Chapter 185 Helping Grace Teach Ryan a Lesson
Grace quickly changed her clothes, and when she opened the door, Xavier was already dressed in clean clothes too.
He was in his usual black suit and trousers, with custom-made leather shoes.
Their outfits looked like matching couple attire.
It was the first time Grace appeared in front of Xavier as her true self, and she felt pretty embarrassed.
"I..." Grace hesitated, unsure how to start. She had entered looking one way and came out looking completely different. How could she explain this? Should she admit she had been deceiving him and this was the real her?
But not long ago, Xavier had seen her in Oakworth. She was with him in the dressing room and even called him dear.
After returning, she got a new phone number and contacted Xavier as Mia.
What if Xavier asked why she had deceived him?
Xavier's gaze turned towards her, and Grace instantly felt awkward.
Her fingers clutched her dress, and her palms were sweaty with nervousness.
A hint of amazement flashed in Xavier's eyes. He thought the dress was ordinary, but on Grace, it looked stunning.
The black dress had a hollow-out design, with only a few straps at the back tied into a bow, crisscrossing Grace's fair back. Most of her back was exposed, and her long hair draped over it, resembling a butterfly, radiating a goddess-like beauty.
The strapless design of the dress showcased Grace's good figure. If she were a bit thinner or fuller, she wouldn't have worn the dress so perfectly. The hem of the dress reached her calves, making her legs look slender and long. The high heels were simple, with only two straps around the ankles, and the diamonds sparkled, making her fair feet look like works of art.
Grace was completely different from her usual self, much more beautiful than any popular star.
Being stared at by Xavier like this, Grace felt even less confident.
After taking a couple of deep breaths, she finally mustered the courage to say, "Actually, there's something I've never told you."
"Since you've changed, let's go out," Xavier said in his usual tone, seemingly not surprised by her at all.
Grace blinked. "What?"
However, Xavier had already taken a big step forward. His broad hand directly took Grace's hand, wrapping her palm in his.
Feeling the warmth of his skin, Grace's heart pounded like a drum.
Xavier's voice came from beside her. "Just follow my lead later, no need to say a word," he said softly.
Grace gazed at Xavier's back, thinking, 'It truly is Xavier, able to embrace my sudden transformation without hesitation.'
They walked past the expensive cameras and lenses scattered at the door. Xavier opened the door, and sure enough, none of the reporters outside had left.
At the front was Ryan, his eyes staring at the door as if he wanted to see through it.
Xavier came out holding a woman's hand. The woman was behind Xavier, and his broad body blocked her from view.
Curious journalists strained to catch a glimpse of her face, but she kept her head down, her features obscured by her hair as she leaned against Xavier's back, shrouding her identity in mystery.
Ryan also looked down at their clasped hands. "Xavier, what do you mean by this?"
Xavier was tall, taller than everyone else there. When his gaze swept over the others, everyone felt a chill.
"I told you she's not Grace." Xavier's voice was still steady. Grace thought that if it were her, she definitely wouldn't be able to lie so calmly.
"Even now, Xavier, you still won't admit it?" Ryan retorted.
They had been stationed at the door the entire time. Apart from the secretary who had recently brought in the clothes, no one had exited.
There was no chance for a switch, and just changing clothes couldn't hide the fact that this woman was Grace.
"Ryan, you always act impulsively. You never think things through. No wonder you end up getting played like a fool," Xavier said coldly.
Ryan was furious. With so many people watching, would Xavier still not admit it?
If it really wasn't Grace, why would she hide? Why wouldn't she show her face?
Ryan had made up his mind; this wasn't over, not by a long shot!
"Xavier, what exactly do you want?" Ryan's face twisted in anger.
"What you're doing now is already affecting Grace and me. I don't want to make a big deal out of this, but you're blocking the door and being aggressive. I don't think Grace will easily forgive you," Ryan added.
Xavier paused and then continued, "Ryan, with the media all around us, let's have a witness. If this isn't the face of the Grace you're familiar with, then transfer all your shares in Montgomery Group to Grace as an apology for what happened last time and this time."
Grace sensed Xavier's shrewdness in his choice of words. Instead of outright denying her identity, he cleverly insinuated that it wasn't the same face they were used to seeing.
In this situation, Xavier could still make a deal. He was indeed a business tycoon, and she felt inferior.
Grace didn't know how many shares Ryan had, and she didn't care about Montgomery Group's shares. As they left, Xavier told her to stay silent, so she complied and didn't speak.
Others were eager to whisper but hesitated, unsure of the consequences. Meanwhile, Ryan found himself in a moment of indecision, contemplating whether to agree or not.
When he was tricked by Xavier into searching for the beautiful woman at the Bameran villa last time, he ended up losing the bet. Xavier had wagered that if there was no one in the study, he would have to kneel outside.
But now, betting with Xavier, Ryan felt uneasy.
He admitted he couldn't outplay Xavier, and he was indeed a bit hesitant now.
Ryan only had ten percent of Montgomery Group's shares, not much but not insignificant either. If he gave them all to Grace, his father would definitely scold him to death.
Inside, Ryan was confident that it must be Grace. He believed Xavier's statement was deliberately crafted to make him doubt his position, potentially leading him to concede defeat and allowing Xavier to take Grace away.
Xavier watched Ryan's expression. Seeing him remain silent for a long time, Xavier said, "If you don't dare to bet, then get lost."
"Since it's a bet, I can't be the only one putting up stakes. If the woman behind you is really Grace, what will you do?" Ryan countered.
"The bet is only valid now. If it's really Grace, I'll transfer all my shares in DG Group to you."
As soon as Xavier made that statement, the media frenzy around them intensified. It was no longer just a spectacle; it had evolved into a dramatic showdown between two powerful men, a high-stakes conflict over a woman, pitting Xavier against Ryan.
Xavier was willing to bet DG Group's shares, and he was so calm, without a hint of panic. He looked like he couldn't possibly lose, controlling the whole scene by himself.
Could it be that this woman really wasn't Grace? Or was this just a smokescreen released by Xavier to sow confusion and mislead everyone?
The spectators were all extremely excited.
The pressure mounted directly on Ryan, leaving him in a state of uncertainty. His fists clenched tightly, his expression grim, suggesting he had reached a pivotal moment of decision. With determination in his eyes, Ryan opened his mouth to speak...
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