Celia spoke agitatedly, but Grace merely smiled lightly and asked, "Do you think I need to climb the social ladder?"It was a simple but lethal sentence. "She's the heiress of the Lewis family, one of the richest families in the world. She's also the current president of Amirate Corporation …" Celia's lackey said sourly. With that kind of family background, Grace was in a league of her own. If there was going to be any social climbing, Grace had set the standard people aspired to be!Celia's expression darkened at once. Grace looked at her with a smile playing on her lips. Immediately after that, she said, "It looks like there's someone else who's trying to climb up the social ladder. However, it might not be that easy." Celia burst out in anger. "Grace, you were abandoned by my brother. You have no right to talk nonsense here. Watch out, or I'll rip your mouth apart."Grace was impassive as she watched Celia get mad. In her eyes, Celia was a complete and utter clown. "

Grace nodded slightly. "Yes, I am!"Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was making everyone around them gawk in surprise. The crowd could clearly see Xander's affection for Grace. The intense way he looked at her made them seem like a couple in love. Everyone's curiosity was immediately aroused, especially because the two of them were wearing matching outfits in the same color!"Are they really a couple?" someone in the crowd asked, igniting the flame of gossip at once. Benjamin was standing nearby, and his expression darkened at once. He stared at the two of them, his eyes seeming to burn a hole in them. "Mr. Fulton, have you two met before?" one of Celia's lackeys asked. Xander looked at Grace and said, "Yes, we've known each other for many years."The crowd started whispering again at that. They had known each other for many years?That would mean that they had grown up together!That wasn't unexpected. After all, Grace was the heiress of the Lewis family, which

"Ben!" He hadn't even taken two steps before Celia blocked his path.Benjamin's expression was cold and impatient. "What?"Celia had been mocked by her lackeys for bragging, so she needed Benjamin to help her regain her dignity. As far as she could see, only he could help her. After all, everyone in Pamore had to show respect to their family. "Ben, how's your relationship with Mr. Fulton from Futurelink Corporation?"At the mention of Xander, Benjamin's gaze chilled further, and his lips curled. "I don't know him well, but there's someone who has a pretty good relationship with him."Celia was startled and followed his line of vision. Immediately, she saw Grace and Xander in the crowd. The fire of jealousy flamed up in her immediately, and she clenched her fists. "That bitch, Grace! It's been such a short time since she left you, and now she's getting involved with Futurelink Corporation's president! She's shameless!"Not to mention that it was with a man as outstanding as

After saying that, Xander released Celia, leaving her looking furious."Don't be so smug, Grace. One day, I will kick you out of Pamore and ruin you."Grace found Celia's threat amusing and casually glanced over at Benjamin, who wasn't far away.She then said, "Mr. Hawkins, it seems that Ms. Hawkins has had a bit too much to drink and is talking nonsense. Could you please take her home?"Benjamin approached quickly with an unpleasant expression and grabbed Celia's arm firmly. "Come with me!""Ben! I was just teaching this woman a lesson for you. Why are you dragging me away?""Have you not embarrassed yourself enough?" His words made Celia realize the judging looks people around them were giving her.She felt embarrassed and blushed at her actions earlier.In the end, they left the banquet hall with Benjamin forcefully pulling her away.Once they had left, Xander asked in concern, "Are you okay?"Grace gently shook her head. "I'm fine.""Did she use to bully you like this be

Just as Grace took her seat, a woman in her early 30s walked in with high heels, wearing black-framed glasses, and exuding a serious air.Holding a stack of folders in her hand, she greeted Benjamin as soon as she entered. "Mr. Hawkins, it's been a while."Hearing that, Benjamin looked up and raised an eyebrow, clearly recognizing her. "Ms. Gardner."Nexa Group's director, Wendy Gardner, nodded slightly and turned toward Grace. Her eyes were filled with undisguised scorn. "This must be Ms. Lewis, right?"Her tone was dripping with disdain.Sensing her hostility, Grace frowned. As far as she knew, she had never met this woman."Hello, I'm Grace Lewis."Grace spoke politely, but Wendy crossed her arms arrogantly. "I know you. You're Mr. Hawkins' ex-wife."As her words fell, the atmosphere in the conference room turned cold."Ms. Lewis, at such a young age, you've managed to secure the position of Amirate's president. It seems your capabilities are quite exceptional. I'm just cur