In the Lap of Luxury

"Has anyone ever told you that you're terrible at kissing?"

Grace immediately felt wronged. "I haven't kissed anyone else other than you."

Her words pleased Xander, and the last hint of hostility dissipated from his face. He pressed the button for the top floor again. "Stay away from Jake."

Grace pressed her lips together, choosing not to reveal the deal between her and Jake. She knew it wasn't a good time to bring it up.

She nestled in Xander's arms and looked at the bag of food he handed her. "Is this for me?"

"It's for a stray dog."

Grace laughed and hugged him tightly again. "Can't you speak your mind?"

Her movements were clumsy, and she accidentally touched something.

Frowning, Xander helped her steady herself. "The elevator isn't an ideal place for your first time."

Grace was momentarily stunned. It took her a while to finally realize the meaning behind his words and what she had accidentally touched. Her face turned beet red, and she couldn't utter a word. Even when they returned to the venue, the blush on her face hadn't faded.

The party was still lively, and Jake was nowhere to be seen. Grace found a corner and enjoyed her food.

Xander sat beside her. He felt better after seeing her eat happily.

Under the colorful lights, he exuded a unique charm. He attracted many glances by just sitting there.

Matthew came over to greet them, followed by Bobby. "Mr. Fulton, I told them that you would definitely attend Ms. Lewis' annual party. I got it right."

Xander clinked glasses with him calmly. "How's the project?"

Bobby sat down, looking frustrated. "I thought you were taking on this project. I didn't expect it to end up with Mr. Jake.

"I've had a hard time dealing with both sides. Mr. Jake isn't easy to get along with, and I've been suffering every day."

Xander played with Grace's hand under the table. "Sorry to hear that."

Grace caught the keyword and put down her spoon. "The project with Aether Group was originally yours?"

"I planned for it to be mine."

Frowning, Grace quickly thought about it. "Why?"

Xander pinched her fingertip. "The project is in Pamore. Why do you think?"

It was so that he could come back and end their long-distance relationship.

Grace's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Xander to plan so much for her. However, the project had fallen into Jake's hands now, ruining his plan.

She thought for a moment. "It's okay. Things are fine as they are now."

She wasn't good at comforting people. Xander smiled faintly as he wiped a drop of soup from the corner of her lips.

Bobby continued to complain, spilling many confidential details about the project.

Though Grace was eating silently,

nét

she figured something out. Jake wanted her to get dirt on Bobby because he knew the latter had a close relationship with Xander.

Attacking Bobby was like attacking Xander.

"What are you thinking about?" Xander suddenly spoke up.

Grace looked up and realized that Bobby had already left.

She was about to speak when Ashley approached them. "The new idol group is about to go on stage, Ms. Dewis. Would you like to come and see?"

Excited, Grace pulled Xander's hand. "The members of our newly trained girl group are all very pretty. Let me take you to see them."Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

He wasn't interested, but she was pumped up. He didn't want to spoil her mood, so he let her lead him out.

Below the top floor was the artists' area. After the performance on stage ended, everyone stood up when they saw Grace arrive. "Ms. Lewis."

"Hi, Ms. Lewis."

"Ms. Lewis, who is this?"

Smiling, Grace linked her arm with Xander's. "My boyfriend."