Chapter 213 Holding Hands While Shopping
"Of course not," Grace admitted, sitting up with determination. "I acted impulsively when I called off the engagement and used ten percent of Montgomery Group's shares to sway Patrick. That's why he gave in so easily."
Xavier didn't care about those shares, but she should've at least told him.
"Okay," Xavier nodded slightly.
Grace watched his usual calm expression. "You're not mad?"
"Why would I be mad?" Xavier replied. "I told you, it's your property. Do what you want with it."
Grace felt like giving Xavier a "Good Person" badge. In the chaotic Montgomery family, his integrity and kindness stood out.
Grace opened her mouth to speak, but Xavier beat her to it. "No need to thank me. I just want some tangible benefits."
Grace blushed, catching his suggestive meaning.
She wanted to take back that "Good Person" badge. Xavier was just a rogue!
Grace joked, "What if I don't give you anything?"
Xavier gave her a look that clearly said, "Go ahead and try."
As they continued eating, Xavier asked, "When do you plan to transfer the shares to Patrick?"
Grace bit her utensils. "Patrick seems to be in a hurry."
Xavier sneered, "Of course that sly old fox is in a hurry. Delay it. No rush. I'll have Mason find some trustworthy people to handle it."
"Okay!" Grace trusted Xavier completely. Whatever he said was fine with her.
"You have no objections?"
Grace shook her head. "I trust you."
Xavier's lips curved slightly. "Trust me? Aren't you worried I might double-cross you?"
Grace shot back, "Well, if you ever decide to sell me out, make sure to cut me in for half the profits!"
Grace didn't know much about shares, but she didn't think she was worth more than that ten percent. If Xavier really wanted money, he would've taken the shares back long ago.
After dinner, Xavier asked, "Want to go for a walk?"
Grace shook her head. "No, thanks."
"Don't girls love shopping?"
"Mr. Montgomery, how many girls have you gone shopping with?"
"None," Xavier answered quickly. He barely had time to breathe, let alone shop.
"Liar," Grace muttered softly. She remembered the last time Xavier went shopping with Stephanie.
"What did I lie about?" Xavier asked.
Grace was surprised he heard her, considering how softly she had spoken.
"Nothing," Grace shook her head.
"Speak," Xavier commanded.
He felt Grace could say anything to him. There should be no misunderstandings or secrets between them.
"Last time, when Angela and I went to Oakworth, we saw you and Stephanie at the mall. Mr. Montgomery, you said you never went shopping with a girl. That's a lie," Grace said cautiously.
She and Xavier had no special relationship, so she had no right to question him.
Grace hadn't meant to say it, but it just came out. She felt like she was being jealous.
If Grace hadn't brought it up, Xavier would've forgotten about it. But in his mind, that didn't count as shopping with Stephanie. They just visited a jewelry store briefly.
"That doesn't count. I didn't go shopping with her," Xavier said.
"Then do I have the honor of inviting Mr. Montgomery to go shopping today?" Grace asked.
Xavier tried to hide his smile, trying to look indifferent. "I happen to have some time today. Since you're sincerely inviting me, I'll reluctantly go with you."
Grace chuckled to herself. Xavier was a bit arrogant today.
They soon left the restaurant. Nearby was a bustling pedestrian street, lively in the evening.
Grace wasn't sure if Xavier had ever been to such a place. Compared to large malls, these lively streets filled with ordinary people sometimes offered a better experience of everyday life.
Although Xavier seemed out of place here, Grace still dragged him along. The street was long, with lots of food and entertainment.
"Angela and I used to come here often for food. It's affordable and delicious. But we're full today, so I'll bring you next time," Grace suggested.
Grace was already thinking about next time? She was quite forward-thinking! But Xavier didn't mind at all. If she wanted to think about it, she could.
Grace noted Xavier's demeanor. He appeared nonchalant, showing no signs of disdain for the surroundings. Had it been Ryan instead, he would have refused to set foot in such a place.
Being a weekend, the place was packed with shoppers, turning it into a bustling hub. Amidst the crowd, Grace almost lost track of Xavier. Fortunately, his height made him easy to spot.
Grace quickly squeezed through the crowd to Xavier's side, her face earnest. "Stay close to me, or we'll get separated."
Xavier moved his hand, ready for Grace to hold it, but she didn't notice and kept walking. He fell silent.
Grace knew they could get separated, so why didn't she hold his hand?
Not long after, they got separated again. Grace found Xavier, but soon after, he was gone again. They got separated once more!
After finding Xavier for the third time, Grace grabbed his hand. "If you don't mind, I'll hold onto you."
Facing Xavier's silent response, Grace grabbed his hand with a touch of audacity.
Her hand, warm and petite, contrasted with Xavier's cool, larger palm, creating a subtle yet intriguing juxtaposition.
If you consider holding hands during their intimate moments, then Grace and Xavier had held hands more times than she could count.
Side by side, they meandered down the street at a leisurely pace.
As Xavier gazed at their hands, his, so broad and encompassing, alongside hers, delicate and graceful, a wave of emotion engulfed him. In that fleeting moment, he wished fervently to cling onto this connection forever, to savor the warmth of her hand in his.
A hint of struggle flashed in his eyes, but reason eventually won. This was the last time, Xavier told himself, as he had many times before.
He was always a man of his word, but in this matter, he had never succeeded. Every time he said it was the last, there was always a next time.
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