"That's not what I meant. I just suddenly thought that Aunt Hestia and Uncle Raymond would be upset if they knew that you got injured because of me."Grace felt guilty."It's just a minor injury.""For parents, there's no such thing as a minor injury. They would feel sorry for you."After Grace said that, Xander was momentarily lost in thought.In the early years, when Hestia and Raymond were divorced, it seemed no different from before for outsiders. But only he knew that Raymond had to leave often to visit Priscilla and Jake.No matter if they were close or not, Jake was still his biological son, and Raymond was not a heartless person.After growing up, Xander occasionally saw Priscilla—the woman who had destroyed his complete family. Yet, he still had to respectfully address her as Aunt Priscilla.If Raymond had felt sorry for Xander, he wouldn't have put him in this situation."What's on your mind?" Grace smoothed his furrowed brow.Xander came back to his senses. "
Downstairs, there was a constant flow of influential figures."He must have some connections to open a teahouse in this location. It's a new opening. Surely people will come to show their support."Grace skillfully cleaned the tea set and brewed the tea leaves."Is that so? But Benjamin is also here."Hearing that, Grace frowned. When she glanced to the side, she indeed saw Benjamin entering the adjacent private room. He usually didn't like tea, but he actually came.Smiling, Xander took a seat. "I'm getting more and more curious about the kind of person your savior, Mr. Griffin, is."What kind of person? He was a person who needed to wear a mask year-round so as to not reveal his true identity.When Shawn received the news, he had just finished a social engagement. Spencer reported to him, "A private room was reserved a month ago. "I didn't know it was Mr. Hawkins. Since he's here, he probably already knows your identity."Shawn's eyes above the mask revealed his change
"It's just a hobby."Shawn observed Xander. This was a man completely different from Benjamin. The latter had grown up in struggles for power and had been tainted by money.However, Xander appeared to be like a refreshing breeze, unaffected by the storms.This demeanor must have developed in an extremely relaxed environment."Mr. Griffin, your gaze is quite sharp. It's good to have the ability to discern the ways of the world." Xander spoke up, stopping his scrutiny.Shawn finally nodded. "Ms. Lewis doesn't owe me anything. She's just being polite. Don't worry about it, Mr. Fulton. Just treat me as a passerby.""Gracie and I have never been ungrateful. Moreover, you've been so considerate, giving her a private room during the busy opening. "I'll remember this favor. You can find us anytime, so we can repay it."Xander fiddled with the ring in his hand, seemingly serious but carefree.Gracie. Shawn had never heard of this address before.He looked at Grace and saw her nod.
Grace was extremely surprised. She didn't expect Xander to remember everything."How much was it?"It was over 100 million dollars—definitely not a small amount.But Xander thought it was worth it. "Do you like it?"His eyes were gentle as he gazed at the surprised Grace."I do... but how much was it?"She knew that it was undoubtedly expensive. Even though they were not lacking in money, it wasn't an ordinary accessory after all.Xander took the necklace and bent down to put it on for her. "The price doesn't matter as long as you like it."Their interaction was intimate, like a couple deeply in love.After Xander put it on for her, he turned to face Shawn. "Let Mr. Griffin take a look."The ruby was large, and Grace's skin was fair. It looked exceptionally beautiful on her.Shawn squinted his eyes. When he noticed the hickey below her collarbone, he quickly looked away."Ms. Lewis is beautiful. Anything looks good on her."Shawn then stood up. "Thank you both for coming.
"Why?" Benjamin couldn't help but ask after a long while. "You were at the scene that day.""This is my business. I don't need to explain anything to you."Benjamin frowned, and Shawn continued, "Besides you, no one will know that I used to be Alexander. Hawkins Group is all yours. No one is competing with you."Hearing that, Benjamin didn't feel assured at all. His eyes were filled with suspicion. "No one? What about Grace?"Shawn put down the teacup. "She didn't recognize me."The teahouse was peaceful. Closing the door to the private room seemed to isolate them from the outside world.Grace slept in Xander's lap for a while and woke up two hours later. The two of them walked out side by side.Suddenly, Xander received a call from Hazel. Grace understood that it must be an internal matter of the Fulton Group. "I'll wait for you outside.""Okay, I'll go to the restroom."It was surely a call to urge him to return to Frenda as soon as possible. Hazel was anxious."Mr. Ful
The sunlight was perfect, shrouding the two of them in a halo of light. They were like a picturesque scene by the roadside.Xander loosely wrapped his hands around her waist. "Let's not worry about the bet for now. We'll see."Benjamin's car happened to pass by at this moment, and he saw this scene. His expression turned ugly as he gritted his teeth.Larry was very concerned. "Mr. Hawkins...""I understand why Alexander gave up."Larry waited for the next sentence."At this point, even if it's not me, it won't be him either."Grace had long since found the right guy, a man who had the ability to protect her.Benjamin rubbed his forehead, never having felt so defeated in his entire life.In the private room, Shawn said, "I gave up everything, but that doesn't mean that I won't collect some debts from you.""What?""You took my place and married Grace, but you didn't treat her well, making her suffer. I'll remember this. One day, I'll make you pay."Benjamin couldn't retort b
Winter rain continued to fall. Jessica wrapped herself tightly in her coat, sitting in the car.She had been drinking heavily for several days, but today she abstained. It was a rare moment of sobriety. Her face was pale. "Do I really have to go?""Our boss said so. Your staying here will put everyone in danger. "If you get caught, your charges could add up to decades. Don't be ungrateful, Ms. Landon."It was still early, so they were the only car on the road, speeding in the rain.After some time, a black car suddenly appeared in the rearview mirror, following behind them. Jessica became alert. "We're being followed! Is it the cops?"The driver turned the steering wheel. "I'll shake them off."He was skilled, but the other party was equally skilled. After several rounds, the driver still couldn't shake off the pursuer.Instead, they were overtaken. The other car blocked their way horizontally, forcing them to come to a halt.The driver's heart sank. "How could this hap
The next day, Grace seemed a bit absent-minded.Ashley reminded her several times. "Ms. Lewis, Mr. Caleb is on the line. He couldn't reach you and called me."Grace finally snapped out of her daze and took Ashley's phone.Caleb's face appeared on the screen. "Gracie, what's going on? You haven't been answering my calls. I was so worried!""My phone ran out of battery... What's up, Caleb?" Grace simply made up an excuse."Victor is on vacation. He's coming to Pamore to see you. Let's have dinner together tonight."Grace was delighted. "I haven't seen Victor in a long time. When will he arrive? I'll book a restaurant.""I'll have someone pick him up." Caleb suspiciously stared at her face. "You look unwell. What happened?"Grace shook her head vigorously, insisting that she was fine, and hastily hung up the phone.Having once traveled to Pamore for a man whose name she didn't even know and eventually married Benjamin by a twist of fate had already angered her family. If she we