"Gracie, when you return to Frenda, there's something important I want to tell you."Grace halted her movements, and her heart quickened its pace.She raised her gaze, staring at Xander blankly.After summoning some courage, she asked the question that had been on her mind. "Xander, is there something you've wanted to tell me but haven't had the chance to?"Xander was confused.Time seemed to freeze as their eyes met at this moment.Grace felt her heart pounding, as if it were about to burst out of her chest.Xander moved his lips, about to say something, when, unexpectedly, a ringtone interrupted him.Grace snapped back to reality, quickly averting her gaze. She looked at the blinking screen of her phone and said in a fluster, "Uh ... I-I need to take this call."She stood up, holding her phone, and briskly left the dining room. Once at the corner, she leaned against the wall and vigorously patted her chest. "Grace, oh Grace, why are you so nervous?"Annoyed with herself, sh
Lydia couldn't help but tease, "I'm just curious. When did you buy a house there? And when did you start cooking? It looks so delicious."Come on, spill the beans. Do you have any secrets you're keeping from us?"Grace blushed at those words, and her words became somewhat incoherent. "What secret? I just ... I just shared bits of my life. I didn't expect it to attract so much attention."Lydia clearly didn't believe her and said doubtfully, "Really? Gracie, are you hiding a man in Summitview Manor?"That was such a ridiculous statement."Absolutely not!" Grace blurted out.She looked up at Xander in the dining room, and her heart started pounding again.She quickly held a hand up to her chest, as if to hide her inner turmoil. Then, she said, "I have something else to do. Let's talk later."With that, Grace hung up the phone.But at this moment, she lost the courage to return to the dining room. Leaning against the corner, she cradled her phone and stomped her foot in regret.
"I know that many people want to see me make a fool of myself. But the reason I reached where I am today isn't solely due to this pretty face of mine."Jessica raised her gaze slightly, speaking with a hint of arrogance."Without some real ability, I won't be able to establish myself in this circle. Besides, even if I fall, don't I have to climb to a high place first?"Instead of being concerned about me, why not focus on yourself, Ms. Lewis? I heard you made a bet with your board of directors."Grace raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "You're indeed well-informed, Ms. Landon. That's true."Jessica nodded and became even more triumphant."I initially thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out it's true. I heard the deadline for the bet is approaching, and you don't seem to have much chance of winning."Will the daughter of the world's richest family end up being kicked out of her own company?"Jessica covered her mouth and chuckled. "That would be quite embarrassing."With thes
Albert made a welcoming gesture in a very polite manner. Grace nodded slightly and walked in.The difference in treatment was worlds apart!Jessica wasn't able to stomach getting the cold shoulder. She hurried forward and stopped Albert in his tracks. "Mr. Barnes, Landon Group is sincere about this opportunity. If we can establish a collaboration with your company, we can give you 50% of the profits. I hope you'll give us a chance."50% of profits?That was no small sum!Albert was a businessman, so Jessica didn't believe he would give up such a huge chunk of profits.Albert's lip curved into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He paused to scrutinize Jessica seriously. He said, "Do you think I lack money?"When Jessica heard that, she had a bad feeling. She immediately explained, "Mr. Barnes, please don't get the wrong idea. I'm just expressing how genuine I am about working together. I didn't mean anything else by it."Albert snorted coldly. "Working together? I'm sorr
"You're teasing me, Mr. Barnes. Let's get back to business."Albert nodded, and both of them dove into the topic.…Meanwhile, because of the necklace incident with Kayla, Lydia was busy drafting some new designs. After pulling an all-nighter, she finally came up with a design that she was satisfied with.She looked out the window and stretched. Just as she was about to go to her bedroom to get some rest, the doorbell rang.She found it strange.People rarely showed up on her doorstep. Who could be there so early in the morning?As she walked out of the study, she called out, "Who is it?"There was no answer.She opened the doorbell camera, but she didn't see anyone standing at the door. Just as she turned around to leave, someone rang the doorbell again.This time, a man's voice sounded out of the blue. "We're here to check the water meter. Please open the door."Lydia didn't think too much of it and opened the door. However, in the next second, a few buff men barged in, gi
Grace said apologetically, "Sorry, Mr. Barnes. Something urgent came up, and I need to handle it. Let's stop the discussion here today. We'll keep in touch in case something crops up."With that, she left in a hurry while talking on the phone. Albert stared at her retreating figure in doubt. He ran after her and said, "Ms. Lewis, you seem really worried right now. Did something happen? You can tell me. I might even be able to help you.""Thanks for your kindness, Mr. Barnes. I don't need any help right now."The elevator doors opened, and Grace rushed in. Then, she gave the bank a call. 50 million dollars was doable for her, but it might be difficult to get it in cash.Thanks to Grace's special status, the bank readily agreed. However, they needed an hour to prepare the cash.…At the same time, Caleb also received a text.He was in the middle of a shoot for a magazine cover. As soon as he finished reading the text, he stopped the shoot.He dialed Lydia's number, but the call
Grace was already certain that it was Lydia on the other end. She knew her friend well. In such circumstances, Lydia would absolutely refuse to bring her any trouble. Hence, she hadn't said a word."If you want money, I can give you any amount you want, so long as you don't hurt her. But if anything happens to her, don't even think about getting a single penny."This seemed to persuade the man. He put his hand down and stood up to look down at Lydia.He snorted coldly. "Alright, then deliver the money to the time and place we previously agreed on. If you're late, I won't spare her.""Okay."Grace met Xander's eyes. The latter gave her the thumbs-up sign, and Grace nodded in return. She continued, "Lydia, I know you're there. Don't be afraid. We'll rescue you very soon. Trust me!"When Lydia heard this, she couldn't hold back her emotions anymore. Tears poured down her face. "Gracie, I-I'm so sorry for dragging you into this.""Don't be silly. What's there to be sorry for? I ju
"She should've asked what Kay's uncle did for a living before she did what she did!" Troy's eyes flashed with hatred.He had two reasons for kidnapping Lydia. Firstly, it was for money. Secondly, he wanted to teach Lydia a lesson and give her a taste of what it felt like to get trampled on."Not to mention, she was the one who extorted 30 million dollars from Kay first. All I asked for was 50 million dollars. It's not that much."Troy smirked, looking like a thug. "This woman is quite the looker. Maybe we could have a good time later."A few of them understood what he meant, but they didn't dare act rashly."Troy, we'll let you have first dibs on such a fine specimen. The rest of us will just bask in your good fortune.""Sure! You're all so loyal. Once we get the money, each of you will get five million dollars to splurge," Troy said in agreement."Thanks, Troy!""Troy, you're the best!""Are the cars ready?""Rest assured, Troy. We'll escape in different directions. They won