In the Lap of Luxury
Chapter 548 Eight Thousand Dollars

In less than half a month, the Byte Technologies scandal had passed, and the collaboration with the company's overseas partners gradually smoothed out. Grace relaxed slightly. Samuel, on the other hand, was furious. He was clearly upset.

His subordinates avoided him as much as possible, fearing they might trigger him.

Luke chuckled at the mention of this. Grace also found it amusing as she thought about it.

"How's the progress with the Eastwood property?"

"No issues reported."

Grace remembered Xander's words and pondered for a moment. After all, it was a government project, so there probably wouldn't be significant issues.

But should she really let Samuel and Jessica profit from it?

Grace had never expected to run into Jessica while shopping with Emily later. She was at a luxury store where many wealthy ladies were flocking to check out the new arrivals.

They even bumped into Esme, who was accompanied by a young boy. He greeted Grace by addressing her as "Aunt".

"You're young. It would be more appropriate for him to call you by your name."

Grace was embarrassed and said, "It's okay to call me 'Aunt'. It's our first meeting, and I didn't bring a gift. Pick something you like. It's on me."

The boy was clearly nervous. He quickly hid behind Esme, who scolded him. "When someone offers you something, accept it graciously. You're always so timid. How are you going to carry the Thorne family name?"

The commotion startled Emily, who whispered to Grace, "That Mrs. Thorne is quite fierce."

Before Grace could reply, a voice chimed in, "Indeed, if Ms. Lewis is offering, just accept it. After all, she's wealthy, quite the flex."

It was Jessica. She casually strolled over with a newly purchased bag in hand.

Esme looked surprised and frowned.

Facing the attention of everyone present, Grace calmly retorted, "Ms. Landon is correct. Having money in hand is quite nice. Otherwise, you can only buy the cheapest bags when shopping."

Her gaze leisurely fell on Jessica's hand. The bag she held was indeed the cheapest of the season's new arrivals!

Emily laughed timely, adding to the moment.

Jessica clenched her teeth and instinctively tried to hide the bag.

"Ms. Lewis, you misunderstood. I haven't paid yet. How would you know I can only afford the cheapest bag?"

In reality, she was indeed short on cash, having invested all the money Benjamin had given her into real estate, leaving her tight on funds.

But she was too embarrassed to admit it in front of so many people.

Grace smiled brightly and said, "I didn't say it was you. Why did you assume it's about you?"

"You!"

Emily was enjoying the scene even more, and Esme couldn't help but chuckle too.

Grace took the boy's hand, pointed to Jessica's bag, and said, "Since Ms. Landon admitted it herself, I won't say more. But remember, if you want to impress a girl in the future, never choose a bag this cheap, or she won't look your way."

The little boy didn't fully understand what she meant, but he nodded anyway.

Jessica was utterly infuriated and exclaimed, "Grace! I told you, I haven't bought it!"

Grace replied coolly, "Why are you so anxious about this? If you want to buy it, go ahead. Are you waiting for me to pay for you?"

Jessica clenched her fists, feeling stuck under everyone's gaze. She had no choice but to return to the shelf and point to the most expensive bag with gritted teeth.

"I'll take this one too."

The clerk was delighted and promptly wrapped it up.

"That'll be eight thousand dollars in total. Will you be paying by cash or card?"

Eight thousand dollars was no small sum for Jessica at the moment. She reluctantly handed over a card from her bag's compartment, wincing inwardly.

It was worth three months of living expenses she had gotten from Benjamin.