In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

From this angle, Xander looked somber. His face was dark and clouded, which made Grace feel alarmed.

She couldn't help but straighten up and ask, "What's wrong?"

Xander stared at her for a moment, lost in thought, and then relaxed. "The kitchen is smoky. You should wait outside." Grace hadn't expected him to say just that. She felt rather perplexed by his change in mood. "How long are you back for?" "I'm leaving early in the morning."

Xander couldn't leave Fulton Group unmanned. One and a half days was his utmost limit.

"So soon?"

Grace immediately stepped forward and offered, "Then I won't go out. I'll stay and help you with whatever you're doing." Her clinginess made Xander's mood lighten up, and he smirked. "How would I dare make you do things by yourself?"

"I insist."

Grace squeezed into the kitchen, took some cherry tomatoes, and began rinsing them under the faucet.

Xander had no choice but to go over and roll up her sleeves for her. "Don't get your clothes wet."

He was proficient with the knife and sliced the chicken up with swift movements. Grace watched him while munching on some cherry tomatoes from the basket in her hand.. Just then, Xander stood up straight to remind her, "If you keep eating, there won't be any left."

Realizing this, Grace saw that there were indeed only a few left in the basket and smiled in embarrassment.

sweet. Do you

Xander shook his head.

lips formed a stark contrast to her pale complexion. Xander's

dodged, and Grace stumbled and fell into his

Grace looked up and met Xander's dark eyes.

"..."

hold on her, and

but now I want to try

her heartbeat thudding in her

Xander slowly leaned in. Their faces were mere inches apart, and their lips were

then, a voice

Hazel stood at the door, frozen to

Grace quickly pulled away.

soured, and he snapped, "How

myself in.

"What is it?"

"It's about Fulton Group."

out, her face burning. She locked herself in her room and leaned against the door, gasping