that's left to do is roll up our sleeves and make it happen."David was on her side as always. "Don't worry, Ms. Lewis. I'll do my best to help you.""That's all I need to hear."Word about what had happened during the board meeting spread like wildfire throughout Amirate Corporation. Soon enough, everyone was talking about it.When Timothy heard the news, he was a little surprised. "Is it true? Is Milady r
Upon returning to Amirate Corporation, Timothy immediately barged into Grace's office."Milady, now that your identity is public, why don't we just follow our parents' wishes and get married?" he asked.Grace decisively refused, "I'm sorry, but I have no intention of marrying again at the moment.""Then, when you want to get married, just let me know. I'll always be ready to marry you."Grac felt a headache coming on and replied, "Mr. Donegan, we're not a good match. I've told you this before. Why are you so persistent?""What's not a good match? Please don't rush to judge. You haven't really gotten to know me, and yet you're rejecting me outright," Timothy blurted out anxiously."Do you know me, then?" Grace retorted, leaving him momentarily lost for words. "We can get to know each other gradually in the future. There's plenty of time ..." he trailed off, starting to lack confidence.Ultimately, he said determinedly, "You think I don't know you well enough, and that's why you
"I'll make a call," the assistant said as he pulled out his phone, but Samuel stopped her in her tracks."No need. Let's wait a bit longer."After about an hour, Benjamin arrived with Larry."Mr. Hawkins, I've heard so much about you," Samuel said, approaching with a fawning smile on his face.Benjamin's expression revealed no emotion, leaving people unable to decipher his true thoughts."Director Walker, sorry for the wait.""No problem. I just arrived as well. But Mr. Barnes hasn't come yet, so let's chat while we wait."Samuel pulled out a chair for Benjamin. "Mr. Hawkins, please have a seat."Benjamin sat down, crossing his long legs casually."Mr. Hawkins, it's a great honor for me that you could spare your time today.""Director Walker, let's get to the point. If you have something to say, please go ahead," Larry interjected.Samuel chuckled as he said, "Mr. Hawkins, you truly have a discerning eye. Indeed, I invited you here today for a specific request."Benjamin th
A sly smile tugged at the corner of Grace's lips as she said, "It seems you aren't too pleased to see me." Despite her words, she couldn't resist stepping inside.The situation became somewhat awkward, as Samuel hadn't expected to be caught off guard by Grace. However, he was a seasoned player and quickly regained his composure."Ms. Lewis, why would you say that? I wholeheartedly welcome you," he said, getting up from his seat to make room for her.After taking a seat, Grace's eyes met Benjamin's for a moment. It seemed as though a spark had been ignited.She raised an eyebrow and broke the silence. "Coincidentally, Mr. Hawkins is here too. It seems like I've interrupted something.""It's not an interruption. We were just talking about you. Little did we know that you would become Amirate's president as soon as you left Hawkins Group."Director Walker was just praising you, saying that your exceptional abilities could increase the board's performance by 30% in a year. Isn't