In the Lap of Luxury

Just as Shawn had said, Grace's foot injury healed within two days.

The moment she returned home, she received countless invitations to the annual parties of various large companies. Hawkins Group was among them.

Larry had personally come with the invitation, but Luke had intercepted him smoothly.

"You didn't need to bring it, to be honest. Ms. Lewis will not attend."

Larry had looked awkward. "I understand. Nevertheless, she still used to work at Hawkins Group. What if she still has a shred of feeling toward it? We sincerely invite Ms. Lewis to return and see how much the company has developed."

Luke had shaken his head at that. "The past is the past. There's no point in looking back."

Hence, Larry had been left with no choice but to return.

When Grace heard about what had happened, there was no trace of emotion on her face. She said to Luke, "You did well."

The other invitations were rejected as well, all except for one, which was from Elysium Bank.

Noelle had personally written the invitation to Grace, and she had added a line at the end in cute handwriting, saying, "You must come!" Grace smiled, and she instructed Luke to prepare a generous gift.

When they entered the venue for Elysium Bank's annual party, Noelle recognized Grace at once and rushed over to them. "Grace!"

Grace smiled. "Elysium Bank is very extravagant. We're feeling a bit stressed."

Anthony followed behind Noelle. "I'm sure that Amirate's annual party will be just as lavish. You're too modest, Ms. Lewis."

Grace inclined her head to greet him. When she looked up, she saw Benjamin and Timothy get out of a car together. They began walking toward her, and her expression changed.

She had almost forgotten that, given Timothy and Noelle's current relationship, he would be sure to attend. It was no surprise that Benjamin, who was close to Timothy both professionally and personally, was also there.

After watching that video, Grace couldn't help but feel like Benjamin was becoming more and more of a stranger to her.

Noelle looked over, and her eyes shone when she saw Timothy.

Anthony noticed it and warned, "This is a formal occasion. You need to conduct yourself accordingly."

Noelle pouted. "You're such an old fogey, Dad."

Grace seemed to sense something. "I'm guessing that we'll be hearing good news soon?"

"Not so soon. I still need to observe him. I only have one daughter! I'm not going to let him get her so easily."

Anthony was very strict when it came to Timothy.

Even though he was still far away, Timothy was already nervous. He adjusted his collar and asked Benjamin, "Do I look okay?"

Benjamin's eyes were fixed on Grace. "You look okay."

"You didn't even look at me!"

Benjamin obligingly glanced at Timothy. When he turned to look back again, Grace had already taken Noelle's hand and was entering the venue. Luckily, Elysium Bank had arranged the seats in a very considerate manner and had placed all the younger ones at one table.

In accordance with Noelle's wishes, Timothy was seated beside her, while Benjamin sat beside Grace.

Grace moved away from him soundlessly.

Benjamin pursed his lips. He tapped his fingers on the table. "You went back to Frenda a few days ago."

Grace made a noise of assent. She focused on listening to the speeches that were being given onstage. She snubbed Benjamin.

He knew that Grace had gone back in pursuit of Xander, but it was clear that she would always have to come back to Pamore. "How has your grandfather's health been recently?"

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Jackson is a veritable weathervane when it comes to trends in banking, so you should listen to his speech."

Benjamin pretended not to hear the sarcasm in her tone. "You were once responsible for bank loans at

vel.

Hawkins Group. You know I'm not good at this stuff."

Grace rolled her eyes. "Then, you should listen carefully, Mr. Hawkins. If Hawkins Group runs into financial trouble in the future and their leader is incapable, they'll be doomed."