In the Lap of Luxury

Chapter 571 Fire

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?"

"Maybe it's related to the funds."

Grace thought for a while and said, "I remember a lot of money was invested in this project. Including Director Walker's share, it's about one billion dollars. If this is about embezzlement, it's their own money anyway."

"What if it's not embezzlement but losses?" Xander suggested. "I told you that the project's contractor has a gambling habit."

Grace came to a realization.

"Actually, I've always been curious. Jessica worked as a designer before this. She lost quite a bit of money. Where did she get the funds for this project?"

Grace thought about it and made a bold guess. "Do you think Benjamin gave her money?"

Even though she had mentioned Benjamin, Xander's voice remained calm. "What kind of relationship would warrant giving someone that much money?"

Grace fell silent. Xander had a point.

During the silence, Xander heard some noise on her end. "You can make tea?"

"Of course. What kind of tea do you like? I'll brew it for you when you get back."

"Anything is fine." Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Grace couldn't help but smile tenderly. Seeing this, Luke turned away and opened the window for fresh air.

The room was soundproofed. When he opened the window, he immediately heard the commotion outside.

Luke saw many people rushing out of the teahouse as thick smoke filled the air. Someone shouted, "Fire! Call the fire rescue services! Fire!"

Luke quickly turned around and said, "Ms. Lewis, there's a fire. We need to get out of here now!"

Grace's face turned pale, and she stood up immediately.

Xander also heard Luke and urged, "Grace, get out quickly!"

"I'll call you once I'm out." Grace hung up and followed Luke out of the private room.

The teahouse was made of wood, and the fire was already raging. Heat and smoke filled the place. Grace instinctively covered her mouth and nose.

Luke was shielding Grace as they moved toward the exit when a burning beam fell upon them.

Grace's eyes widened, and she pushed Luke away.

"Ms. Lewis!"

Separated by the beam and smoke, they looked at each other.

Coughing, Grace shouted, "Get out first! Find someone to save me!"

"Ms. Lewis! I can't leave you!"

"Get out!" Grace shouted, stopping him from approaching.

After much hesitation, Luke regained his senses. "You must wait for me!"

As he left, Grace covered her mouth and nose and retreated to the private room. She thought of jumping out of the window.

Just as she turned around, someone seized her arm. Then, she heard the muffled voice of a man. "Come with me!"

Surprised, Grace turned around to see a dark figure.