The Ugly Lady Strikes Back novel Chapter 57

“It’s like this… I’m actually married, but I don’t know what my husband looks like or what he does. I only know that his name is Stanley Batton. The specifics are very complicated, so I don’t know how to explain it to you, but I only promised to marry this man back then to get something done,” explained Xyla solemnly.

“And then?” asked Stanley.

Xyla began to tell him about how she had been exposed by Emily a few days ago, and how her pre-planned replacement had then passed away. She spoke solemnly while he listened intently, nodding a little in between.

After hearing her story, he said without hesitation, “Sure.”

His nonchalance was beyond Xyla’s expectations, so it shocked her a little.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“I won’t make you work for free. I’ll pay you. I’ll pay you way more than what you normally earn.”

Stanley faintly raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “And how much would that be?”

“How is two hundred thousand a month?”

“Two hundred thousand?” repeated an amused Stanley. He earned more than that in a minute.

“How about it?” asked Xyla confidently.

“Sure, but I have one condition.”

“Spill,” Xyla replied easily.

“Stop nagging about wanting to pay me back.”

“But I really think I should return that money to you.”

“I never take back what I’ve given away.”

“You have to study them seriously, do you understand?”

“Okay,” he said before casually pushing the two books aside.

***

After dinner, Xyla and Stanley exited the restaurant together. Feather-like snow fell quietly under the bright lights, covering the entire city in a layer of white.

A cool breeze swept past and Xyla could not resist shuddering. The tip of her nose was turning red from the cold, and she rubbed her hands together as she looked at Stanley. “Did you drive? If you didn’t, I can send you back.”

“No need. My friend will pick me up.” As he spoke, Stanley quietly took off his trench coat and draped it over her shoulders. “Put this on.”

The coat was still warm from his body heat, instantly dispelling the chill on her body. A faint scent of mint perfume mingled with the smell of tobacco wafted across her nose.

“I’m okay. I won’t be cold once I get into the car,” said Xyla. She raised her hands, wanting to remove the coat.