In the Lap of Luxury
Chapter 497 Memories of the Past

Xander got into the car, started the engine, and eagerly drove toward the airport.

But this time, Grace stood him up.

As Xander snapped back to reality, he looked at Grace, who was already fast asleep, and silently celebrated. Fortunately, after all the twists and turns, she had returned to his side. Leaning down, he pecked her forehead. "Goodnight, Gracie."

He stood up and left the bedroom. As the door closed, Grace slowly opened her eyes.

Her forehead still carried the warmth of his kiss.

Grace gazed at the ceiling, her thoughts a jumbled mess. She gradually recalled memories that had been long forgotten, and scenes from the past became clear in her mind.

The next day, warm sunlight poured in through the window, illuminating the room.

Yet Grace was still in dreamland. She had tossed and turned all night yesterday and had only fallen asleep at dawn.

A soft knock came from the door. "Gracie, are you up?"

Still half asleep, Grace heard Xander's voice. She jolted up abruptly and opened her eyes wide.

Surveying her surroundings, she belatedly realized where she was.

"Oh... Um, Xander, I'm up."

As Grace spoke, she quickly got out of bed to freshen up. But when she finished, she faced a dilemma.

There were no spare clothes for her to change into here.

Grace slapped her forehead in frustration, regretting the spontaneous decision to stay here after having a few drinks last night. What was she going to do now?

While she pondered, Xander's voice came from outside the door. "I had my assistant bring over two sets of fresh clothes. They're outside the door. Take them yourself. I'll be downstairs." At once, Grace felt a sense of relief. She quickly replied, "Okay."

In her mind, she marveled, "Xander, you're so considerate."

She walked to the door and quietly opened it. Several bags from high-end brands were placed at the doorway. Grace took them into the room and discovered that all the clothes were her size. Without thinking too much, she chose an outfit she liked and changed into it. By the time she went downstairs, Xander had already prepared breakfast.

At the sight of her, a touch of amazement flickered in his eyes. "That outfit suits you well. It looks good on you."

For some reason, Grace felt a bit awkward today. She responded hesitantly, "Oh... Really? You have good taste."

Xander neither confirmed nor denied it. He simply asked, "Will you be very busy today?"

Grace replied, "It should be fine. We missed out on the Eastwood project, and the directors have been moody lately. As you saw yesterday, they're probably criticizing me behind my back. "The collaboration with Byte is still in the early stages. We need to keep pushing it forward."

Xander brought the breakfast tray over and placed it in front of her. "The issues with the Eastwood project will surface soon. When that happens, the directors will surely thank you for not getting involved in that mess."

Grace halted in her tracks. Feeling curious, she looked up into his eyes. "Xander, it seems like you know some inside stories."

Xander smiled faintly, reaching out to pat her forehead. "Just trust me."

This phrase sounded strangely familiar.

It was as if he had said the same thing to her many years ago.

But the Grace of the past had never truly recognized the feelings between them. She had even once believed that it was merely the affection between an older brother and a younger sister.

Until last night, when the deep emotions in Xander's eyes and his kiss seemed to have awakened her in an instant.

It had made memories of the past resurface.

It had reminded her of the words he had said to her on the day she had boarded the plane back to Frenda after completing her master's degree in Coronia.