Ignoring Sherry, Grace took out her card.But as she was about to hand it over to the staff, Xander took a step ahead and said, "Use this one."Grace quickly refused. "No, Xan. Just use mine."Yet he smiled and replied, "You don't need to be so polite with me. Consider this dress a gift from me, wishing for your career to flourish and for your fashion show to be a massive success.""What?" Grace was surprised.She wanted to say something, but Xander didn't give her a chance to refuse. He handed the card to the staff.Just like that, he spent 20 million dollars for the floral-themed bodycon dress.Grace hesitated, feeling that Xander was being too good to her.The staff packed the bodycon dress and placed it in front of Grace.What had been merely stunning on the stage was now mesmerizing in person. Grace couldn't take her eyes off it.Each stitch and thread was so unique, and the craftsmanship had a vintage charm. It was truly a piece of art.Such a beautiful bodycon dress w
Benjamin struggled to restrain his emotions.Yet he maintained a calm facade and changed the topic. "This bodycon dress is nice."Grace sensed his interest in the dress and asked, "Are you interested in this dress too, Mr. Hawkins?"Benjamin didn't explain much. He simply said, "Everyone likes nice things, don't they?"Hearing that, Grace noticed that he seemed to be implying something but didn't dwell on it. "Well, thank you for giving up, Mr. Hawkins." With that said, she turned to leave.Benjamin didn't say anything else and just watched her walk away.The next moment, Sherry, who was standing nearby, shamelessly approached him. "Mr. Hawkins, can you lend me three million dollars?"When Benjamin turned around and saw her eager face, a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes. "I've never had the habit of lending money to others."Sherry was embarrassed to receive such a clear refusal. But now, she had no way to get ten million dollars. In the end, she was forcefully kicked out by
It wasn't until the rehearsal day before the fashion show that Grace heard about the sponsorship from Emily."Babe, I heard that Hawkins Group is sponsoring this venue. Benjamin will also attend tomorrow's fashion show and give the opening speech."Grace was surprised. "When did Hawkins Group start doing charity?"Emily bluntly pointed out, "It's definitely because of Celia's incident last time. It had a certain impact on Hawkins Group's reputation. They must be doing all of this to restore their image."Grace just acknowledged it with an "oh" and didn't take it seriously. As the chief designer, her task was to ensure that all the outfits were smoothly showcased in the fashion show."Babe, do you think Benjamin intentionally joined this event because he knows you're the chief designer?"Although Emily didn't know it, she had hit the nail on the head. "You're overthinking, Emily."Grace knew Benjamin better than anyone.He had never cared about anything related to her. So how
The fashion show in Pamore was grand.Many internationally renowned fashion designers, emerging talents in the industry, and well-known media reporters from around the world attended the show.Within seconds, the venue was bustling with people, eagerly anticipating the successful staging of the highly anticipated fashion show.Grace arrived early at the venue and was busy backstage.Emily accompanied her, assisting with overseeing the makeup artists working on the models and ensuring that all outfits were perfectly matched with the models.The show was crucial, so Grace had to closely monitor every detail. There was no room for error.Grace remained tense throughout the preparations.Noticing that, Emily handed her a glass of water. "Here, have some water."Grace took it and thanked Emily.After completing all the preparations, the two finally breathed a sigh of relief."The guests have mostly arrived. There's still an hour before the fashion show starts. You can take a break
Grace remained indifferent. "Mr. Hawkins, I'm not the person you should be seeing. Yvonne is still in prison. If you have time, go visit her."As the name came up, Benjamin's expression changed. "Don't mention her."However, Grace smiled. "What's wrong, Mr. Hawkins? Did your first love turn into a nightmare?"Benjamin suppressed the anger within him. "Grace, things between me and her are not what you think. Why won't you believe—""That's enough, Mr. Hawkins. It's an important day for me today. Bringing up past matters will only bring bad luck."Grace didn't care about anything between him and Yvonne. She had no interest in any aspect of their relationship."I have to go now. Feel free to walk around." With that, Grace walked away without looking back.However, when she returned backstage, chaos awaited her."Gracie, you're finally back. We've got a problem." Emily anxiously pulled her arm.Grace quickly asked, "What happened? What's going on?""The clothes are ruined."Hear
"What do we do, Gracie? The show is about to start in five minutes. Can we make it?" In the backstage area, Emily paced back and forth, looking anxious.Grace's hands were moving quickly, but the clothes weren't taking shape."Maybe we can ask the organizers to delay it a bit," Emily suggested, but Grace stopped her."No, this show is crucial. If we ask for more time, it will have a significant impact.""Then what should we do? We can't just wait like this, can we?"Grace's hands moved faster as she sewed with the needle and thread. After some thought, she said, "Unless … we find a suitable excuse.""The show is starting. What excuse would be suitable?"The backstage staff were all deep in thought, exchanging puzzled glances. Yet they couldn't think of any excuse."In the worst-case scenario, let the models in the first round walk an extra lap. That way, we can at least gain an extra 10 minutes."At that, everyone else voiced their thoughts."But those reporters aren't fools.
Grace breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good."Then, she raised her eyes and noticed Benjamin on the stage. He was standing against the light, so she couldn't see his face clearly. But she could hear his calm voice through her earpiece.At that moment, she understood his intentions.Benjamin's speech lasted a full 15 minutes, far beyond the originally planned time.However, the reporters in the audience didn't feel bored because he talked about the future plans of Hawkins Group.It was something that was closely related to the people present, especially those from Pamore. So everyone listened attentively."What's going on, Director Walker? Why is Mr. Hawkins' speech taking so long?" Zane asked softly.Samuel could guess that Benjamin was intentionally dragging his speech on, but he didn't think that a little over ten minutes could change anything."Do you have a plan B?" he asked.Zane replied confidently, "Don't worry. We're well-prepared. No matter what, this fashion show w
"It might even become a global sensation."When Samuel heard the discussions around him, the majority of which were in support of the fashion show, his face turned gloomy.Beside him, Zane wiped the sweat from his forehead. Then, he whispered, "Director Walker, they lost their centerpieces. It's going to be a disaster after this."Unexpectedly, as soon as his words fell, a model wearing a centerpiece stepped onto the stage.When she appeared, the whole venue fell silent. Everyone's gaze was fixed on the center of the stage. The centerpiece, modified on-site by Grace, featured bold colors and innovative styles.Most importantly, it was truly unique, capturing everyone's undivided attention."Quick, snap photos! The cut of this dress is outstanding. It's the best style tonight, for sure.""This designer is so amazing! She showcased a completely new style.""After it's over, I must interview her.""She was able to design such unique clothing, spreading our retro fashion worldwid
"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,