Jake's expression changed, but he recovered very quickly."When I get married, even if no one else comes, you have to come. Otherwise, I'll be disappointed." Jake looked in Xander's direction as he said the second half of the sentence. He was obviously provoking him. Xander focused on him and did not move. "No matter when your wedding happens, Jake, Grace, and I will prepare a large gift."After getting rebutted, Jake raised his eyebrows and patted his girlfriend on the butt. "You still have many things to learn from Ms. Lewis. Go and make a toast."His girlfriend was obedient. She walked over to Grace with a glass of wine. She had a fake smile plastered on her face. "Ms. Lewis, I've heard so much about you. My name is Nancy Willis, and it seems we'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future. I hope that you'll go easy on me."A moment passed with the wine glass suspended in the space between them. Grace glanced at it. "I don't drink alcohol that's given to me by strangers."
Raymond looked embarrassed and uncomfortable.Caleb and Victor couldn't resist speaking up, but Aaron cut them off. "It's getting late. Let's go home."The two of them had no choice but to shut up. They put their coats on and got ready to leave. Before Caleb left, he patted Grace on the shoulder meaningfully. There were now only four people left in the spacious hall. It felt strangely desolate. Grace dithered, and she glanced at Xander worriedly. Raymond was still explaining. "I met you when I was 25 years old. My family didn't approve of my decision to marry you because they felt I needed someone who could focus on the family wholeheartedly. "But you were good at everything and outstanding in so many fields. You weren't willing to toe the line, but I overcame every objection and married you. We've been each other's companions for decades, and I'm still holding on to you. "You should know what kind of person I am! I really did not know about today." Raymond's eyes were focu
Grace could imagine the situation in her mind. She didn't know how Xander managed to endure under such circumstances.His breath was heavy against her neck, and he sounded like he was in pain. "After that, I learned to be calm and to endure. My mom told me that Jake's existence would influence my entire life. She wanted me to take down Fulton Group."She was capable herself, and she believed in me too. But she wouldn't allow Fulton Group to fall into Jake's hands, so I had to fight for it."Grace could understand Hestia. How could such a proud woman allow herself to be outdone by Priscilla—a mistress?Her heart clenched, and she instinctively held Xander tighter. "It must have been very difficult for you.""I got used to it." Xander tilted his head, tears lingering in his bloodshot eyes. "Enduring and waiting for the right opportunity has been my routine for these years."Grace had hardly seen him so fragile before.She reached out and wiped away his tears. Trying to lighten the
Grace held her phone and glanced at the hotel pajamas she was wearing. She felt at a loss. "He's taking a shower. But this is not what I imagined."Originally, she wanted to wear her beautiful clothes, spray some nice perfume, and look her best. This seemed a bit hasty."Miss, there's no specific timing for such things. What's important is the mood.""Get him and give us feedback when it's over, please!"Grace's heart was pounding. She had never been so nervous before.In the bathroom, Xander had finished showering. He had a towel casually wrapped around himself. Water droplets slid down his taut abdomen, dripping into deeper places.He picked up his phone and answered the call. "So?""Priscilla did come. She's staying at the property purchased by Jake. As for the Nancy woman, she's the boss of a club in Pamore, dealing with wealthy businessmen. I'm not sure if she's dating Jake, but she's definitely loyal to him."Hazel diligently reported the investigation findings."Mr. Ham
The next day, Grace was awakened by the pain.It was on this day that she realized that the feeling of being run over by a car described in novels was not an exaggeration at all.She groggily opened her eyes and found herself being held in Xander's arms. Rolling over, she saw him sleeping peacefully beside her. While he slept, the coldness on his face was gone, leaving only gentleness.Grace had never felt so content in her heart, as if she had found her home.She reached out and tapped his prominent nose. When she withdrew her hand, Xander suddenly grabbed it. Opening his eyes, he asked, "Were you staring at me?"Surprised, Grace replied, "You were awake?"Xander held her even tighter. "I woke up when you moved." His voice was husky."It's the first day of the new year. We have to get up early to meet Grandpa."His hand moved down, pinching her waist teasingly. "Can you get up?"Grace blushed instantly. Yesterday's situation was beyond her expectations. The unrestrained Xande
When they arrived at Lewis Manor, both Victor and Caleb were not around. Harold said that they had left early in the morning. While everyone knew what Caleb was up to, it was surprising that even the recluse Victor had gone out.Grace chuckled. "Looks like there's a story to uncover."Aaron sat at the head of the table, brewing a pot of tea with skillful hands. "It seems we'll have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future.""Your tea has a unique taste that I really like. I'll have to come over more often for it." Xander nodded.Their conversation was nothing special, yet they both understood the hidden meaning behind the words.At that moment, a servant knocked on the door. "There's a car outside requesting entry. They claim to be Ms. Lewis' friends.""My friends?" Grace didn't think much of it and walked out, saying, "Let them in."She had expected it to be Zoey and the others. But when she stood in the garden, she found herself looking at an unfamiliar license plate on t
After Timothy left, Xander remained standing in place. He wasn't even aware of a person appearing behind him.It was Grace. She spoke softly. "Why didn't you tell me that you helped Timothy?"Xander looked at her somewhat surprised expression in the reflection of the floor-to-ceiling window and said gently, "It's a small matter. I didn't think it was necessary to tell you and make you worry."Grace wasn't a fool. She knew that whoever was close to her would inevitably have some resentment toward Benjamin. Since Timothy was his friend, Xander extending a helping hand to him came as a surprise to her."Thank you, Xander." She knew Xander did it for her.Upon hearing this, he turned around and pulled her into his arms. He sighed subtly. "There's no need to thank me. The bond between us goes beyond such things."Grace placed her hands on his neck, smiling. "You're so good. Should I just marry you already?"Xander chuckled, and his expression showed his affection for her. "That would
Grace's tone was tentative, prompting Aaron to set down his pen. "What's wrong? Don't you have faith in your boyfriend?"Grace shook her head. "I'm worried about him. Jake recently secured the Aether Group project. He just arrived in Pamore and has already struck a deal with the biggest club owner in town. Who knows if his power might be greater than what we saw?"At this question, Aaron hesitated to give a definite answer. "It's hard to say for now. Just remind Xander to be careful."Grace pondered for a moment. After some hesitation, she decided to confess. "Aaron, Jake approached me."Aaron's smile faded. "What did he want from you?""He wants me to get dirt on Bobby Baxter, the president of Aether Group.""What did you say?""I pretended to agree.""Did you tell Xander?"Grace shook her head. "If I tell him, Jake will become suspicious. I don't want to tell him for the time being."Upon hearing this, Aaron immediately understood her intentions. His expression changed. "Yo