Skyler could feel it. When he walked in, Grace's grip on his hand tightened involuntarily.
Curtis rose from his chair and approached Skyler. "I've always stayed out of your personal affairs with her. If you're willing to be used by her, that's your choice. But don't involve me in it, and honestly, I couldn't give a hoot. You know my line in the sand."
Skyler was well aware.
Curtis might not care much about most things, but when it came to Leanne, he wouldn't tolerate a speck of dust in his eyes.
"Handle it yourself."
Curtis left him some dignity, grabbed his coat, took Leanne by the hand, and patted Skyler on the shoulder before leaving. "Take care of yourself."
His gesture was casual but felt immensely heavy on Skyler's shoulder.
Still not having had her fill of the drama, Joy lingered, unwilling to leave. Before the door closed, she heard Skyler ask.
"Was it your idea to bring Xenia to Curtis' dinner party? Who told you to do that?"
Daniel's gaze slid past the person behind him, and he smiled, "Mr. Nelson, if you're asking this question, you already know the answer."
The conversation was cut off as the door closed.
Back in the room,
"Skyler..." Grace wanted to say something, but Skyler didn't give her a chance.
"What's your relationship with her... with Grace?"
Daniel looked conflicted. Knowing he would offend Curtis, he wouldn't dare to pull any stunts at his dinner party. A simple musical performance turned into such a mess.
Being called out to reveal secrets to the involved parties was a deadly challenge for anyone.
He answered evasively, "I've helped Ms. Davis with a few favors. That Hot Spring Hotel down by Echo Summit, I helped her secure the land."
Skyler suddenly laughed. "When you first wanted to open that hotel, you were short on funds, and I covered most of it. I thought I owned half of that hotel. It turns out someone else owns the other half." Grace finally panicked. "I did ask him for help, but we're just friends..."
"Just friends?" Skyler turned to her with a torn face. "Grace, I want to know how many such friends you have besides him? Do you know how many rumors I've heard over the years? But I chose to believe you." The warmth in Skyler's eyes slowly faded, "And now, why did you target Curtis?"
"He and Leanne went through a lot to be together, and you tried to ruin their relationship with such despicable means. What are you trying to gain?"
Grace looked defeated.
Skyler had been chasing her for years, utterly devoted. She kept him on a string, accepting his gifts, taking advantage of his kindness, but never agreeing to a date. Because she knew the benefits that she reaped at the moment were real.
She held the reins, nodding at the right moment, but she hadn't expected that Skyler would introduce her to his friend the next day, and she met Curtis, whose family background, appearance, and demeanor overshadowed Skyler.
Skyler was indeed a devoted boyfriend, and Grace had gained a lot from him, using him to climb the social ladder, making connections, and getting her hands on various resources.
But what if a better opportunity presented itself?
Grace was ambitious, but unfortunately, she didn't have Suzan's family background or Leanne's beauty. Curtis had never given her a second glance all these years.
She enjoyed watching Suzan stir trouble between Leanne and Curtis, but in the end, Curtis reconciled with Leanne.
Seeing their affection, she was always bitter. What she couldn't have, why should others?
Though not as beautiful as Leanne, Xenia was more coquettish and knew how to entice men. Grace never thought Xenia would bomb so bad with Curtis, not even causing a ripple before sinking. If Xenia had succeeded just once, the mess wouldn't have been traced back to her.
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