novelxo Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Lucy was floored with astonishment.
What’s the background of Grace?
Well, look at that! No sooner had Lucy said that Grace was doomed, Lucy had an egg on her face…
Lucy knew Mr. Walker, but she had seen Grace’s CV. How could an orphan from a welfare institution rub shoulders with the likes of Tom?
Lucy felt that things might not be so simple, so she discreetly pulled back and made a phone call.
The crowd looked at Grace with newfound respect.
Tom didn’t notice the crowd’s gazes at all.
Tom squatted by Grace’s side and massaged her legs. When he looked at her, his eyes twin k l e d like stars, his grin as cute as a button.
“It’s been ages, Grace. You’re growing prettier by the day. Gorgeous ladies shouldn’t let a little rascal like me upset them – it’s bad for the complexion!”
With her slender fingers, Grace jabbed him on the forehead, her red lips hovering by his ear whispering a warning, “Cut the cra p. Behave on the crew from now on. If you stir up any more trouble, I’ll spill the beans to Senior Mr. Walker about your little escapades.”
“Don’t! He will surely beat me to death with the domestic discipline!”
Tom winced as if feeling a pang of pain, quickly begging Grace for mercy, “Grace, I promise, I listen to you the most.”
Grace’s lips curled into a smile, “In that case, go apologize to the janitor.”
“Huh?”
Tom’s expression changed. “Me, the dignified Mr. Walker, apologize to a janitor? Where am I supposed to put my face, Grace…”
Grace dropped her smile and put on a serious look.
“What era are we living in that we still segregate folks into high and low, noble and humble? You threw a tantrum, and smashed things up, but the janitor did nothing wrong. She ended up cleaning your mess. She even tried to calm you down and you snubbed her. Shouldn’t you take responsibility?”
Tom was totally depressed.
Tom glanced over to see the janitor tidying up his temper tantrum aftermath, and felt a pang
of remorse. He shuffled over, offered a heartfelt apology, and slipped her some compensation.
The janitor was visibly moved and highly gracious.
Grace then arranged for his agent to compensate the production team for the damaged
props.
7.3%
That afternoon, Tom was a model of concentration and cooperation on set under Grace’s watchful eye. He acted his scenes once or twice, leaving the director grinning like a Cheshire cat, showering Grace with gratitude.
Grace smirked, “He’s just a young man, a bit naughty. A little tough love goes a long way.”
The director guffawed, raising his opinion of Grace even more.
It was time to get off work. Tom took Grace’s hand and acted like a spoiled child, promising to make amends for his earlier behavior by treating her to a meal.
Unable to resist his persuasion, Grace agreed.
To avoid crazy fans and quietly go out for dinner, Tom practically donned a disguise, unrecognizable unless examined closely.
The two of them arrived at Douglas, the most expensive seven-star restaurant in Frant City.
As soon as they stepped inside, Grace was absorbed by the moody and dark decor. She wasn’t a fan of eating in brightly lit places. She preferred the dim, cozy atmosphere that, for her, heightened the enjoyment of her meal.
No sooner had they ordered, Tom started sending her subtle signals, murmuring, “Grace, do you recognize the man over there? He’s been throwing glances our way for a while now.”
Following his gaze, Grace noticed it was none other than Edgar, sitting at the adjacent table with Nancy.
Nancy had spotted her too. The look she cast back was smug and provocative, carrying the air of a victor.
Grace nonchalantly retracted her gaze, “That’s the CEO of the Fallen Group.”
Tom nodded in realization. “So the woman next to him must be his soon-to-be-fiancee announced today, set to be engaged next month.”
Grace paused, her face expressionless, and continued her meal with a concentrated effort.
Tom, however, caught the scent of some juicy gossip, “I heard he had a secret wife for three years who he divorced. Wonder who the unlucky woman was.”
Grace cast him a glance.
“It’s me.”
It took a moment for Tom to catch on. He looked confused, but when he understood, he was so flabbergasted that he slammed the table.
“What? You’re his ex-wife?”
His outburst was so loud that it caught the attention of neighboring tables.
Edgar, who was sitting at the next table, frowned and his face darkened.
Unimpressed, Grace shot Tom a scathing look, prompting him to cover his mouth,
grumbling in a hushed tone, “Good riddance! This pretty boy is nothing but a jerk. He’s not good enough for you!”
Grace let out a chuckle, “So, I’m the unlucky one, am I?”
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Chapter 24
Tom’s expression changed. quickly shook his hands, earnestly saying, “No, no, he’s the one out of luck. He lost a gem like you. That’s his loss.”
“But…” Tom let the words hang in the air before chuckling awkwardly, “Grace, now that you’re single again, how about giving me a shot? Cute boy can be quite endearing too, you
know.”
His words hit her like a bolt from the blue, causing her to almost choke on her drink. In the chaos, Grace ended up staining her pristine white pencil skirt.
“Grace, are you all right?”
“It’s okay. I’m going to the restroom to clean up. I’ll be back soon.”
With that, Grace scooted towards the restroom.
At the next table, Edgar caught their conversation loud and clear.
It had only been a hot minute since their divorce, and Grace was already swapping out for
a new man?!
Did she know what she was doing?
The more Edgar ruminated, the more steamed he got. They’d untied the knot, so her choice of company shouldn’t be any of his beeswax. He had no room to point fingers.
But he was just unhappy and upset.
Noticing that there was something wrong with his expression, Nancy asked in a low voice, “Edgar, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just chewing over some office stuff.”
Nancy breathed a sigh of relief, then cooed, “It feels like donkey’s years since we’ve had a decent meal together since I’ve been overseas. Can you shelf work just for today, and keep me company?”
Edgar’s face was expressionless, his obsidian orbs reflecting an inscrutable thought. No one knew what he was thinking.
He did not answer Nancy’s question. Instead, he stood up gracefully and adjusted his collar offhandedly.
“You eat first. I have something to do and will be back soon.”
“Edgar!”
In the restroom, Grace tidied up the smudge on her skirt and topped off her lipstick.
Gazing at her reflection, she zoned out for a sec.
For the three years of her marriage to the Fallen family, she had lived a plain Jane, slogging through chores, her skin turning sallow. She hadn’t given herself a touch of makeup.
From now on, she planned to set the business world ablaze, reclaiming her status as the Smith Group’s golden girl!
Men? They’d just slow her down in her race to the top.
Deep in thought, a strapping figure intruded into the restroom.
Chapter 24
Grace barely glanced his way, preoccupied with washing her hands.
Suddenly, she heard the telltale click of the door locking.
With a suspicious lift of her eyes, Edgar’s handsome, familiar face flooded her sight.
Edgar, as stony-faced as ever, radiated an icy, oppressive aura as he advanced towards her.
Grace, taken aback, stared at the man. His face, so close, almost tricked her into thinking it was a mirage. “Well, I didn’t expect that Mr. Fallen, the big shot of Frant City’s business scene, sneaked into the ladies’ room and bolted the door behind him. Are you a per v e r t?”