<h4>Chapter 238: A Few Clues</h4>


    E felt a little deted. "Just be careful, and... Eric, I want to go on a diet, okay?"


    After nearly two years with Eric, she had gained more than ten pounds under his care! Her face had filled out, giving her an even rounder, doll-like appearance.


    "No way!"


    "Why not? If you won’t let me go shopping, then I’m going to diet!" E pleaded with him. Every time she secretly decided to start a diet, Eric would always send more food her way, inevitably breaking her n.


    "Eat it, or tonight you’ll regret it in ways you’ll remember," Eric said with a smirk, cing a golden, roasted drumstick in her bowl.


    The irresistible smellpletely shattered her resolve.


    E couldn’t help but swallow and smiled bitterly. "Since it’s a reward from my husband, I guess I’ll reluctantly ept it."


    Eric’s eyes crinkled into a crescent-moon shape as heughed. She clearly wanted to eat it, but still insisted on talking about dieting. People like her... they always end up gaining more weight, eventually bing a little chubby girl that no other man would pay attention to!


    Perhaps Victoria’s tragedy made Eric insecure about rtionships at times, even though he knew he had almost everything going for him.


    But human nature is fickle. When someone grows tired of the same dish, they might be tempted to try something new.


    The next morning, Eric went to the Nelson Group Hotel for a press conference, where he revealed several key pieces of information.


    First, the assassin was still undergoing treatment and had been rambling, leading to a few new clues.


    Second, the identity of the culprit was still under investigation, but they were getting closer to finding out who it was.


    Third, the Treehouse Resort would reopen soon, marking itseback in the near future.


    The venue was tightly guarded, making it impossible for any unauthorized individuals to get close.


    After the press conference, Eric returned to thepany to meet with his highly skilled, secret team—operatives he had personally trained for his protection.


    The assassination attempt abroad had made him much more cautious, although that particr enemy seemed to haveid low for a while, giving him time to prepare.


    But now that this enemy had resurfaced, Eric was determined to root out the mastermind once and for all.


    ...


    During the weekend, E and Eric spent a day and a night in the vi. E was so exhausted from his "attention" that she could barely get out of bed by Sunday. Finally, Eric received a call from a friend inviting him out to dinner.


    It was Brian’s invitation, and unsurprisingly, Eric brought E along.


    Meanwhile...


    After finishing lunch, Grace headed out alone, reportedly going to a beauty salon.


    Grace had always been meticulous about maintaining her appearance. Being married to James meant she was a high-societydy, and the thought of visibly aging terrified her—what if her husband’s eyes started to wander?


    Every woman wishes to stay forever young, hoping to keep a hold on their man’s heart.


    Grace was careful as she approached the beauty salon. She scanned her surroundings, making sure there were no unfamiliar faces, before entering one of thergest beauty salons in S City.


    The L Beauty Salon belonged to the Taylor family. In S City, there were four prominent families: the Nelsons, the Taylors, the Carters, and the Perezes.


    Though the Taylor family was powerful, they still fell slightly shortpared to Nelson Group or Carter Group.


    The Taylor family specialized in beauty salons, skincare products, home goods, and simr industries. In the beauty world, they had established an excellent reputation.


    "Mrs. Nelson, you’re here again! I’ve missed you. Come, we’ve saved your spot!" A seductive woman greeted Grace warmly, linking arms with her as they walked inside.


    Grace was a regr at the beauty salon, but Mark’s team, tasked with following her, could only track her to the entrance. L Beauty Salon was strictly reserved for upper-ssdies and socialites; outsiders couldn’t get in without membership.


    The beauticians there were highly trained, though Mark had other ways of gathering information about Grace’s movements.


    An hour and a halfter, Grace emerged with a calm expression, her face clearly having just undergone treatment. Her skin was glowing, smooth, and rosy.


    Mark quickly received a call from a female informant.


    After the call, he returned to his car and dialed Eric.


    "Boss, my contact reported that Grace was at the salon for her usual one-and-a-half-hour treatment and left like she always does. Nothing unusual," Mark said.


    Eric frowned, frustrated at how elusive Grace’s connections remained. She was always careful, never bringing bodyguards orpanions when she visited the salon.


    "But... one of the beauticians mentioned that every time she finishes Grace’s treatment, Grace appears unusually tired and asks her to rest," Mark added, a spark of curiosity in his voice.


    Eric’s eyes lit up. "Good. Have her measure the areas surrounding that beauty room, especially the three nearest rooms."


    "Got it, boss."


    After the call, Eric ced his phone on the table. Brian handed him a drink. "Here’s to your survival and good fortune!"


    "Can’t you say something nicer?" Eric gave him a yful smack, to which Brian snorted.


    "Fine, then here’s to you and Miss Davis having kids soon!"


    "Exactly! Better start soon—everyone knows the older a man is, the dumber his kids are!" Adam chimed in with a teasing grin.


    E, who was sipping juice, nearly choked. Eric’s kids, dumb? If they weren’t little masterminds wreaking havoc, she’d be surprised. Wait... why did she feel a flutter of sweetness at the thought? As if they were talking about her future kids.


    Amelia nudged E with a mischievous look. "Hey, when you two, you know... did you guys use protection?"


    E’s face turned bright red as she mumbled shyly, "Yes, he... uses the most eco-friendly way."


    Ameliaughed knowingly, nodding in approval. "Your man is so thoughtful, really looking out for you!"


    E’s cheeks flushed even more. Could they please stop talking about this? She ducked her head, quickly downing more juice to avoid further embarrassment.


    The atmosphere in the private room was light and fun. The men had started a drinking contest, and although E was pushed into drinking one ss, Eric took care of the rest for her.


    E rubbed her warm, pink cheeks and quietlyined in her heart about this drinking culture. When would it ever change? Poor Eric had to shield her from so much alcohol!


    After drinking too much, E excused herself to the restroom. Her two bodyguards followed closely behind, with Mia Martinez, the female bodyguard, apanying her into the bathroom, just in case anything unexpected happened.