It was the end of the month, and the construction of the Eastwood property had begun to slow down. Desperate, Jessica had visited the construction site several times and gradually uncovered some shady dealings. After shopping, she returned home to find a car parked at her doorstep. Pushing the door open, she saw a burly figure inside. "Ryan? What brings you here so suddenly?" Ryan Madden, president of Eastwood Construction, turned around and immediately kneeled before her. "Ms. Landon, please, you must help me!" Jessica's expression turned sour.… Five minutes later, Jessica swept everything off the table onto the floor in a fit of rage. "This is a government project, and you dared to misuse the funds! Are you out of your mind?" Ryan kneeled with his head lowered and explained, "I never meant to use so much of the money. But then the hole just kept getting bigger, and I couldn't plug it." Shaking with anger and breaking out in cold sweat, Jessica demanded, "How muc
"I understand. I'll think about it when the news is verified." Jessica turned away. However, Benjamin wasn't in a hurry to leave. He looked toward the restroom again and asked, "Can I use it?" "I've already said there are rats in there. You're not used to such things. It's better not to use it." "Rats aren't a problem, Danielle. What matters is removing them in time." Benjamin wanted to help her. He left those words of advice and turned to leave. As he drove away, Jessica breathed a sigh of relief. Cold sweat dripped down her back, making her feel very uncomfortable. "You can come out."Ryan emerged from the restroom, equally drenched in sweat. He knelt on the ground and begged, "Ms. Landon, you must save me!" Jessica kicked him and shrieked, "Didn't you hear? Even Benjamin knows about what happened! I wanted to cover for you, but if there's no money in the account when the time comes, I won't be able to hide it." Ryan hurriedly said, "It's possible! I told you I
"I'll just take a look. I won't participate." The women played with high stakes. Grace sat on the right, seemingly focused on the game. But in reality, she wasn't paying attention at all. Before the round ended, the door opened. Matthew led the way in and asked Esme, "Have you won yet?" Esme scoffed. "You're asking too soon. The outcome isn't clear yet." Grace froze and stared at Benjamin behind him, whose eyes were also fixed on her. The lady sitting on the left also noticed him and asked, "Aren't you Mr. Hawkins? You're so young and promising, yet you're willing to watch us women play cards. You must find it amusing." Benjamin undid his coat and placed it aside, standing next to Grace."I don't find your game amusing. Clearly, you're skilled." The lady was delighted. Anyone would willingly accept praise from an attractive man. Grace pursed her lips and said, "Since Mr. Hawkins is interested in the game, maybe I should give up my seat. I feel a bit—" Before she coul
Both of them turned at the sound, only to see a commotion near the stage area as a crowd swarmed forward. Shocked, Grace exchanged a glance with Benjamin before they both rushed toward the commotion. "Henry has fallen into the water!" a staff member cried. The card game inside stopped as Matthew and Esme rushed out simultaneously. Benjamin grabbed a staff member. "What happened?" "Just now, Henry was feeding the fish by the lake. I turned away for a moment, and he fell in!" Henry was struggling in the water, crying, "Help! Help!"Benjamin narrowed his eyes. Then, he jumped in without hesitation. Grace barely had any time to stop him. He was a swimmer, but the lake was deep and dangerous. "Benjamin!" Benjamin struggled toward Henry. He grabbed Henry's hand and lifted him so his head was above the water. "Don't be afraid. I'm here." Henry gasped for air. Meanwhile, Matthew was frantic on the shore. "Hurry!"Thankfully, they weren't far from the shore. Benjamin soo
Grace was getting impatient. "Have you ever asked for my opinion, Benjamin? You're as arrogant as ever, and your so-called good intentions are not needed." Benjamin quickly said, "I admit that I didn't handle this matter properly, so I've come to apologize to you. I thought you would understand." So this was why he had attended Henry's birthday celebration. It was because of her. "I've thought it over. There is nothing between us. It's normal for there to be business interests between businesspeople, and whatever you do is your business. I have no right to criticize you, so there's no need to apologize." Grace's words were calm and measured, showing a sense of propriety. Benjamin frowned, feeling his heart sink. "Grace—" "Benjamin, you look down on both Byte Technologies and me. Yet you jumped into the lake just to win Matthew's favor?" Grace found it ironic. Benjamin remained silent, because she was indeed right. "Don't pretend to be high and mighty next time. It disgu
Xander hesitated for a moment. He waited for a while but gave up when Grace didn't change her mind about telling him. "It's getting cold in Pamore. Wear warmer clothes when you go out," Xander advised. Grace instinctively glanced at her outfit for the day. It was indeed a bit thin. She had felt a slight chill when she had been outside with Benjamin earlier. She didn't take it to heart and said casually, "Xander, you're abroad, yet you're still checking the weather forecast for Pamore." "Some people don't listen, so I naturally have to worry more," Xander replied. Grace smiled and asked, "Are you busy today?" "No." "That's good."The car had already arrived outside Amirate Corporation. Grace got out of the car. Before she could say another word, she saw Ashley waiting, not far away. "But I'm about to get busy. I'll call you tonight." Xander didn't even have time to respond before Grace hung up the phone. Standing beside him, Hazel noticed his expression turn grim. "
Grace stepped back in disbelief, covering her mouth. "Xander? When did you come back?" Xander unlocked the car and gestured for her to get in. "I got here at 3:00 am, but I didn't want to disturb you." Grace glanced at the time; it was 8:00 am now. On top of his long flight, he had been waiting here for five hours! She got into the car and tenderly caressed his cheek. "What happened? Why did you come back all of a sudden?" Gazing at her deeply, Xander caught her hand. "I'm here to return the car."Grace hit him playfully. "Don't lie to me. What really happened?" Xander smiled and answered, "Something urgent came up at Futurelink, so I came back to handle it." Grace was skeptical, but Xander had already started the car. "Going home?" She softly replied affirmatively. The roads were filled with cars since it was peak hour. Xander drove steadily. Half of his face was bathed in sunlight, his expression unreadable.When they reached Grace's place, Xander parked the car b
From this angle, Xander looked somber. His face was dark and clouded, which made Grace feel alarmed. She couldn't help but straighten up and ask, "What's wrong?" Xander stared at her for a moment, lost in thought, and then relaxed. "The kitchen is smoky. You should wait outside." Grace hadn't expected him to say just that. She felt rather perplexed by his change in mood. "How long are you back for?" "I'm leaving early in the morning." Xander couldn't leave Fulton Group unmanned. One and a half days was his utmost limit."So soon?" Grace immediately stepped forward and offered, "Then I won't go out. I'll stay and help you with whatever you're doing." Her clinginess made Xander's mood lighten up, and he smirked. "How would I dare make you do things by yourself?" "I insist." Grace squeezed into the kitchen, took some cherry tomatoes, and began rinsing them under the faucet. Xander had no choice but to go over and roll up her sleeves for her. "Don't get your clothes we