While My Husband Cheated I Married His Powerful Brother novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157: Chapter 157 The Gangster’s Favor

Veyra sat at her quiet desk, staring blankly down at the open notebook resting in front of her.

​The white page was completely blank, without a single word written on it.

​She had been sitting there staring at it for twenty full minutes, but no good ideas or practical solutions came to mind, only a dull, throbbing headache building behind her eyes.

​Their search for a proper shop location was completely stuck in a rut. Mia had called her again earlier this morning with more bad news. Every commercial spot they checked had ridiculously high rent, was far too small for their needs, or was already claimed by major brand chains.

​Veyra had briefly thought about reaching out to Wesley Wynn for a favor. With his extensive underworld resources and local connections, he could easily locate a prime shop front for her in five minutes flat.

​However, she really did not want to owe him any favors. Not this early in their acquaintance, and certainly not for a small business matter like this.

​She had also considered asking Xavier Lala. But he was currently up to his neck preparing for the upcoming human clinical trials, and she didn’t want to distract him from such critical medical work.

​She even thought about bringing it up to Mr. Hugh, the family butler. He was extremely well-connected across Etland City and could easily make a quick phone call to sort it out.

​In the end, she discarded that idea too. She wanted to handle this project with her own effort.

​She reached out and picked up her phone, ready to ring Mia back. She was about to suggest looking in less desirable areas, maybe quieter side streets, hidden alleyways, or a much cheaper neighborhood further out.

​Before she could dial, her phone suddenly lit up with an incoming call.

​The caller ID displayed the name Xander Hale.

​She paused, staring down at the glowing screen for a moment.

​Xander Hale, the ruthless local gangster. The intimidating man she had faced down with an unloaded gun, but also the son whose sick mother she had helped secure a life-saving procedure.

​She swiped the screen to answer.

​"Xander," she said into the receiver.

​His voice came through warm and deeply appreciative. "Mrs. Thorne. I hope I’m not reaching out at a bad time or interrupting anything."

​"You’re not interrupting," she replied calmly.

​"I wanted to call you directly to offer my deepest thanks. Dr. Harrison performed the surgery himself, and my mother is recovering remarkably well."

​Veyra felt a tight knot of worry loosen in her chest. "That is wonderful news, Xander. I am truly glad to hear she is doing better."

​"It’s all thanks to you. If you hadn’t personally spoken to Dr. Harrison on her behalf, my mother would still be suffering without proper treatment."

​She shook her head softly, though he couldn’t see her. "I simply made a quick phone call. Dr. Harrison and his team did all the hard work."

​"Even so, I owe you a massive personal debt," he said firmly. He paused for a second before continuing. "I would like to invite you out to dinner tonight so I can thank you properly in person."

​Veyra hesitated, weighing her options.

​She had no real desire to share a dinner table with Xander Hale. He was an active figure in the local gangs, a ruthless bully, and the very man who had struck Aunt Clark during their earlier feud.

​At the same time, she knew better than to openly offend him. He was a dangerous man to cross, but right now, he felt genuine gratitude toward her. Keeping him in a friendly position was undeniably useful.

​"Thank you for the kind invitation, Xander," she said carefully, keeping her tone polite. "However, I’m extremely busy with several urgent matters right now, so I don’t think I can make it tonight."

​Xander’s voice dipped with clear disappointment. "I understand completely. If your schedule clears up and you change your mind, please let me know."

​She was about to say goodbye and hang up, but a sudden realization hit her.

​The Medical University was located right in the heart of his territory, the Riverside District. He practically ran those streets and knew every commercial property owner in the area.

​"Xander," she spoke up before he could disconnect. "Before you go, I actually have a quick question for you."

​"Anything," he answered immediately.

​"Do you happen to know anyone who rents out commercial storefronts right near the main entrance of the medical university?" she asked.

​There was a short pause on the line. "Why do you ask, Mrs. Thorne?"

​"I’m currently searching for a suitable shop location," she explained. "Ideally around one hundred square meters, located in a prime spot with heavy foot traffic."

​Xander let out a sudden, hearty laugh on the phone, a genuine, warm chuckle that caught her off guard.

​"You’re hunting for a shop space in the middle of the Riverside District?" he asked.

​"Yes, I am."

​"And you’re asking me for help?"

​"You know that whole area better than almost anyone else in the city," she reasoned simply.

​Xander fell silent for a few moments, likely running through his contacts in his head.

​"As a matter of fact, I know a few property owners around there," he said smoothly. "I can easily arrange for you to view a prime space today if you have the time."

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