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,
It was normal that Priscilla didn't know Grace. In this circle, the line between the original wife and the mistress was clear. Men were smart. They knew who could be brought out in front of whom and who couldn't.Although Raymond and Hestia had divorced long ago, he had never given Priscilla a title in all these years. She could only mingle in the circles of these wealthy ladies because of Jake and a lot of money.Others respected her for two reasons. Firstly, because Hestia was aloof and never participated in their activities. Secondly, they speculated whether Jake would ascend to power and hence give her a boost in status."Oh, Aunt Priscilla. I'll address you as you wish for Uncle Raymond's sake," Grace responded casually.It wasn't for Priscilla. It was for Raymond.Priscilla wasn't angry. "I've heard about you from Jake.""What did he say about me?""He said you were the Lewis family's youngest daughter and that you are bold and charming. He really likes you."Grace sudd
Xander knocked on the door, and an attendant opened it. Isla looked up and saw the good-looking man.Xander gestured with his finger, indicating for her not to make a sound.At that moment, Grace had already won over a dozen rounds. Another lady at the table understood the situation well and kept folding her cards. Combined with Grace's sharp wit, Priscilla and Jean were utterly defeated.A pile of chips lay on the table.Priscilla was visibly upset. After finishing the last round, she conceded. "You're really clever, Ms. Lewis. I admit defeat."Even from the back, Grace seemed delighted. "Okay. Losing isn't scary. It's being afraid to admit defeat that's scary. Aunt Priscilla, you need to practice your poker skills."Priscilla remained silent.After collecting the chips, Grace bid farewell and turned to leave. But as she did, she stumbled into a man's arms, hurting her nose. When she looked up, she saw Xander. "Xander?"Everyone looked over.Smiling, Xander gently rubbed