In the Lap of Luxury
Chapter 580 Desired Effect

At that moment, Xander was at a social gathering. He had called Grace while he had stepped out for a smoke.

He looked intently at the people passing by. Their blurred figures moved swiftly past him like a scene from a movie.

"I haven't booked my ticket yet, but I will definitely be there."

Saturdays were work days in Frenda, and there was a project that he needed to attend to personally that day. It was extremely important, and he didn't know what time it would end. Grace assented lightly.

"Do you miss me?"

Grace felt shy when she heard his sweet words. "Miss you? It's only been half a month since we last met. I'm not that eager."

"I guess I'm too confident, then."

There was a short silence on the phone. Then, Grace said in a small voice, "It's not that I don't miss you."

Of course, she couldn't see the huge smile that appeared on Xander's face. He could already imagine her expression. It must be adorable and mellow.

"I'll bring a gift for you when I come back."

"I get a gift?"

"You've been so busy for the past couple of months, my dear. You deserve a gift."

Grace couldn't help smiling at the term of endearment. The fondness he showed for her was different from how her family treated her. After all, it was wonderful to be taken care of and protected by a man who wasn't related to her at all.

Benjamin had never made her feel that way.

"People will laugh at me if they hear that."

Xander heard footsteps behind him and turned. He leaned on one arm against the railing, looking nonchalant.

"I'd like to see who would have the nerve to laugh at you," Hazel mouthed at him through the smoke.

"See you on Saturday."

Xander hung up.

"The chairman of Aether Group is taking the 9:00 pm flight. We still have an hour. If we can't persuade him to give us the project, it'll be difficult in the future."

Xander said lightly, "Let's go in."

For the next two days, apart from Xander's calls, Grace also received calls from Aaron and the others. They had all heard about Caleb and wanted to know about the developments. "We'll make an announcement, but not right now."

Aaron had always been a serious person and had never meddled in his younger siblings' affairs. It was unusual that he added his two cents about this incident. "Take Caleb's opinion into account, and don't make things difficult if you shouldn't."

On the other hand, Victor was filled with impish glee. "I can't believe this kid is in a relationship! It looks like Lydia from the photos. Poor thing."

Grace laughed resignedly. "Victor."

"I'm just joking. When I'm back, tell him to bring Lydia to see me. He should know the rules."

"I will definitely let him know."

Apart from them, the public was animatedly discussing it as well.

During this time, Caleb remained the top trending topic. People couldn't replace further information, so they began investigating all his previous work and his family background.

Ashley was extremely anxious every single day.

"Now they're all guessing whether Caleb will attend the gala this Saturday."

If he went, he would have to make a statement. If he didn't, he would be admitting to his relationship.

Grace didn't think much of it. "Is there a lot of attention on this?"

"Of course! People are even placing bets." Ashley spread her hands. "Ms. Lewis, give me some insider information so that I can make a bet too."

"I bet he'll go. Help me place a bet."

Ashley looked shocked. "We're going to make a statement?"

The rumors were attracting too much attention. Even Byte Technologies kept trying to fish for information.

They weren't the only ones. Timothy and the others were also making guesses. "Milady, is Caleb going to be there or not?"

Grace didn't reply to any of them.

Benjamin watched Timothy bustle around impatiently, and he began formulating a theory. He rubbed the crystal between his fingers. "This is the effect that Grace wants."

Timothy didn't understand him at first. "What?"