The entire office smelled like Marlboro cigarettes.After Timothy left, the door to the lounge opened and revealed Joshua. He crossed his arms. "Can you trust him?""He's the only heir to the Donegan Chamber of Commerce and is one of the vice directors of an investment bank. He's more than capable of dealing with things in yours and Xander's field."Benjamin walked over to the liquor cabinet and took out a bottle of wine and two glasses. "You didn't help him when he was in trouble. How can you guarantee that he will help you?"The dark red wine flowed into the glass. Benjamin was confident about his victory. "I know my friend. He won't just let me die." …The moment Timothy left the Hawkins Tower, a chill ran down his back. While they had been in front of the mirror earlier, Benjamin had approached him and slipped him a pendrive. He had said quietly, "I helped you find it. This is the lost security footage of that staircase at Amirate's annual party. With this, Noelle can
The waitress came up to Shawn. "Can I take your order, sir?" Shawn randomly ordered two cups of coffee and gestured for her to leave. After a while, a middle-aged woman with a pale shawl walked elegantly into the cafe. She had a good figure and obviously took care of her appearance. She didn't look her age, and she looked both pleasant and aloof. She sat down opposite Heidi. "Did you get anything?" "Susan is very cautious. It's only been a few days, so she hasn't opened up to me at all. But I've given her quite a lot of money, and she's gradually starting to trust me. "I persuaded her to invest in some projects that are sure to make a loss, but she's dumb enough to think that she can make money." Heidi spoke animatedly in a rather dramatic fashion. It amused the woman opposite her. "That isn't your goal." "Oh, I know, Hestia. You don't come back to Pamore often, and you don't usually ask me for help either. I will definitely do my best, but this just needs time." He
Amirate had recently started work for the new season. Grace had set a general direction, which was to start looking for clean energy sources. It wasn't a short-term project, and the rate of voting from the board of directors was low, as they had all chosen to observe for now."Those who entered the industry first have taken most of the pie. If we try to enter now, we won't be able to get much. We may end up wasting a lot of resources and manpower instead." Grace was dressed in a business suit. She sat at the head of the table as she patiently analyzed their latest business policy. "As the environment in our country continues to improve, clean energy sources will become mainstream. Although this isn't our main specialty, it's not too late for us to enter the game." "It is true that clean energy sources can bring great rewards, but we now have AI, the Internet, and entertainment. All three areas are up-and-coming trends. Why should we take the risk?""Who decided on those three
Grace didn't move. She stared at Xander's expressionless face and couldn't help asking, "What about you? I've told you so much, but you never tell me anything about your work."Xander smiled slightly. "They're company secrets. How can I tell you?"This was what she had said to him the last time. Grace was annoyed. "Why would I want to know your secrets? Just tell me, has anything happened lately?"Xander thought for a moment. He said meaningfully, "There is something rather strange that I can tell you about."A few days ago, I received an anonymous email informing me that there's a mistake with the Aether project, and that Bobby is running an underground bank. If I read between the lines, the email was warning me to be careful."As he spoke, Grace felt her heart jump into her throat. She tried her best to remain calm. "Who would be kindhearted enough to warn you? Have you cracked the IP address yet?""It's highly secure, and I was unable to crack it. I told Hazel to go and check
Grace didn't know about Hestia's past, so she pulled Xander aside and asked curiously, "Does Aunt Hestia have a close relationship with your mentor?"The two of them were lying together, and the ends of her hair brushed against his lean arm. Xander had his laptop in front of him as he watched the rising and falling trends of the stock market. "He was my lecturer when I was in Coronia. I heard that he wasn't even in charge of the course I was in, but he applied specially to take over once he found out who I was.""For Aunt Hestia?""Yep." Xander shut his laptop. "My mom has always been extroverted and free-spirited. When she was young, she escaped her family and came here to wander around and experience life. "The two of them crossed paths, but they always just seemed to make the wrong choices around each other. "Mr. Jarvis wasn't brave enough to confess, but the moment he decided to start by being friends, they were destined to never become anything else."Someone with He
The next day, Luke came to make his report the moment that Grace entered Amirate. "The latest news is that Bobby's underground bank has been forced to change its operations. This will solve the problem of them using violence to urge repayment for debts."It seemed that Xander had taken the email seriously and taken the necessary actions. Jake probably wouldn't be able to do anything now.Grace relaxed, but as she worked, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration. It didn't seem quite right. If that really was the problem, then he wouldn't lose much anyway. Why would he do something like that?Before she could think further about the matter, a subordinate knocked on the door with a report. Grace pushed the thought away and said, "Enter."…At Futurelink, Hazel entered Xander's office, bearing news about Bobby. "Alright." Xander didn't look up.Hazel's gaze alighted on the warm tea that was still on the table. "Did you have guests?"Xander didn't answer. "Is there anything els
"The Hawkins family has reached a dead end. If they find out, you'll be in extreme danger."Grace didn't have time to consider too much. "Besides this plan, do you have any better ideas? No one else can get in as smoothly as I can."Xander hesitated for a moment. He didn't want Grace to take the risk."This isn't something you should be doing. Even if others don't stand a chance, I can't let you go through this."His concern was valid. Now that the Hawkins family was in big trouble and Benjamin was backed into a corner, he wouldn't easily release Reina's daughter.As Grace approached Xander, she squatted down and held his hand. "Xander, what do you mean this isn't something I should do?"If it's to save someone or to seek justice for the deceased, there's nothing I can't do. Besides, am I just eye candy in your eyes? Have you forgotten that I can take on three men by myself?""This isn't the same.""This is urgent."Only then did Xander gaze at her seriously. She had taken c
Benjamin shrugged indifferently. "Even if Grace ends up in jail for just a day, the Lewis family and Xander will do everything to get her out. "Right now, without her, there would be no Hawkins Group. So, tell me, should I take advantage of this?"Perhaps he had been spending too much time with Joshua lately. The latter had rubbed off on him; even a bit of his style was evident in Benjamin's speech.Larry couldn't help but feel alarmed. The Benjamin from before wouldn't have been so extreme. After a nod, he said, "But don't you still have feelings for Ms. Lewis? If you do this—"Feelings? The mention of that word made Benjamin feel distant. His gaze was hollow as he replied, "Survival is more important."At that moment, a car passed them by.Grace and Hazel were in the car. The latter was tidying her clothes. "Ms. Lewis, I'll say I'm your assistant later. Just give me a signal if you need any help."Grace agreed and said, "Thank you for coming with me on this risky trip.""It'
"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,