In the Lap of Luxury

Hestia was quite indignant, insisting that was the way it should be.

"Pick a few of ME's signature items, and I'll have someone draft a contract for you to sign this afternoon."

Grace was pleasantly surprised. "Amirate's media is still not stable, I'm afraid—"

"That's precisely why I want to give you a hand."

Hestia looked at her with admiration and said, "I trust you. Go ahead and do it. I won't work with other platforms for the Black Friday sale. You have my full support, so be confident." This was for the best. It gave Amirate Corporation another card to play. Grace was very touched.

"Thank you, Aunt Hestia!"

Hestia looked very young for her age. Even though she was 50 years old, she looked like she was in her 30s. Only the fine lines at the corners of her eyes showed the traces of time. Grace looked at her, wanting to say more.

"What's wrong?"

Grace actually wanted to ask about more about that woman outside, for one. But Hestia hadn't revealed anything over the years, so she probably didn't want others to know. Hence, Grace didn't ask anything. Sometimes, giving support in silence was better.

"Aunt Hestia, you are like my mother. I won't let you down."

Hestia chuckled, stroking Grace's head. "Silly child."

It wasn't until that afternoon that Grace received an Information System Security Certificate through fax from Victor.

"Gracie, I've helped you so much. How do you plan to thank me?"

"I'll take you out to dinner when I get back."

Grace looked at the certificate, feeling delighted. She felt she was on cloud nine.

"Just dinner? That's not enough. I won't help you next time."

"What else do you want? Do you want me to fall on my knees and thank you?"

"No! If Grandpa and Aaron find out, they'll tear me apart." Victor didn't want to get into trouble.

But Grace had other worries. "Victor, is this enough to make Mr. Schultz relent?"

Victor became serious. "Look at the regulations at the bottom. That's something only the Department of Homeland Security has. He should be happy to have it stamped on this paper." "Really? But if it had been that simple, Byte wouldn't have been negotiating for so long."

Victor laughed over the phone. "Byte wasn't successful because they couldn't get the certificate, but you were able to solve the issue. Do you know why?" "Why?"

"Because of the wise and mighty me. You should be glad."

Grace was speechless. He was so shameless that Grace couldn't help but curse him inwardly.

"Anyway, you go ahead with confidence. You've got me backing you up."

Grace smiled and replied affirmatively before ending the call.

She turned around, intending to go back inside, but unexpectedly tripped on the steps and stumbled.

"Ah!"

As she was about to fall, a large hand steadied her waist firmly. Xander panted nervously.

"Are you a kid? How can you be so careless?"

Grace was surprised to see him. "Xander! When did you get back?"

Xander steadied her and answered, "Not long ago. Got any good news?"

Grace nodded excitedly, holding up the paper in her hand. "I've got the confidence to negotiate with Mr. Schultz now!"

Xander was also happy for her. He raised his hand to move the strand of hair sticking to her lips. "The vicious Ms. Lewis is like a child at home."

Grace's face turned red with embarrassment. "Xander, don't tease me! I think of you like family!"

Xander hummed with a smile.

Even though she was standing on the step above, she still only reached up to his shoulder.

"Is everything okay?"