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
Grace was surprised. She hadn't expected all these things to be happening behind the scenes."But from what I saw just now, you and Mr. Fulton don't seem to be on good terms?" Dexter asked with a hint of sarcasm.He wasn't usually interested in prying into others' personal lives, but this case seemed far from over, making him curious about what they were planning. That's why he agreed to meet Grace today.Grace suddenly laughed.Dexter looked puzzled, his seriousness fading. "What's so funny?""I'm laughing at how smart Mr. Hamilton is. I should have met you sooner. If I had met you last time, I wouldn't have been taken advantage of.""What do you mean?""Some things are better left unsaid, but if Mr. Hamilton likes to investigate, why not give it a try? Maybe the clues I provide can be of great help."Grace left it at that and stood up. "Please tell Mrs. Jarvis I had to leave early. I look forward to our next meeting."As she walked out of Emblem Garden and into a corridor, a