"That's enough." Celia cut her off, looking sullen. She had suffered at Grace's hands before, and she knew that it was very likely that the latter indeed had a connection with Joshua's first love. She didn't dare risk it in front of so many people.Grace turned her phone in her hands.Celia approached her and said in a low voice, "Don't get too triumphant. There's more in store for you."Grace touched her hair, and her eyes shifted to the figure in the distance. "I'll be waiting."Celia turned around angrily and left the boutique with her posse. Silence fell at once. The smile dropped off of Grace's face. Noelle asked hurriedly, "Grace, does Joshua really have a first love?""I made it up."Emily laughed out loud. "I knew it! Only Celia would be dumb enough to be fooled by that. This just shows that she doesn't know Joshua well enough. She's just bluffing and putting on airs."At that moment, Jake and his female companion came up to them. The woman said, "I've come to get
Grace took a sharp breath.The photos were of the night Shawn had gone over to her house. It showed him massaging her feet, talking to her, and helping her up the stairs.The photos had been captured at angles that made them look like a couple.Grace's face turned pale. She once again lamented Jake's despicableness."This isn't the truth.""Even if it's not, Xander will see it that way."Jake flipped to the last photo, which showed Shawn standing alone in the yard. His figure looked lonely and forlorn. "Look at this one. Doesn't it look like post-sex calm?"Grace looked up, then suddenly slapped him across the face. The crisp sound echoed in the boutique.Luckily, there was no one else around.Jake turned his face to the side. As he licked the corner of his mouth, he tasted blood."Did you just hit me?""How shameless can you be? Do you think I'll succumb to your threats?""I haven't said what I want you to do. Why are you so anxious?"Grace's palm throbbed faintly. She ha
Grace sounded quite troubled.Just then, Spencer pushed the door open with some documents in his hands. He waited for Shawn to finish the call.Shawn raised his hand, gesturing for Spencer to sit first, while he walked to the window. "How important is the relationship?"Grace blurted out, "Very important.""How serious is the threat?"Grace didn't dare say that the matter was related to him. She swallowed and said, "It doesn't involve a life-or-death situation. It's a business competition at most."Shawn had a clear idea of the situation now. "If it were me, I would choose to endure it and resolve the matter carefully. After all, it's a very important relationship. Once it's ruined, it can't go back to the way it was before."For some reason, when he said this, Grace heard a hint of melancholy in his tone."Shawn, did I touch on something that upset you?""No, it's all in the past." After a pause, he asked, "Do you need help?"Grace had already found her answer and hurriedly
Grace knew that the two of them had struck a deal, but she still frowned. "I don't know him.""You will."After dropping Noelle off at home, Grace headed straight to Amirate and called Luke over. "Help me look up someone named Bobby Baxter."Shawn was right. She couldn't provoke Jake right now. If he were to send the photos to Xander, it would cause a huge problem. She needed to navigate this carefully and find an opportunity to crush Jake.Before long, Luke found out about Bobby. "Bobby Baxter is the president of Aether Group. In terms of infrastructure, Aether Group has secured most of the national corporate projects. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they're like a state-owned enterprise. He holds considerable sway."Grace's heart sank at those words. Jake's current project also had ties to Aether Group. Why was he looking for dirt on Bobby, and why was he so confident that she could find it?"Oh, and Bobby is on the list of attendees for our annual party.""Why was he
Grace's heart sank. She hadn't expected Joshua to directly make such a request. He knew she couldn't refuse since she was at fault.Grace forced a smile. "What haven't you experienced before? There's nothing at our little party for you to enjoy.""I'll find it enjoyable if you're there." Joshua glanced mischievously at Noelle. "Don't you want to invite me?""That's not what I meant." Grace had no choice but to agree. "I'll have my secretary send you an invitation later."Only then was Joshua satisfied. He bid farewell and left briskly. However, his back still showed signs of aging.Noelle was worried. "Joshua's smile is so scary. I always feel like he's hiding something.""You're right. He definitely is."Otherwise, he wouldn't have accepted Celia and returned to Pamore.Grace's eyes darkened. She felt like she was caught in a tangled mess that she couldn't sort out.…Amirate had reserved the whole building of the most luxurious hotel in Pamore for its annual party. From t
It wasn't until evening that Grace finally resolved all the work-related matters.The hotel was lit up, and all the big shots had arrived. Grace held her dress and walked gracefully onto the stage as everyone looked on. "Thank you, everyone, for taking the time out to attend Amirate Corporation's annual party. I hope we can all have a smooth partnership in the future. Let's have a great time tonight."After saying that, she took a glass from a waiter and raised it to the crowd.As she raised her head to drink the wine in one gulp, the ruby on her neck shimmered. Cheers and applause erupted from below. Following that, the lights dimmed, and the music started playing.Since the theme was a dance party, everyone was dressed boldly and exuberantly, showing their youthful side.After stepping down from the stage, Grace noticed that Matthew was shaking his body as he talked business with others. "This annual party is so innovative, Ms. Lewis. I feel ten years younger."She smiled. "Y
Suddenly, there was a clamor outside the door. Bobby had arrived, accompanied by a group of influential figures.Grace looked over. "This is my first time meeting Bobby. What exactly do you want me to get on him?"Jake smiled. When he smiled, he didn't seem evil. "I don't know. It depends on your abilities."With that, he pressed his palm against Grace's back and pushed her forward. She stumbled forward. "M-Mr. Baxter."Surprised, Bobby looked over. He didn't recognize Grace at first. It was the people beside him who told him. "It's Ms. Lewis from Amirate."Bobby suddenly remembered and raised his glass. "Ms. Lewis, I've heard of you."Grace forced a smile. "Thank you for coming.""It's my pleasure." Bobby had heard about Grace and knew she was Xander's girlfriend. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come there.His gaze fell on the necklace around Grace's neck. It was the Eternal Love necklace he had seen before.It seemed that Xander indeed cherished her. Hence, Bobby thought it wou
Surprisingly, Jake didn't get angry. "Besides this, I excel in many other aspects."Grace spun around. "Too bad. You'll always be inferior."Inferior to Xander.Jake's expression changed slightly. Despite being a bastard, he had wielded power for years, so no woman had dared to talk to him like that before. Grace was the first who was completely fearless of him.He exerted more force on his grip on Grace's waist. Suddenly, he reached out to touch her necklace. "Eternal Love. Xander is really generous. I wonder what he would think if he knew you were dancing with me while wearing it."Grace pushed his hand away. "He would trust me, of course. After all, your reputation speaks for itself."Jake smiled. "Are you that sure?"Grace didn't want to continue that topic. She just wanted to finish that dance quickly.At this moment, her gaze fell on Bobby, who was talking nearby. She spoke up. "You want to replace Bobby and gain control of Aether Group."It was a statement. She believ
"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,