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

"I remember a lot of money was invested in this project. Including Director Walker's

not embezzlement but losses?" Xander suggested. "I

to a

always been curious. Jessica worked as a designer before this. She lost quite a bit of

and made a bold

remained calm. "What kind of relationship would warrant giving someone that much money?"

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

kind of tea do you like? I'll brew it for you when you get

this, Luke turned away and opened the window for fresh

was soundproofed. When he opened the window,

as thick smoke filled the air. Someone shouted, "Fire! Call the fire rescue services!

a fire. We need to get

and she

and

Grace hung up and followed Luke out

fire was already raging. Heat and smoke filled the place. Grace instinctively covered her mouth and nose. Luke was shielding Grace as