Under the crowd's expectant gaze, Xander asked, "I'm pretty curious. You are all directors of Amirate Corporation, right?""Naturally."Xander added, "Your annual dividends are tied to the company's revenue, right? Why are you all making things difficult for Ms. Lewis?"The directors started to feel a little awkward after Xander said that."Why would you say that, Mr. Fulton?" one of the directors asked. "Ms. Lewis is doing her best for Amirate Corporation, but none of you see it. Instead, you show disdain and make things difficult for her. It's like you're not even loyal to your own company."The directors' expression changed as soon as Xander said that. Tucker's face flushed as he said, "Mr. Fulton, what do you mean by that? We're all devoted to Amirate Corporation!"If Ms. Lewis had listened to us and invested in that plot of land in the city's southern area, it would have brought great profit to the company. "The project's revenue would also far exceed expectations. I dar
"Xander, do you think things would be better if I had chosen to invest in that plot of land?" Xander looked straight at the front and asked, "Why? Are you starting to doubt yourself?""Yeah. I just feel like what they said made sense. If—""Gracie, believe in yourself. The project isn't as simple as it seems."Grace's eyes lit up when she thought about what Xander had said to the directors. She leaned toward Xander and looked at him hopefully. "Do you have some sort of insider information?"Xander smiled and turned to look at her. He could see his own reflection in her eyes. "I don't have insider information, just my intuition. Don't you think this project is moving too fast? It's like someone is speeding it forward."A regular construction project would need some time to get approved. Why did this one get approved so quickly?"Grace gave it some thought and asked, "You do have a point. What could be wrong with this project?"She fell deep in thought. Xander shook his he
Xander was a good cook. He prepared a scrumptious spread in an hour. "Crab imperial, grilled scallops, clam chowder, barbequed ribs, salad, fish soup …" Grace named the dishes one by one. "You're so awesome, Xander! These are all my favorites." Xander had a bright smile on his face as he looked at her tenderly. Then, he walked up to her and took her hand. "Go wash your hands first."Grace moved quickly. She dashed to the bathroom to wash her hands. Then, she went to the kitchen to retrieve some cutlery to set on the table. Xander pulled a chair out for her. They sat facing each other. "Try it out and let me know how it tastes."Grace tasted every one of the dishes slowly and praised Xander. "It's too delicious, Xander."He put more food on her plate and said, "Don't hold back, then."Grace quickly stopped him. "No, I need to take a picture of this fancy spread first."She went to the living room to get her phone and then took several pictures of the food from different
Grace had a strong feeling of déjà vu. She frowned, but she couldn't seem to remember where she had seen this view before. Xander smiled silently when he heard her. He had bought this villa three years ago. He had gotten it after learning that Grace was getting married to Benjamin and going to live in Pamore.The renovation alone had taken two years. Then, it had been vacant for a long time. Xander had only started living here after he had moved his company's main businesses to Pamore and founded Futurelink Corporation."Maybe villas just have similar designs," Xander said vaguely. Grace nodded and stopped thinking too much about it. "That's probably it."They sat down. Then, Xander handed her a glass with some grape wine in it. "Give it a taste."Grace took a sip and looked into the distance. "The sky is pretty tonight. I can actually see the moon and stars. It feels like it's been a long time since I gazed at the sky."She couldn't help but feel slightly emotional. "I re
"Wake up, Gracie. It's your first day of school. Don't be late."Outside the bedroom, Victor had his bag in one hand and was knocking on the door with his other hand.Grace was still drowsy. Even though she had woken up, she was still lazing in bed. She pulled her blanket over her head.Then, she replied dazedly, "I got it, Victor."Victor looked at his watch and talked to the housekeepers for a bit. Then, he rushed to school. Grace finally got out of bed after the housekeepers had urged her several times. As expected, she was late to school on the first day."Grace Lewis, right? You're late on the first day of school. As a punishment, you have to sweep all the stairs."Grace took the broom and started to clean the stairs reluctantly. When she was about halfway done, Victor suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He was holding on to the railing above her. With a gloating expression, he said in a very annoying tone, "I told you to wake up so many times, but you didn't listen. And n
"It's not that. We're already nearing exams, so we need to use all the time we have to study!"Xander didn't even blink at that. "I can afford to lose a couple of minutes."As he spoke, he glanced at their surroundings. Seeming satisfied, he said, "It's pretty clean now. Let's head back."Victor was at a loss for words.Meanwhile, Grace seemed to have learned her lesson after being late to school the first time. She never turned up late afterward. In fact, she woke up half an hour before Victor every morning in the spirit of studying diligently.That day, Grace was dropped off at the school entrance in the morning by her driver.The moment she left the car, she saw her classmate, Magnus Titan.Magnus was a classic straight-A student. He was enthusiastic about his studies and eager to discuss academic issues with people like Grace.That's why Magnus immediately went over to her. "Did you finish the questions the math teacher gave us at the end of class yesterday, Grace? Can I
Grace was a girl of her word. Students in her grade finished classes before Xander's grade did. She went out to the school entrance to wait for him the instant the bell rang.Grace soon saw Victor, Caleb, and Xander cycling out. Victor waved hello to Grace first. "You're finally sensible enough to wait for your brothers before going home."Caleb said, "But the three of us have agreed to play games at the internet cafe before going back. Why don't you have the driver take you home first?"Grace's gaze landed on Xander, who stood behind them. "Who said I was waiting for you guys? Let's go, Xander!"Victor and Caleb shared a look of disbelief. "Wait. You were waiting for Xander, Gracie?"Grace hummed in assent. "I need to properly thank Xander for helping me out this morning. You two can leave first if there's nothing else."Victor turned to Xander and said warningly, "You promised to hang out with us at the internet cafe, Xander.""Yeah. We haven't finished our game yet!" Caleb ad
Grace nodded repeatedly and called the waiter so she could order two ice cream sets."Xander, try this! It's strawberry-flavored, and this is vanilla. This one's chocolate …"Xander held a spoon and took a bite as Grace watched him in anticipation. "How is it? Does it taste good?"Xander assented. "It's not bad."Grace was delighted. "I knew you would like it."Xander took another spoonful and ate it. "The flavor is very good. No wonder you like it so much.""Right? Not only does their ice cream taste good, they also have great advertising slogans."As she spoke, Grace found one of the ice cream boxes. There were a series of advertising slogans printed on it. "Among cars, it's the Rolls Royce, but ice cream has Häagen-Dazs."Oh, and this one: 'every moment with you is a moment with love. I'll care for you attentively at the most unexpected moments'."If you love her, buy her Häagen-Dazs."Xander was silent for a moment. Grace counted all the ice cream boxes in the set. Ther
"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,