In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

Luke stood on the balcony. He watched Quentin drive away before returning to the private room.

Inside, Grace was on a call. Her tone was much softer compared to earlier. "Xander, based on what he just said, do you think he's guilty of something?"

Her phone screen showed that the call duration was 30 minutes.

Xander chuckled on the other end of the line. "You don't know if he's actually done anything."

"I don't, but my bluff worked. It seems I've actually hit the nail on the head."

"People who haven't done wrong have a clear conscience. His response clearly indicates there's something fishy," Xander said.

"Keep an eye out for what happens next. If Quentin stops working on the Eastwood property after this, it's confirmed he is indeed involved in shady business."

Grace's eyes lit up as she smiled. "I was thinking the same thing."

If she wasn't right, she would just think of meeting Quentin as making a new connection. That wasn't a loss, either.

"But if it's true, why would Jessica do this?"

it's related to the

remember a lot of money was invested in this project. Including Director Walker's share, it's about one billion dollars.

losses?" Xander suggested. "I told you that the project's contractor has a

came to

a designer before this. She lost quite a bit of money.

and made a bold guess. "Do you think Benjamin gave her

relationship would warrant

silence, Xander heard some noise on her end. "You

like? I'll brew it

Luke

opened the window, he immediately heard the

out of the teahouse as thick smoke filled the air.

a fire. We need to get out

and

heard Luke and urged,

once I'm out." Grace hung up and followed Luke out of the

of wood, and the fire was already raging. Heat and smoke filled the place. Grace instinctively covered her mouth and nose. Luke was shielding Grace as they moved toward the exit when a burning beam