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
Hazel's gaze was intense. "So are the women you had me train.""They willingly sell their bodies for profit. It's a fair trade. You're different. You signed a work contract with me, so I have an obligation to ensure your safety."Xander's tone was firm, just like when he was talking about business."Besides, over the years, I did offend Sean. That 10% profit margin can be as my compensation."This was within Hazel's expectations, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of disappointment.Xander picked up his phone. He still had not received a response to the message he had sent Grace.His agitation intensified.Just then, a phone call came in. He squinted as he answered, "Hi, Aaron.""Where's Grace? I can't reach her on her phone. It's already late. You guys should know when to part." Aaron's voice wasn't particularly serious. It even had a hint of a teasing tone.Victor chimed in from the side. "What's wrong with the couple spending a little more time together? Grace is not a l
At this moment, Peter released his grip and stood straight on the side. "Mr. Fulton."Sean trembled as he climbed off the couch. "You bitch, how dare you hit me? Xander, is this how your people handle things?"His head was bleeding. Half of his face was covered in blood, making him look terrifying.However, Xander didn't even glance at him. Instead, he walked over to Grace in the corner and slowly crouched down. He reached out his trembling hand. "Gracie."Grace had been holding back her emotions this whole time. When she saw Xander, she broke down at once. Tears streamed down her face."I don't know him."Xander lifted her face. It was so cold that it pierced his heart."I know. I'm here now. Calm down."Seeing this, Sean’s eyes widened. "Y-You know each other? Xander, you set me up!"Just then, the manager rushed over with people. When he saw the scene, he knew the situation was bad. "Mr. Fulton, this happened because of our negligence."Upon closer inspection, Grace's frai
If Peter hadn't arrived in time, and if Aaron's call had come a little later…Xander didn't dare to think about what would have happened."Why did you come back to Frenda?"Grace held onto his coat tightly as she said softly, "I came to see you.""You came to see me without telling me?" Xander couldn't control his temper. "Do you know what kind of person Sean is? How could you just go in?""I don't know. I just wanted to give you a surprise. Hazel said you were at Fortress, so I came over." Grace felt wronged.Upon seeing her pitiful expression, Xander calmed down at once. He raised the temperature in the car and took off her coat. "Where are you hurt?"She had specially chosen this white dress, but now it was stained with blood. Xander embraced her and carefully checked her for injuries. He was relieved when he found none."The blood is Sean's."Xander tightened his grip around her waist and buried half of his face in her neck. In a muffled voice, he murmured, "I'm sorry."G
Half an hour later, the driver hurriedly returned. "Mr. Fulton, here."He held out a bag. Inside was a white dress, identical to the one Grace was wearing. While she changed, Xander leaned against the car and lit a cigarette.Peter stood respectfully by his side. "The subway project is ready to start at any time. Are we being too impulsive by terminating the contract with Sean?""He's not the only material supplier in Frenda. If not for my respect for the older generation of the Brookes, I would have terminated this contract long ago."Otherwise, Xander wouldn't have been struck by Jake with this move."What about the directors and the committee?""I'll handle them." Xander took a deep drag from his cigarette. "Inform Hazel that she should go to the branch office from today on. There's no need for her to come back to the headquarters."Peter was taken aback. He hadn't expected Hazel to receive such a severe punishment.…The lights were on in Lewis Manor. Xander parked the c
It was widely believed that the future of the Fulton Group rested on Xander's shoulders.In a circle like this, it was rare to find someone who was not corrupt.Xander picked up his cup, the warmth radiating from his fingertips. "I pursued Grace with the intention of having a future with her."One sentence reassured Aaron.When smart people conversed, they just needed a few words to get the whole picture. Aaron seemed satisfied."You must always remember what you said tonight. If Grace ever gets hurt again, I'll hunt you down."Xander gently placed the cup back on the saucer with a soft clink.…The next day, during the morning meeting at Fulton Group, two changes were announced.Firstly, the contract with Brooke Group had been terminated. After the compensation, Brooke Group would be blacklisted. So, they had to select a new material supplier.Secondly, Hazel was demoted for withholding information.These two changes immediately stirred up a storm. No one had expected Hazel
Unable to find common ground in conversation, they decided to play poker instead.Wanting to liven things up, Isla made phone calls inviting more people to join. During the waiting period, Grace filled in for two rounds."Mrs. Brooke isn't answering her phone. Is something wrong?""You don't know? Last night, Mrs. Brooke stormed into Fortress, wielding a knife. It's said that when she arrived, the screens in the lobby were playing a loop of her husband with a woman," Jean recounted excitedly."What video?""You know, that kind."The ladies burst into laughter."Did she offend someone? The Brooke family has a solid background. Isn't this a slap in their face?""Fortress doesn't easily disclose client privacy. Whoever did this must be a big shot."Grace gazed at the cards in her hand, smiling but saying nothing.Bored of the women's chatter, Victor excused himself for some fresh air. He sent a text to Grace. "I'll wait outside. Come out after two rounds."That was her plan,