In the Lap of Luxury

It was the afternoon in Frenda. The vast conference room was filled with all nine directors, along with various high-ranking executives and committee members. When Xander walked in, all eyes turned toward him. He scanned the room, noticing that Jake had already taken his seat in his usual place on the side in the front row. Jake even greeted him with a smile from his seat.

Xander took his place at the head of the table. "Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital? It seems you're perfectly fine now."

Hearing that, Jake moved his bandaged wrist.

"Everyone knows that I'm a workaholic. In the past few years, even when you weren't around, I never missed a single board meeting.

"So I'm back here even with this injury just in case you have any last-minute issues, and I can take charge."

It was an insinuation of ambition, clear for all to see.

Without responding, Xander flipped open a document. "I apologize for keeping you all waiting. Let's start the meeting."

Suddenly, a director asked, "Mr. Fulton, did you return from abroad?"

Xander paused his document, shuffling and gazing sideways.

Standing behind him, Hazel whispered, "I didn't leak your schedule."

Xander replied calmly, "Yes, something urgent came up."

The director continued relentlessly, "Fulton Group doesn't seem to have any relevant projects in Pamore."

They even knew about his trip to Pamore.

Xander adjusted his sleeves and answered casually, "I went to handle some personal matters."

"As long as you're not managing Futurelink's matters. Remember, Mr. Fulton, you can't be distracted.

"Otherwise, we'll be very concerned about leaving Fulton Group to you."

There was no mention of Grace, but instead, they shifted the focus to Futurelink. This acted as a more serious warning.

Those old men from Fulton Group, who were discontent with Xander running his business outside, took the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction. Xander smiled, deliberately casting a glance at Jake.

"If any of you have evidence of my misconduct, you can report it to the committee. If not, let's start the meeting."

Displeased, the other party took a sip of coffee.

"It seems there's none. Let's proceed."

With that command, various departments began reporting their progress.

Xander had been away for a week, and there were indeed many things left unresolved.

It was already four hours later when the meeting ended.

After leaving the conference room, Xander turned on his private phone and y Grace's reply. His fro

mood finally eased slightly S

"Xander." A voice came from behind. It was Jake.

"It's surely tough for you to travel back and forth. How's Ms. Lewis?" he asked, smiling.

Evidently, he already knew why Xander went to Pamore and was aware of Grace's identity.

Xander's tone was indifferent. "It's surely tough for you too. You harmed yourself just to return here. Why go to such lengths?"

After hearing his words, Jake's

en turned a little humblent

just

to share your burden. This

minor injury is nothing." S

The two went to the chairman's office together, with Hazel trailing behind Seeing Xander storming, Hazel sweated profusely. It was clear that he was furious.

Raymond stood at the desk, seemingly kind yet stern. He drew on a piece of pastel paper without looking up. "Is the meeting over?"

Xander replied, "Recent affairs are all settled. Sorry for letting you worry."

Raymond glanced at him. "Hazel mentioned you got injured. Is it serious?"

"Just a minor injury. Nothing to worry about."

"And Gracie? Is she okay?"

"She was startled, but you know her. She fears nothing." Xander approached him and helped him sharpen a charcoal pencil.