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
"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,