In the Lap of Luxury

Grace was close enough to hear Aaron's words and stuck out her tongue.

Xander patted her head gently and braced himself for the scolding.

Aaron didn't dwell on it further and changed the subject.

"I attended a meeting today and ran into Jake."

Xander was startled when he heard this. Then, he regained his composure.

Nobody else was aware that Xander had a brother. He didn't expect Aaron to know. Turns out this was an unspoken secret amongst the elites of Frenda.

"The meeting was about foreign trade distribution. Jake was there.

"He was injured, sitting at the back. He didn't recognize me. I heard you demoted him."

"It's temporary. He can still be of use when the time comes."

"After the meeting ended, I saw Uncle Raymond teaching him a lesson as I was leaving the parking lot."

Xander understood the reason but remained silent for a moment.

"Jake's still his son, after all. You should be cautious."

Aaron was clearly giving a heartfelt warning.

"I understand."

Xander immediately caught on. A hint was all he needed.

After hanging up, Aaron sat pondering.

His secretary asked, "Mr. Lewis, what are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about what kind of person my future brother-in-law is."

Aaron thought of how Jake was willing to risk everything to return to headquarters even after Xander had demoted him.

Raymond was intent on compensating him. But right after the meeting, Jake fell for Xander's second setup.

A conniving man was not to be taken lightly.

The secretary seemed to miss the point.

"Ms. Lewis has a boyfriend?"

Aaron put on a straight face.

"I'm still not sure if he could be my brother-in-law."

Meanwhile, Xander returned the phone to Grace. She caught his finger and shook it playfully.

"I'm sorry. It was my fault for not taking care of myself, and you got lectured by my family."

He smiled and said, "I should take responsibility."

"Your brother... Jake, has he been causing trouble recently?"

Xander knew she had overheard and sat back down leisurely.

Grace quickly said, "I still have a lot of laxatives!"

He laughed, "If you prank him once, he won't ever drink your coffee again."

"There's always a way."

The weather was starting to get warmer. Xander's heart had never felt so at peace with his loved one by his side.

He took Grace's hand fondly.

Grace looked at him. Her thoughts suddenly ran wild, and she said, "I want some water."

Xander immediately leaned over to pour her a glass.

As they were close, Grace took the glass but didn't drink. Instead, she suddenly leaned forward, kissing him on the lips.

Xander stiffened, feeling his blood rushing.

Her lips were soft and seductive, her voice husky, "Xander, it's been two days. You haven't touched me. You really have some self-control."

His chest heaved violently, his heart pounding uncontrollably. He slowly reached out, intending to deepen the kiss.

"Grace"

A voice interrupted them.

They instinctively pulled apart, both looking toward the sound.

Outside the manor, on the street, Matthew was going out with Henry. Matthew covered his mouth a moment too late. Matthew smiled awkwardly and said, "Kids don't understand. Mr. Fulton, Ms. Lewis, please continue."

Grace's face flushed, wishing she could bury herself in a cave.

Xander stood up calmly.

"You're going out, Mr. Thorne?"

"Yes, a lot is going on in Byte recently. I have to tend to it personally."

"Congratulations, Mr. Thorne."

"You too, Mr. Fulton. It's a joyous occasion that Amirate Corporation and Futurelink Corporation are now a family."

Grace wanted to run away as she listened to the teasing words.