Benjamin sat in the car, staring at Grace through the car window, not daring to approach.After some time, Grace and Xander finished their dinner happily. Then, they paid the bill and left.Benjamin witnessed their whole interaction. Even when they had disappeared from his sight, he still hadn't come back to his senses.Just then, his phone rang again. On the other end, Susan sounded somewhat angry. "Benjamin, where are you? Ms. Carter waited for you for so long and didn't see you. Do you know—"Benjamin hung up on her again and turned his phone off before throwing it out of the window. He then immediately started the car and drove away.…In a private club, Frederick was enjoying himself. But the next moment, the door of the private room was suddenly pushed open."Who the hell doesn't know—" Before he could finish his sentence, he met Benjamin's eyes.He quickly swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue and asked, "Bro, what brought you to me today?"Benjamin hadn't been t
Benjamin smiled, seemingly knowing what to do. "Thanks, bro."With that, Benjamin stood up and left, leaving Frederick puzzled.…Early the next morning, Grace arrived at the office. It was the semi-annual board meeting. All of Amirate's directors and top executives had already gathered in the top-floor conference room.As soon as she entered the office, Luke handed Grace a document, saying, "Ms. Lewis, this is the financial statement for the past six months and the financial accounting for the same period."In the first half of the year, our company has accumulated profits that have already surpassed last year's total profit by 10%," Luke said with obvious excitement.They had not only achieved last year's annual performance but also exceeded it by 10%. This would be a significant accomplishment for any leader, but Grace had achieved it in just half a year."Ms. Lewis, if we present this data to the old folks on the board, they will surely admire and respect you. Your bet with
The conference room door opened, and Grace walked in. As soon as she appeared, the room fell silent.All eyes focused on her until she took her seat at the head of the table.Beside her, Samuel said with a smile, "Ms. Lewis, you've worked hard during this period."Grace looked at him and smiled in return. "You're too kind, Director Walker. It's all for the sake of the company."Samuel chuckled awkwardly. "Since you're here, let's start our meeting."At his words, everyone nodded, as though Samuel were in charge.Though Grace noticed it, her expression didn't give away anything.After a pause, she continued, "In the first half of the year, the company undertook many projects, all of which achieved good results. Now, let each project manager provide a summary—"Before she could finish speaking, a director interrupted."Ms. Lewis, since today is the semi-annual board meeting, I believe everyone has already seen the financial statements for the first half of the year. Why don't we
Seeing that Luke's words had served their purpose, Grace timely stopped him.She spoke calmly. "There's still half a year to go. Please be patient. When the time comes, everything will be clear. We'll know who's the winner by then."Samuel nodded cooperatively. "Ms. Lewis is right. It isn't time yet. Everything is still uncertain. Let's look forward to the good news Ms. Lewis will bring us."Though the other directors weren't optimistic about Grace, they echoed Samuel's words."We'll look forward to your good news, Ms. Lewis.""We hope you won't disappoint us.""But if you do lose the bet, you should be willing to accept it and step down sooner."Grace scanned the room. She knew that the current board was corrupted, and most of them listened to Samuel. It was clear that Samuel was their central figure.To rectify the situation with the board of directors, she needed to start by dealing with Samuel.Once the meeting was over, a group of people approached Samuel as soon as Grace
After Grace finished speaking, she gestured to Luke. "Bring all the documents for the new projects we're considering."Seeing Grace so composed, Luke also calmed down. "Yes, Ms. Lewis. I'll get them right away."In a short while, he returned with a stack of files.He flipped through the most recent projects worth considering and handed them to Grace. "Ms. Lewis, these projects are all promising. Take a look.""Put them there."Grace casually took a file and carefully examined it. Soon, she pointed to one of the projects in it. "This acquisition case seems to have room for negotiation."Luke had also noticed that project. "Ms. Lewis, the feedback from the evaluation team for this project isn't bad. But all their factories are on an island. If we decide to work with them, we may need to visit the island for inspection."Grace thought for a moment and asked, "Where's the island?""It's in Azure Bay, about 186 miles along the west coast of the city. If we want to inspect them, we'l
The group greeted Grace loudly, startling her. Puzzled, she looked at them. "Max, what's going on?"Max patted his stomach, comfortably sitting on the couch. "Ms. Lewis, we came over to see you."Hearing his answer, Grace felt speechless.She spoke straightforwardly. "You won't come without a reason. Spit it. What's the matter?" Max quickly moved closer to Grace, looking very eager to please her. "You're indeed smart, Ms. Lewis."He continued, "Well, I've been studying chess recently and figured out some new tricks. I just wanted to find an opportunity to play a round with you."Grace raised an eyebrow and asked, "Youre here just for this?"Max nodded repeatedly.Since losing to Grace last time, he had accepted defeat, but his desire to win against her had intensified.So he had been practicing at home during this time, and now he had found a chance to come and go against Grace."Ms. Lewis, can you give me a chance?"Max looked at her pleadingly, showing no signs of a gangs
The moment the other party heard it, he became interested. "Max, since when do you have a boss?"Max gave a mysterious smile. "It's a secret."Beside him, his anxious subordinate quickly interrupted them, saying, "Max, Ms. Lewis might be in trouble."Max's expression instantly changed when he heard that. "What did you say? What happened to her?""Our men just checked Azure Bay and found that the island has blocked all external signals. And the buyer of Azure Bay Island is a human trafficker.""What?"Max stood up abruptly. "Quick, bring me my phone."After saying that, he took his phone and called Grace.…Meanwhile, Grace had just finished her work and was on her way out of the company. As she exited the elevator, she saw a figure dashing through the parking lot.She immediately became alert.She took a couple of steps forward. The next second, she saw a familiar Rolls-Royce Phantom with hazard lights flashing.Then, Xander opened the car door and got out."Gracie."Grac
Luke raised his wrist and checked the time."Ms. Lewis, the ship is leaving in 15 minutes, but there are only three tickets left. The security guards might have to take the next ship.""How long until the next ship?""An hour."Grace took the tickets from Luke's hand. "It's okay. We can go ahead. It's just an inspection. There shouldn't be any problems.""But Mr. Aaron said that the bodyguards have to follow you wherever you go." Luke was worried, especially since they were going to an island. What if something happened to Grace?While Luke was hesitating, Xander walked toward Grace from not far away.Grace quickly waved at him. "Xander, over here."Seeing Xander, Luke was surprised but also impressed. It seemed that Xander and Grace had a really great relationship.Luke's lingering worry vanished upon noticing Xander. With Xander around, Grace should be safe. After that, the three of them boarded the ship. Grace rarely took boats, so she felt somewhat uncomfortable.Fortun