Her tone was full of irritation and impatience, devoid of any former warmth.Xander had an unpleasant expression, but he remained patient. "Hazel mentioned that you're leaving today. I'll take you there.""That's a lot of trouble for Mr. Fulton to come straight from a livestream to pick me up. Is it worth it? Unlike you, who has a clarification statement to back you up, my reputation almost got damaged."Grace was furious. Her shoulders were trembling and her words dripped with sarcasm."Grace." Xander's voice deepened. His patience was nearing its limit.Just then, the doorbell rang. A staff member said, "Ms. Lewis, your clothes have arrived."Xander looked up and stepped aside. Grace took a deep breath and reluctantly headed to the door. She opened it just a crack and took the clothes."You need to be at Emblem Garden by seven at the latest. Don't forget, Ms. Lewis. I'll have someone take you there."Grace said nothing in response.A hand came from behind, closing the door f
He remained silent, his gaze cold and penetrating."I don't know your plans. I don't know your future. I didn't even know you studied computer science. I'm just a pawn that's kept in the dark and moving wherever you want me to go."Grace finally broke down. All the pent-up grievances she felt from these past few days poured out. Her tears seemed to burn his palm and made him frown."On the surface, it seems like you love me, but I feel like a puppet on strings. This isn't fair at all, Xander."Xander felt his anger subside at last. He let her go completely, took a tissue from the table, and wiped her tears. "Alright, don't cry."She gasped for breath. Her posture and the way her dress rode up caused her to reveal more than she intended to. From Xander's perspective, this seemed to ignite his desire.Suppressing his lustful feelings, he helped her sit properly and patiently continuing to wipe her tears."What do you want me to say? You once loved Benjamin, and now you insist on g
While she sat in the car, Grace felt a sense of unease.The driver noticed her discomfort and offered reassurance, "Ms. Lewis, there's no need to worry. Mrs. Jarvis came to Pamore to comfort you. There are three tables at the banquet, and she's very easygoing. She won't make things difficult for you."But that wasn't what Grace was worried about.She glanced at the rearview mirror. Xander's Bentley followed at a moderate distance. He was determined to attend this banquet.Just before they left, he had a hard look on his face and told her sternly, "You'd better think carefully about whether you want to take back what you said."Grace had acted impulsively. Her mind was in turmoil. She touched her lips, which still burned with pain.What a bastard.…Emblem Garden was an exclusive place. Not only did one have to be wealthy, but they also had to be powerful.Grace didn't like such formalities. She preferred straightforward conversations, have a cup of coffee, and get things settl
Grace was invited because she was a victim of the recent scandal in Pamore. The higher-ups were concerned. With the Hawkins Group already fallen, Amirate, as a major taxpayer, couldn't afford any issues. They had extended this invitation to appease herThe banquet had three tables, each separated by screens but with some space left in between. Tanya gave a speech, and only then did the banquet officially begin.The guests were all prominent figures, many of whom recognized Xander. Seeing him there was a surprise.Someone cautiously asked, "I was just watching the Futurelink ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning. I didn't expect to see Mr. Fulton here tonight. What a coincidence. So, what brings you here this evening?"Everyone knew that Tanya was here to offer her consolation, but why would Xander be here?Xander casually held his wine glass. "I ran into Mrs. Jarvis and came in to grab a meal."He seemed indifferent, but it was clear to the astute observers that he was specificall
Tanya was quite surprised to hear this. The relationship between Grace and Xander was well-known, but it seemed to be deteriorating now.This was actually preferable. Xander had already played a role in the trouble with the Hawkins Group. He had even involved Winston, which led to a series of scandals. The Jarvis family's current path wasn't easily obtained, and Tanya personally didn't want Winston to take risks.If Grace and Xander couldn't make it, it would mean fewer troubles in the future."I will definitely put in my best effort." With that, Tanya took out her phone. "I happen to have a lot of information on some young talented men. Would you like to take a look?""Sure."She wasn't wrong. The people she knew were top-tier second-generation elites. Even if their circumstances weren't great, their family's achievements were impressive, some even on par with the Lewis family.As she scrolled through, a familiar photo appeared. "Mr. Hamilton?"Dexter was among them, his sharp
To Xander, her words sounded like a veiled criticism of the complicated relationships in the Fulton family, hinting at her weariness and reluctance to deal with it.His expression darkened and his grip turned fierce as he pulled her into his arms. "And then? Go ask Dexter this. If you get into trouble today, would he sacrifice his future to protect you? Even if he's willing, can he protect you?"Grace felt both ashamed and furious. "I've told you, I can handle things on my own. If not for you, I wouldn't even be in this mess!""Do you regret it?" Xander bent down, his breath warm against her neck. "Even without these past two years between us, the previous decades can't be erased just because you say so."In the small space, their breaths mingled. Grace felt her body heat up as she listened to their intertwined breathing. He was like an immovable mountain, impossible to push away."If you want to break up with me, first sort out these accounts."As she listened to him, Grace felt
Everyone heard the noise, but it was quickly dismissed."Maybe we misheard."Without dwelling on it, they finished touching up their makeup and left.Grace hadn't expected Xander to be so bold and daring to act in such a place. She couldn't handle it and collapsed against him, crying softly, her voice hoarse.Xander gave a slight shake of his leg. "Why are you crying? This isn't home, so keep it down."Whether at her place or his, the spaces were large, and they didn't worry about being overheard. He always liked hearing her voice—hoarse, with a mix of coquettishness and pleading.The memories stirred something in him. Grace bit down on his neck. "I want to kill you."Her sharp teeth stung him. When he touched his neck, he felt the wetness of saliva mixed with a bit of blood."How are you going to explain to Mrs. Jarvis when you go out?""I'll say you were fooling around with a woman in the restroom.""Can I mention your name?"Grace's eyes were bloodshot as she glared at hi
Xander had also noticed and turned to look at her.He didn't say anything, but Grace felt his inquisitive gaze. She shook her head and extended her hand first. "Mr. Hamilton, hello."Seeing her take the initiative, Xander didn't linger. He headed toward the exit with a decisive stride.Dexter shook her hand. "Ms. Grace, or should I call you Ms. Lewis? Your name has been quite prominent lately."He was acting very businesslike. Grace cast a meaningful glance at Orson standing beside him. "Is that so? I'm honored to be recognized by Mr. Hamilton."Orson quickly avoided her gaze, looking flustered. Tanya didn't notice and quickly interrupted, "You silly boy. You're here to meet a lady, not to discuss work. Come in and sit down."There weren't that many formalities. Clearly, Tanya favored Dexter over Xander.Grace had only heard of Dexter by reputation. He was said to be a rising star, known for his integrity and influence in the political arena. Now, meeting him in person, he app
"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,