In the Lap of Luxury

Million Dollars

"Mr. Baxter, I believe I've shown enough sincerity. Think about who should get Aether Group's project in Pamore again."

As one chess piece fell, the winner was determined.

Bobby dropped two white pieces and conceded. "Your chess skills are comparable to a national master's, Mr. Fulton. I admit defeat."

"My plane is in three hours. If you make up your mind, we can return to Pamore together."

Bobby was surprised for a moment. "You're also leaving?"

Xander didn't say a word and started packing up the chessboard.

Bobby realized he had overstepped and stood up to make a call.

Meanwhile, Xander got a message from Grace. "Xander, I'm heading to the venue now. What are you doing?"

"Working."

"Why isn't it over yet?" She added an emoticon, hinting at her disappointment. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Xander smiled, typing, "Almost done."

But before he could send it, he got a call from Hazel. She said, "Aether Group is handing their project to us."

Xander gripped his phone, watching Bobby return to his line of sight. With a meaningful look, he said, "Remember Mr. Baxter's favor to us."

"Understood."

After ending the call, Bobby nervously sat down. "Did you get the news, Mr. Fulton?"

Xander refilled his teacup. "Thanks, Mr. Baxter."

"If your father asks, how should I respond?"

"Many companies entered the bidding for the project, and there are many conspiracies. Fulton Group happened to fall into someone else's trap. What's so surprising?"

Bobby suddenly understood. "So who should take the blame?"

Xander picked up his cup of tea and sniffed it. "The subway project last quarter was given to Horizon Enterprise, a new company. Do you know who's the boss of that company?"

"I'm not sure."

"It's Jake."

Bobby was shocked.

It was widely known that Jake was Raymond Fulton's second son. Although he didn't have an official title, he had gradually gained power during Xander's absence.

He was strong and not to be underestimated.

"He's young and ambitious. He's seen the benefits, so he naturally wants more. In order to drive me away, he deliberately pushed Aether Group's project onto me. I took a dumb loss and was forced to step down. It's quite normal."

As Bobby listened, a cold sweat appeared on his face again. He had heard that Xander was ruthless, but he hadn't expected such mastery.

Xander would secure his desired project and shift the blame to Jake at the same time, killing two birds with one stone.

Suddenly, Bobby admired the man in front of him a bit more. "Understood. I'll arrange it discreetly. Since I helped you today, Aether Group—"

"The investigation team will leave soon."

Feeling grateful, Bobby left the office. As he walked out, he happened to meet Hazel.

"Mr. Fulton, Eternal Love, which you instructed me to bid on, has arrived. Please take a look."

She opened the gold-plated box, revealing a necklace adorned with sparkling diamonds along its chain. In the middle was a glowing, thumb-sized ruby.

Bobby's steps faltered, and he blurted out, "Eternal Love?"

Xander examined the necklace. "Do you know about it, Mr. Baxter?"

"Of course. This is the necklace worn by the Queen of Mardovia in the last century. It was lost during the war and hadn't been found until now. Where did you find it, Mr. Fulton?"

Xander remained silent. Hazel answered, "It appeared last month at Kristina's."

"How much was it auctioned for?"

Hazel looked surprised by his question. "150 million dollars."

Bobby took a sharp breath.

Yet Xander remained calm, as if he had just bought a pack of cigarettes.