Skyler was always the most even-tempered among the trio.

Curtis did whatever pleased him, and his respect varied with his mood, while Devin was a real troublemaker outside. Whenever his temper flared, Skyler stepped in to mediate.

But no man could remain indifferent when his girlfriend's character was under attack.

"All of you are ladies. Please put yourself in her shoes for a moment. If someone maliciously speculated about you having an inappropriate relationship with another man, would you be okay with that?" Morality couldn't bind Joy. "I can't put myself in your girlfriend's shoes. I own up to my actions boldly. Does she?"

As the tension escalated, Leanne pulled Joy behind her and calmly said, "What Joy said was out of line, and I apologize for her. We do hope Grace can explain the situation with Xenia."

Unlike Joy's reckless demeanor, Leanne spoke slowly and calmly, which softened Skyler's expression.

"Why are you all so sure she did it? Is it because of some prejudice against her?"

Leanne could see his protective stance and countered, "Do you think we have ill intentions toward her?"

Curtis had been sitting at the dining table, disinterestedly watching the unfolding drama.

Towards Leanne, Skyler was polite. "That's not what I meant. But why did you conclude it was her without even asking Grace?"

Then, Leanne turned to Grace, "Do you have anything to say?"

Grace denied it. "Leanne, how could I possibly do such a thing?"

Leanne suggested, "Maybe you could confront Xenia about it first."

Caught off guard, Xenia hastily tried to distance herself. "She approached me, saying she could introduce me to Mr. Curtis. She said I looked a lot like Mr. Curtis' wife and could easily get his attention. Best scenario, he ends up liking me. Worst case, he needs to keep me quiet from his wife and that means he's got to pay me big time."

"Why are you pinning your malicious intentions on me?" Grace seemed utterly wronged, "Tell me, why would I do that? What could I possibly gain?"

Xenia was at a loss for words, clueless about Grace's motives.

Skyler asked, "Do you have any proof?"

Xenia stuttered, "We always talked face-to-face."

Looking back, Grace had been cautious, never leaving any written evidence.

"So, there is none," Grace challenged. "I treated you like a friend, and you used me to climb up to Mr. Curtis, and now, with nothing but your word, you try to frame me. What have I done to you that you would do this to me?"

In desperation, Xenia tried to appeal to Leanne's loyalty. "Leanne, you have to believe me. She approached me!"

Grace looked earnestly at Leanne. "Leanne, we've known each other for years. Do you trust someone you just met over me?"

Leanne quietly observed Grace.

She was gentle and unobtrusive, and Leanne had treated her kindly due to their similar circumstances.

Curtis once remarked that Grace's ambition was big enough to swallow ten of her. With her keen insight, Joy had recognized from day one that there was more to this woman than met the eye. Leanne chose to keep her distance, but it was the first time she had realized how deep Grace's schemes ran.

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