"Ms. Lewis, how about we—" Luke hesitated to speak, obviously not wanting Grace to have too much contact with Benjamin.But Grace knew that what had to happen couldn't be avoided.She walked into the room calmly, displaying elegance in every gesture."So, you're the behind-the-scenes boss of this project. It's quite unexpected."Smiling, Benjamin casually said, "At first, Hawkins Group wasn't involved in this field. But now we want to work with you, so we're trying."Grace smiled and asked, "So you mean Hawkins Group wants to work with Amirate?"After a nod, Benjamin took a folder from Larry. "Yes. We just need to discuss the details."Grace raised an eyebrow, but her tone remained calm. "Oh, do you have any doubts, Mr. Hawkins?""There's one thing. I find the profit distribution ratio a bit unreasonable."As soon as he said that, Luke instinctively pushed his glasses up his nose. He didn't feel like Benjamin had any intention of collaborating at all."Mr. Hawkins, Hawkins Gr
"Grace, wait."Grace stopped in her tracks, clearly impatient. "Mr. Hawkins, is there something else?""Grace, I—"Before he could finish, a familiar voice interrupted. "Benjamin, what are you doing here?"Susan's face lit up with joy. But the next moment, her expression changed when she noticed Grace beside him. "You're still with this woman? You're really trying to infuriate me."Benjamin looked displeased. "Mom, this is my business. Please don't get involved."Then, he took Grace's arm. "Let's go."However, Grace instinctively pulled her arm back. "Mr. Hawkins, please have some respect."She looked at Susan. Sounding polite yet distant, she said, "Rest assured, Madam Hawkins. There's nothing between Mr. Hawkins and I."Susan couldn't stand Grace's proud attitude. Although she regretted not treating Grace better and seizing the opportunity to connect with the Lewis family, she could only go along with her mistakes.After all, it was too late to rectify them.Fortunately, B
"Mom, what nonsense are you saying?" Benjamin quickly stopped Susan. He had never imagined that she harbored such malice toward Grace.He had been truly oblivious.However, Grace was unfazed. "Mr. Hawkins, I'll take my leave."Benjamin wanted to catch up with her, but Susan held him back. "Benjamin, I can't breathe. My chest feels tight.""Madam Hawkins, are you okay?" Jessica was concerned.Seeing this, Benjamin hurriedly turned to her, looking worried. "Mom, are you okay?"The next moment, Susan grabbed his arm. "Benjamin, listen to me. Don't get involved with Grace anymore. Look at Jessica. She's such a good girl. You two look like a match made in heaven."Benjamin frowned as he realized something.Smiling coldly, he pushed Susan away. Then he said indifferently, "Mom, your acting skills are truly top-notch. I really couldn't see through it before.""How can you say that, Benjamin? Benjamin—"No matter how much Susan called out to him, Benjamin ignored her and chased after
Grace smiled as she explained, "You might not believe it, but she was having lunch with Susan today. They seemed quite close.""No way! Your ex-mother-in-law? Does she want Benjamin to marry Jessica?"Smiling, Grace raised an eyebrow and didn't continue the topic. "Thanks, babe. I'll treat you to dinner another day.""Sure thing. I'll get back to work."After ending the call, Grace put Jessica's business card away. Although she and Jessica had little interaction, she had a faint premonition that they would meet again.And her premonition was correct.Just a few days later, she received a call from Emily. "Babe, we've got a problem.""What's wrong? Don't be anxious. Take your time to explain.""Quickly check your phone. Someone has accused several classic dresses from our boutique of plagiarism. The topic is currently the top trending topic."Grace thought it was absurd. She went on Twitter and clicked on the trending list.As expected, the name of her boutique was displayed a
"Gracie, take a look. This is the accuser's Twitter account."Grace took Emily's phone and saw the contents on Twitter.The accuser had used their real identity and reported the boutique for plagiarism. He had presented the original design drafts and compared them with the clothing designs.Multiple classic designs were accused of being copied, and all the accusations pointed to Grace as the plagiarist.Grace scrolled across the screen, looking at the so-called original design drafts in disbelief.She had personally designed all the classic dresses in the boutique. There was no possibility of plagiarism. Two of the dresses had even been part of her final year design projects at university."This is impossible. Utterly impossible." Confused, Grace set the phone aside. At this moment, Xander also handed her the information his subordinates had found."We found it. You're accused of plagiarizing Jion. She's very popular and holds significant influence in the international design
As Jessica finished speaking, she turned around slowly. She was still smiling, highlighting her gentleness and friendliness.However, this time, Grace wasn't deceived by her appearance. She got straight to the point. "Ms. Landon, don't you think you owe me an explanation?"Upon hearing this, Jessica burst into laughter.She spread her hands and said, "Explanation? What explanation? Aren't you here to discuss the compensation with me?"You copied so much of my work. You should have made quite a bit of money over the years. I heard your boutique business is doing well, so compensating a bit of money shouldn't be a problem, right?"Or do you not want to compensate me? Do you want to go through legal procedures? I'm happy to do that."Grace stared coldly at Jessica, not understanding where she got her confidence. She said word by word, "I didn't plagiarize."A simple sentence expressed her attitude and stance.Jessica smiled. "Who would believe that? The facts are right there. Why
A billion dollars?That was quite a bold demand."Who do you think you are, asking for one billion dollars? Have some shame," Emily retorted bluntly.Regardless of anything else, she firmly believed in Grace. Grace would never plagiarize someone else's work."The facts will reveal who the real plagiarist is. Even if you're internationally famous, you can't twist the truth. Aren't you afraid that your so-called fans will see your true colors?"Jessica remained unperturbed, lightly smiling while choosing to ignore Emily's words.She crossed her arms and walked closer to Grace. When she was just half a step away, she stopped. Lifting her gaze, she looked at Grace."I won't beat around the bush. The choice is in your hands, Ms. Lewis. It depends on what you decide, whether it's paying money to settle the matter or letting everyone perish together. What do you say?"Grace silently clenched her hands. She could tell that Jessica seemed to harbor deep hostility toward her.Yet she co
Grace remained silent, as if contemplating something.Finally, she looked at Xander, boldly guessing his thoughts. "Xander, let me guess. There's more to your suggestion of seven days, right?"Xander crossed his arms in front of him, projecting an air as if he could handle anything. Yet when he spoke, there was a hint of affection in his tone. "I can't hide anything from you."Grace suddenly understood. The two exchanged a knowing smile. On the side, Emily was puzzled. "Grace, what kind of secret code are you two using?""Don't worry, Emily. In this world, no one can do anything without leaving a trace.""So?""The truth will come out eventually. Those designs reported by Jessica are my work from my university days. The drafts of the designs are still at the school. So now, what we need is time."They needed time to gather the necessary evidence.Emily finally understood their plan. "So, you plan to go back to school?"Grace nodded. "It's time to go back and take a look. May
"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,