Grace wiped the tears from her face, feeling torn between frustration and amusement. "Xander! Don't ever do that again!"Xander smirked. "You can call me 'Xan' from now on. It sounds much better than 'Xander'." Although Grace's red dress was in tatters and her body was covered in wounds, her face was gorgeous. Kneeling under the moonlight, she appeared inexplicably desolated.The sight of her tugged at Xander's heart. He held her face and said, "I'm sorry for being late."If he had arrived on time, things wouldn't have turned out this way."It was my fault to have trusted Samuel.""He told me it was the driver's plan."Grace was stunned. "How could it be? I've met the driver. He's worked for Samuel for many years."Xander fell silent. Time had been running out, so he hadn't had the chance to verify the truth.Brodie was highly skilled, capable of taking on ten opponents at once. Soon, Danzel arrived with his men. With ample manpower, he declared, "Surrender yourself, and you
"Have you two been together for a long time?" the medical staff asked.Grace wanted to say no, but Xander held her hand and nodded. "Yes."His answer made her heart skip a beat.After getting his wounds bandaged, Xander left to give the police his statement. Grace waited in the lobby of the police station, Xander's coat still on her."Samuel vanished after the incident. He's likely involved," reported Luke.Grace massaged her temples. "I can probably guess why.""Mr. Fulton ordered the news to be suppressed. Word won't get out.""What about my family?""We tried to keep it from them, lest they worry. But Caleb was around and found out about it."Just as Luke explained the situation, two figures rushed into the police station. The one in the lead had a mask on, and he called out, "Gracie!"To their surprise, it was Caleb. Caleb grabbed a staff member and demanded, "Where's Grace? I'm looking for Grace!"Grace spoke up weakly, "Caleb, I'm over here."Caleb immediately turned
There was a plum blossom tree in the police station's courtyard. It filled the air with a sweet fragrance.Benjamin stood under the tree, glancing at Caleb, who was staring at him from the side. "I don't know Brodie, and I didn't orchestrate the incident.""What about Ryan Madden?"Grace held his gaze as she questioned, "It just happened to be the Eastwood property's construction site, and the contractor is Ryan. You know him. "Besides, everyone knows that Jessica is the investor. What's your relationship with her?"Brodie had been right. Benjamin had indeed met Ryan once. When Benjamin had gone to see Jessica the other day, he hadn't left immediately. Instead, he had parked his car in the distance and watched Ryan sneak out suspiciously.At that time, Ryan had been extremely alarmed when Benjamin stopped him. "You …"Benjamin had opened a pack of cigarettes and handed him two, warning, "I'm watching you. Don't do something you shouldn't."Perhaps Brodie had witnessed their
Xander's phone vibrated in his palms. He glanced at the caller ID before calmly stepping aside. "Speak." Hazel sounded urgent and flustered. "Mr. Fulton, you finally answered. Did something happen at Pamore? I can't reach Peter either." "It's okay. What's the situation at Fulton Group?" Hazel didn't press for details since he didn't want to explain himself. She composed herself and said, "Mr. Fulton Senior has discovered the Aether project. He's furious and is coming to the company to see you. "I've been trying to delay him but can't hold him off much longer." "Tell him that I'm in Pamore with Grace." Hazel was surprised that mentioning Grace had such an effect. "Do they know each other?" Xander let out a light chuckle. "More than you think.""What about the project?" "Just mention Bobby. He'll give my father an explanation." The call ended, and Grace happened to walk over. "Business?" Xander nodded and reached out for her hand. There was a scratch, ban
Grace was immediately cautious. "Caleb, you..." "You're already defending him, and I haven't even done anything yet." Xander placed a bowl of apples in her arms. "Finish these, and the IV drip will be done. Wait for me to come back." The two men with similar build walked out of the hospital, one after the other. Grace was worried and asked Luke, "Can you check on them? I hope they don't get into a fight." "Mr. Caleb won't do that. It shouldn't come to that."The strong wind on the hospital rooftop blew open their coats. Caleb was an experienced celebrity over many years. He stood tall and distinguished, but Xander didn't pale in comparison. "Caleb, you have something to say." After a long moment, Caleb looked at him intently and said, "We grew up together. Your parents were like family to me. We're not brothers by blood but are closer than that." "Of course." "We used to be close, but then we each got busy with our careers and lost touch. I don't know what you'
"Why would she run if she had nothing to hide? She most likely orchestrates this incident." Larry stood in front of the desk at Hawkins Group, frustrated with the situation. Benjamin fiddled with a pen in his hand. His face darkened as he said, "Ryan isn't capable of hiring Brodie. It was Danielle. She has connections with those people at the border." "She had such connections?" "It's sparse. She wouldn't use them unless necessary." Larry pondered and said, "Danielle must be desperate.""The construction project is on the brink of collapse. She wanted to take preventive measures by asking Grace for money. "She didn't expect Xander to return suddenly, making her efforts futile. Now that the construction site is under investigation, it's no wonder she fled." Benjamin tossed the pen on the desk, visibly irritated. "So, what do we do now? Amirate Corporation won't let this go without an explanation." Benjamin rubbed his temples. "Not just them, Brodie's identity has
Grace was close enough to hear Aaron's words and stuck out her tongue. Xander patted her head gently and braced himself for the scolding.Aaron didn't dwell on it further and changed the subject. "I attended a meeting today and ran into Jake." Xander was startled when he heard this. Then, he regained his composure.Nobody else was aware that Xander had a brother. He didn't expect Aaron to know. Turns out this was an unspoken secret amongst the elites of Frenda."The meeting was about foreign trade distribution. Jake was there. "He was injured, sitting at the back. He didn't recognize me. I heard you demoted him." "It's temporary. He can still be of use when the time comes." "After the meeting ended, I saw Uncle Raymond teaching him a lesson as I was leaving the parking lot." Xander understood the reason but remained silent for a moment."Jake's still his son, after all. You should be cautious."Aaron was clearly giving a heartfelt warning. "I understand." Xander
After they left, Xander crouched down and lifted Grace's face, which was flushed red. "Why are you acting so shy? You took the initiative." She forgot that Matthew also lived in the area. She didn't expect him to pass by just at that moment. Grace avoided his eyes. "I blame you for flirting with me outside and embarrassing me." Xander was speechless; her unreasonable ability to argue had always been unparalleled. The doorbell rang. Luke had arrived."Ms. Lewis, Mr. Walker's whereabouts are unknown. We contacted the bank, and there's not a penny in his account. "The construction site is under investigation due to the kidnapping case. We'll trace the funding issue within two days. Grace had expected this. "Mr. Walker borrowed a considerable amount of money at high-interest rates to invest in the Eastwood property with Jessica. "Even if he doesn't show up, those who lent him money will come knocking on our door. Assign someone to keep an eye on them." Luke nodded in
"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,