In the Lap of Luxury

Grace watched Xander's retreating back. She couldn't understand what he was thinking.

Her thoughts were jumbled up, and she felt a trace of anger surging through her. She stood up and left.

Xander remained standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows. His expression was somber as he watched Grace drive away through the trees.

He could feel her disappointment across the distance.

Some time later, Peter walked into the room. He said respectfully, "I heard what happened earlier. Why did you shy away from Ms. Grace? Back then, didn't you—"

"It isn't time yet," Xander said as he stuffed both hands into his pockets. He looked lonely.

"Let's just wait for a bit more."

Peter asked, "Are you worried about what happened in Mardovia? Actually, if you let Mr. Fulton Senior know, he'll surely be able to settle it."

Xander replied, "No way! You can't tell my parents about anything."

Peter replied, "Okay."

Grace's mood had been at an all-time low since she had gotten back from the Summitview Manor. It had even affected her behavior at work.

Each subordinate who went to report to her left her office trembling like a leaf from fear.

"We've prepared a proposal for the new project that was confirmed during the last meeting, Ms. Lewis," said Ashley Burke, the head of the talent department.

Before coming to Amirate Corporation, Ashley had been manager to top stars in the entertainment industry. Grace had put a lot of effort into recruiting her to join Amirate.

Grace read through the proposal. Even though the confirmed list of streamers weren't famous internet celebrities, they were all bloggers with great potential.

The streamers had beauty and food channels, and there were also some who focused on high-end luxury goods. They were all currently trending on all platforms.

Ashley said, "With the traffic we're getting thanks to Caleb, we have gained all of their trust. I promised them that the first batch of streamers who sign contracts with us will receive certain resource advantages."

Grace nodded and replied, "Of course. Live commerce is an emerging industry, after all. There are many rules that haven't been detailed yet.

"It's crucial to maintain good quality control during the early stages. We have to remember that quality will determine the retention of the audience." "Got it." Ashley nodded in agreement.

Then, she asked, "You're not looking too good, Ms. Lewis. Are you sick?"

Grace didn't think it would be this obvious. She touched her face and asked, "Is it that easy to tell?"

Ashley replied, "Yes."

Grace responded, "Perhaps I didn't rest enough. It's fine. You can leave now."

After Ashley left, Samuel passed by right before the door to Grace's office closed.

He snorted and asked, "Is the cooperation with Byte Technologies not going well? You're looking unwell."

Grace lifted her gaze in annoyance. She replied, "Sorry to make you worry, Director Walker, but I'm indeed not looking as radiant as you are. Did something good happen to you?"

The development of the Eastwood property was in full swing, so of course Samuel was in a good mood.

He leaned against the door and replied, "Just some advice from an old hand-it's not a good idea to take risks.

"With the way you're investing so much money, it's not worth it if you come back empty-handed. It's not too late for you to switch to real estate now."

Grace was tempted to throw the file in her hands at him. In fact, she would have done it if it hadn't been for her self-restraint.

She replied emotionlessly, "We can talk about this if I screw up. I'll come begging after you then, Director Walker."

Samuel laughed and walked away happily.

Strangely enough, Grace recovered from her low mood after being provoked by him. She was determined to make the cooperation with Byte Technologies work. She would show him the results! With that thought in mind, she immediately called Matthew and invited him for dinner. She wanted to discuss the contract for their subsequent cooperation that has been agreed upon.

Amirate Corporation was leading the business world in Pamore, and since Matthew had a good impression of Grace, he had naturally respected her and accepted her invitation easily. They decided to meet at the rooftop garden in the city center.