It was the afternoon in Frenda. The vast conference room was filled with all nine directors, along with various high-ranking executives and committee members.When Xander walked in, all eyes turned toward him. He scanned the room, noticing that Jake had already taken his seat in his usual place—on the side in the front row.Jake even greeted him with a smile from his seat.Xander took his place at the head of the table. "Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital? It seems you're perfectly fine now."Hearing that, Jake moved his bandaged wrist. "Everyone knows that I'm a workaholic. In the past few years, even when you weren't around, I never missed a single board meeting."So I'm back here even with this injury just in case you have any last-minute issues, and I can take charge."It was an insinuation of ambition, clear for all to see.Without responding, Xander flipped open a document. "I apologize for keeping you all waiting. Let's start the meeting."Suddenly, a director a
Raymond nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.He turned to Jake, who had been quietly listening. "Grace is the apple of the Lewises' eyes. She's like a half-sister to you. You'll have a chance to meet her in the future.""I know. I met her last time. She's indeed different. Xander is really lucky," Jake said with a half-smile. "It's worth it for him to give up work for her."Xander remained silent, narrowing his eyes."You should thank Jake. If he hadn't been mediating with the committee these days, they would have asked for you to be impeached."As a president, how can you leave the company without any news for a week?" Raymond scolded."Yes, I should thank Jake," Xander said without arguing. "Anyway, I left Hazel at the company to handle the work.""You're the president of this company. If you don't approve those projects and funds, would your employees dare to start working?" Raymond was genuinely angry.Jake interjected, "Dad, don't get worked up. Xander is back now. The futur
"If I had insisted, it would prove that I had set this up." Xander massaged his temples."But I think Mr. Fulton Senior is very happy with Ms. Lewis dating you," said Hazel.Xander's face darkened. He didn't express any opinions on that."He's already supporting Jake. When Jake returns from Pamore, this project will be a crucial step in his promotion. By then, there might be another director added to the Fulton Group's board."Hazel was astonished. "Is it a dead end?""He doesn't know the difference between me going to Pamore and staying in Fulton Group. As long as I'm here, I won't let him have this opportunity."It was already nighttime in Frenda when Xander left the company and went to Hestia's place.When the housekeeper opened the door and saw him, she excitedly called out, "Mr. Xander, you're back."Xander raised a finger to signal her to keep it down. He then took off his coat. "Where's my mom?""She's in the living room, having a video call with Ms. Lewis."As he walk
Upon hearing that, Hestia asked, "Are you blaming me, Xander?""I didn't mean that.""I can't help it. I hate him whenever I think about how he betrayed our marriage and had a child with another woman. "I just hate them so much that I wish they were dead. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even see him again."Hestia gritted her teeth, unable to control her trembling.Xander understood that these years of deception and compromise had been hard for Hestia. He held her hand and said wearily, "I understand. Leave it to me. I'll handle it.""I’m sorry that you can't do what you want because of me. You can't be in charge of Futurelink and can't reunite with Grace." Hestia looked at him with a sense of guilt.She knew Xander had not had an easy time in both his career and relationship these past few years.Raymond was right about something."If it's true love, we don't have to be constantly together." Getting up, Xander said, "Grace is not a petty person."Back in the bedroom, he t
Xander had never overslept. Early in the morning, as he was putting on his coat, the housekeeper knocked on the door. "Ms. Yale is here."Hazel stood in the villa's living room. She was carrying files in her arms.Hestia invited her for tea, so she drank politely and didn't overstep. She had been doing this for the past few years.Hestia appreciated her. "You've been with Xander since he joined the company. At that time, there were many elites, and quite a few pretty ladies among them threw themselves at him. Do you know why I chose you?"Hazel respectfully said, "I dare not speculate on your thoughts, Madam Fulton, but I am curious about why I stood out.""Those people were too ambitious. They had too many ideas and wanted to achieve too much. Only you simply stood there with both honor and disgrace. I like that."Hestia rarely praised someone. But over these years, Hazel had indeed passed the test.Pleased, Hazel smiled and said, "Thank you for your praise, Madam Fulton. But I
Hazel glared at the lady. "How dare you have your eyes on Mr. Fulton?""I didn't mean that. Everyone says Mr. Fulton is cool and poised. I just want to see it for myself. I would never dare to covet Mr. Fulton in front of you, Ms. Yale."The lady's words were filled with hidden meaning. She was trying to please Hazel.Xander avoided women and had no scandals. If there were any rumors, they were about his closest secretary, Hazel.They said that the reason Xander maintained a clean image was because he already had Hazel.Xander ignored these rumors. But over time, it became the unspoken truth among those people."Don't talk nonsense," Hazel scolded, but she didn't directly deny it. "If the higher-ups find out, they'll skin you alive."Curiously, the lady grabbed Hazel's arm. "Ms. Yale, what type of woman does Mr. Fulton prefer?"Hazel squinted her eyes, involuntarily recalling Grace—proud and beautiful."That's not something you should be asking."…On the other hand, Grace h
Since it was a place where social events were held, it naturally involved women and alcohol.The room was filled with alluring music, and beautiful women stood in a row.Hazel bent down to pour a drink for Sean. "I've heard a lot about you, Mr. Brooke. I finally got to meet you today. You truly live up to your name. Let me make a toast to you."With a gentle expression, Sean pushed the glass away with a smile. "Xander came in person. This drink should be for him."Hazel hesitated and looked at the man behind her.Though Xander's eyes flashed with a cold glint, his expression remained respectful. He took the glass. "Mr. Brooke is my senior. All things considered, I should be drinking this."He downed the full glass of whiskey.Sean clapped his hands approvingly. "Xander, I have to say, Jake is doing better than you in recent years."To reach his current position as Fulton Group's president, Xander had stepped on numerous people and brushed aside many personal relationships. Se
Xander nodded.Hazel's heart was pounding like a drum. She feared he might act impulsively, but she also wanted to see how far he would go for her. She remained silent for quite some time.After a while, Xander said with a darkened face, "I've reviewed the contract Jake signed with you. He offered you a 30% profit margin. I'll be the boss today. I can offer you 40%. As long as you're happy."The 10% increase in the profit margin shocked Hazel.Sean's pupils contracted slightly. He hadn't expected Xander to be so generous."You'll be the boss? Do you know what that means?"Xander's smile reappeared. "I know. Consider it compensation for my foolishness all these years. Will you forgive me?"At this point, Sean was somewhat shaken.Xander had given him enough respect today. Of course, as Xander's senior, he could act arrogantly, but he knew when to stop. If he went too far, it wouldn't end well.After a moment, Sean laughed heartily and released Hazel. "It seems you do cherish