In the Lap of Luxury

However, Grace became agitated. She took his hand.

"Why shouldn't she? I want to know about your past, but you never tell me anything."

"I know what you should know and what you shouldn't. Some things are too dirty, and they would defile your ears."

Xander rolled the window down slightly and looked outside.

"We're lovers. Do we need to withhold anything from each other?" Grace looked at his silhouette.

"No matter what it is, as long as it's related to you, I would never find it dirty."

Her voice seemed to pierce right through Xander's heart, and he frowned.

"I like Hazel telling me these things, because I can see a different Xander. You underestimate me. I know what the world is like, and I'm not as sheltered as you think I am." Grace sighed and grabbed his hand again. "Xander, I hope that in future you'll tell me about your family, friends, and work."

He looked back, and there was a rather disoriented look in his eyes.

He hadn't expected Grace to be so magnanimous and accepting. Perhaps it was because he had always seen her as someone who was out of his reach.

Now, it surprised him to find that she was willing to try and understand him.

"You silly woman." Xander tucked away the loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"In the past, I wouldn't have worried so much, but now I bear the burden of so many things. Being with me will always be difficult."

That was why he had not dared to express his feelings at the beginning.

Grace's mood lightened, and she leaned against his shoulder.

"You forget that being with you is means to stand by you through thick and thin. I'm your girlfriend. We don't need to talk explicitly about these things." Xander's lips curved. There was gentleness in his eyes as he looked at the soft, pliable woman in his arms.

After Xander dropped Grace home, he returned to Hestia's house.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

She was still awake. She was sitting on the couch with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders. She had obviously been waiting for him for a while. "Tonight, Raymond took Priscilla out to entertain the Lewis siblings. You've probably already heard."

Her tone was cold, as it always was when she spoke about this kind of thing.

Xander looked weary. "Even men of Dad's standing would seek the comfort of a gentle embrace when they face setbacks." Hestia pretended not to hear the pointed tone in his voice.

"They were introducing the Jorsons' daughter to Victor! Her niece! It was so obvious what they were trying to do. They want to form a marriage alliance with the Jorsons to take my position. She's dreaming."

Xander sat down and lit a cigarette.

"No matter what, the Lewis family is always on your side." He looked at her through the smoke. "Besides, you and Dad are already divorced. What do you mean by taking your position?"

Hestia narrowed her eyes when she heard this. "Your father has remained single for all these years, and I know that it's partly out of consideration for me.

"If he married anyone else, I would

have to accept it, but if he dares to

marry

Priscilla, I will fight him to the

death. Xander, the reason I'm

fighting him is all for you!"

Xander lowered his eyes. He was tired of all this.

"I received the news that Jake has already taken over the Aether project completely, and he's making ripples in Pamore as well.

"When he returns from the branch company, he will definitely be promoted by two levels, and he'll then become a direct threat to your position.

"What are you planning to do about this?"

"I made the Aether project for myself. If he has the guts to devour it, then I will have my ways of making him spit it out."

Xander grabbed his coat and stood up when he'd finished speaking. "I'll get going."

"You're not staying over?"

He did not pause as he strode out.

After Grace had stayed at Frenda for about a week, the voting results for Amirate's annual party were released.

"Dance Party" had gotten the highest number of votes.

On the phone, Luke laughed as he said, "There are a lot of single workers at Amirate. They all want to find a chance to get a partner." Grace laughed too. She confirmed the time once more and decided to return home.