Grace frowned.It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Lyra had been angered to death. She hadn't even been able to see her own son. Susan was truly evil!"Why didn't she face any legal consequences?""How could she? Everything was done legally, and eating supplements during pregnancy isn't a crime. It couldn't be counted as intentional harm."Grace immediately understood. "It was done by the maid Susan hired!"How manipulative of her! She had done everything without leaving a trace. Elizabeth admitted it. "Her name was Reina."It had been the janitor at the annual party. So, she was one of Susan's people! No wonder she had taken orders from Celia. It was no surprise that Elizabeth was so angry."If this is what happened, then why did you…" Grace hesitated, but Elizabeth understood what she meant. "Why did I let her marry into the family?""Yes.""She said she was pregnant."For the sake of the child and the reputation of the family, the Hawkins had covered everyth
Benjamin became even angrier. "Don't act so high and mighty! Isn't what you wanted already standing next to you?"He was referring to Grace."Benjamin! Watch your mouth! I'm a person, not an object, and I'm definitely not one of the Hawkinses' possessions!"Grace retorted at once. She took Xander's hand to get in the car, but Benjamin blocked their path."Move aside!"Benjamin's eyes flicked between them. Xander looked perfectly relaxed and calm as he allowed Grace to lead him. Benjamin finally moved. He turned swiftly and headed straight for the manor.Half an hour ago, Elizabeth had called him and commanded him to come back at once. That was why he had rushed back, but he hadn't expected to meet Grace. Something didn't seem right. Something must have happened.The moment he entered, Elizabeth asked accusingly. "Why is Celia back?""Grace told you?""Who gave the order for Reina to appear again? Was it Celia or Susan? Where are they?"Benjamin was confused, but he caught
Grace leaned into his embrace and played with her fingers. After a long time, she straightened up and said seriously, "I'm thinking of doing something, but I want to ask your opinion on it. If you don't agree, I won't do it."From her earnest expression, Xander could tell that she was nervous and uneasy. He took her hand comfortingly. "Go ahead.""I want to investigate the truth about Lyra's death and bring the culprit to justice."The corners of Xander's lips turned down when he heard this. "I know that this doesn't have much to do with investigating Celia, but after I listened to Grandma's story today, it keeps weighing on my conscience. "I feel that now that I know about it, I can't just stand by and do nothing," Grace explained nervously as she waited for him to reply.Xander lowered his eyes and stared at her hands. "Investigating the affairs of the Hawkins family will be equal to falling out completely with Benjamin. Are you sure about this?"The ultimate result would
Xander furrowed his brows. He never expected Grace to say that. "You love me?""I love you. Don't you believe me?" Grace's palms were sweaty. She was worried he would fall out of love with her someday.Xander shut his eyes, then opened them again. He pressed her head against his chest and said, "I believe you wholeheartedly."His concerns and anxiety were left unsaid. All he could do was trust Grace. Grace lay contentedly in his arms, then suddenly jumped up. "I forgot that Aunt Hestia's flight is tomorrow! I haven't packed anything yet." Xander grabbed her hand. "What do you need to pack?" "Christmas is tomorrow, and I haven't bought anything." "The housekeeper will do it." "It's not the same. It's always different when you put in effort." Grace rushed, pulling him up, insisting on buying gifts at the supermarket. They arrived at a luxurious mall. Although there weren't many people, quite a few like them came to do some last-minute shopping as Christmas approached.G
The little girl spoke very adorably. Grace was highly embarrassed. The girl just wished them a happy marriage.Xander, on the other hand, was in a great mood. He reached into the shopping cart, took out some bills, and handed it to the little girl. "Here's some pocket money." "That's too nice of you. There's no need…" The parents hurriedly refused. "It's for her." Xander insisted, stuffing it into the little girl's hand. Grace chuckled. "Just accept it. He's in a good mood." Xander was most likely in a good mood because of the little girl's words. As they left the supermarket, Grace asked, "Why did you tell them we're married?" "It's just a matter of time. I just said it early. It's not lying." Xander smiled ambiguously. Grace grimaced in disdain, "You like children." "They're alright, but whether we have children is up to you." Xander understood the damage a baby could bring to a woman's body; prioritizing her health was paramount. "Do you prefer boys or girl
There was someone else with Victor, an Amirate Corporation legal team's lawyer.Grace walked in front, heading straight into the VIP ward area. She stopped in front of a door and knocked. A nurse opened the door. She sized Grace up and asked, "Who are you?" "I'm looking for Mr. Iverson. Is he in?" "He..." The caregiver hesitated momentarily before saying, "You can't enter without an appointment." "Who is it?" A female voice came from inside. It was Celia. The nurse stepped aside, and Celia saw Grace. She sneered. "What a surprise. Isn't it beneath Ms. Lewis' noble status to visit a hospital?" Seeing this, Grace walked straight in. Joshua was nowhere to be found in the ward. "Did I let you in? What are you looking at?" Celia tried to push her away, but Victor grabbed her wrist. "Miss, it's better to keep your distance." "Who are you? Her bodyguard? How dare you touch me! Let go!" Celia struggled. Victor wasn't angry. Instead, he chuckled. "In a sense, I am indee
Grace shook her head and said, "I've met with Reina. She ratted you out." Upon hearing this, Celia stumbled back in anger and shock. "That's impossible. I told you, I didn't do it." "Is that so? Then Reina lied. I'll have the police interrogate her again." Grace calmly deceived her and watched her crumble in confusion and anxiety. Celia glared at her fiercely, her disgust intensifying. "I'll have my lawyer tell you about the consequences of perjury." Grace finished speaking, feeling a bit annoyed, and walked to the smoking area by the window, lighting up a cigarette. The cigarettes in her bag belonged to Xander. There was probably a mix-up when they met. They were strong, but they brought a sense of calm. Either way, the trust between Celia and Reina would take a severe hit. A cornered mouse would surely make a big fuss. As the lawyer finished reciting legal terms, Celia was on the edge of agitation, screaming, "Get out! I don't want to hear it!" She ran out
"I'm waiting for someone," Grace blurted out. "What are you doing here?""Chief Bradley is hospitalized. I'm here on duty." Angus weighed the documents in his hand and admitted. Grace was right. "Your chief must be an important man. There are many plainclothes officers around. I'm too afraid to go up," Grace half-joked, probing. Angus glanced at her and pulled her around the corner. "Our chief isn't that influential. It's someone from higher up who got admitted. He got into a car accident just as he arrived in Pamore. Now, he's in the hospital." People who would require the protection of plainclothes police must be high government officials. Grace was puzzled and asked, "Who?" Angus scratched his head. "I can't tell you that, Ms. Lewis. I have to go." "Hey—" Grace wanted to wait longer, but Xander was still not out. She even started to think she had been mistaken. Victor called to urge her. "Who's the friend you've been chatting with for so long? Grandpa is urgin
"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,