Semua Bab In the Lap of Luxury: Bab 551 - Bab 560

"I'll just take a look. I won't participate." The women played with high stakes. Grace sat on the right, seemingly focused on the game. But in reality, she wasn't paying attention at all. Before the round ended, the door opened. Matthew led the way in and asked Esme, "Have you won yet?" Esme scoffed. "You're asking too soon. The outcome isn't clear yet." Grace froze and stared at Benjamin behind him, whose eyes were also fixed on her. The lady sitting on the left also noticed him and asked, "Aren't you Mr. Hawkins? You're so young and promising, yet you're willing to watch us women play cards. You must find it amusing." Benjamin undid his coat and placed it aside, standing next to Grace."I don't find your game amusing. Clearly, you're skilled." The lady was delighted. Anyone would willingly accept praise from an attractive man. Grace pursed her lips and said, "Since Mr. Hawkins is interested in the game, maybe I should give up my seat. I feel a bit—" Before she coul

Grace was getting impatient. "Have you ever asked for my opinion, Benjamin? You're as arrogant as ever, and your so-called good intentions are not needed." Benjamin quickly said, "I admit that I didn't handle this matter properly, so I've come to apologize to you. I thought you would understand." So this was why he had attended Henry's birthday celebration. It was because of her. "I've thought it over. There is nothing between us. It's normal for there to be business interests between businesspeople, and whatever you do is your business. I have no right to criticize you, so there's no need to apologize." Grace's words were calm and measured, showing a sense of propriety. Benjamin frowned, feeling his heart sink. "Grace—" "Benjamin, you look down on both Byte Technologies and me. Yet you jumped into the lake just to win Matthew's favor?" Grace found it ironic. Benjamin remained silent, because she was indeed right. "Don't pretend to be high and mighty next time. It disgu

Grace stepped back in disbelief, covering her mouth. "Xander? When did you come back?" Xander unlocked the car and gestured for her to get in. "I got here at 3:00 am, but I didn't want to disturb you." Grace glanced at the time; it was 8:00 am now. On top of his long flight, he had been waiting here for five hours! She got into the car and tenderly caressed his cheek. "What happened? Why did you come back all of a sudden?" Gazing at her deeply, Xander caught her hand. "I'm here to return the car."Grace hit him playfully. "Don't lie to me. What really happened?" Xander smiled and answered, "Something urgent came up at Futurelink, so I came back to handle it." Grace was skeptical, but Xander had already started the car. "Going home?" She softly replied affirmatively. The roads were filled with cars since it was peak hour. Xander drove steadily. Half of his face was bathed in sunlight, his expression unreadable.When they reached Grace's place, Xander parked the car b

Xander pulled out a chair for Grace. "How is it different?" Steam rose from the chicken soup on the table. Grace held a spoon and thought for a moment before answering, "You trust her a lot, and you guys have very good chemistry." Xander deftly changed the subject with a straight face. "Like you and Luke." "That's not quite the same. You two are ..." Before Grace could finish, Xander placed some side dishes in her bowl. "Eat up, then go to sleep." "But by the time I wake up, you'll have to leave." "Are you going to miss me?" He was merely teasing, but Grace's ears turned red."I didn't come back just to keep you awake. Be good." Grace, who was used to just bread and coffee for breakfast, suddenly felt a rare sense of satisfaction as she ate the warm soup. The room was warm, and the soup was also hot. So Xander took his jacket off, revealing his strong, muscular arms. He tapped his fingers on the dining table. "I heard that Matthew ended up taking Henry home." Grace

Grace finally caught her breath. She placed a hand on her chest and eventually pushed Xander away. "I'm going back to my room. You should leave." As Xander's arms suddenly became empty, his expression darkened. He instinctively reached out and grabbed her. "I like you." Grace stood still. She had imagined this day and how she would respond with, "I like you too." But now she couldn't say it. "Why did you come back to Pamore?" She was sharp and got straight to the point. "I was afraid you would rekindle things with Benjamin.""I didn't—" Xander interrupted her, saying, "I know it's unlikely, but I'm afraid of the past repeating itself. It was just like this back then. I left for a while, and you went to him." His voice was low. Grace felt her heart ache as well. She pulled her hand away. "You're not thinking straight right now." She broke free and hurried upstairs. Her footsteps disappeared at the end of the hallway.… Hazel was waiting outside Grace's place.