Chapter 28 An Unlikely Ally
Chapter 28 An Unlikely Ally
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Xander gave his usual, automatic refusal. “No need, but thank you. It’s just a scratch–I can take care of it myself. Just drop me off at the next intersection.”
Alisa studied his face. “Why? You don’t have to turn me down. I mean you no harm.”
He forced a faint smile. “I just don’t want to drag you into trouble. If they find out you were the one who helped me today, you’ll be caught up in it too.”
Those men hadn’t followed them, but he was pretty sure they’d already seen Alisa’s face.
Dropping him off halfway was one thing—bringing him all the way home to patch him up would be another matter entirely.
People loved to talk, and scandal had a way of sticking.
But Alisa only smiled, unconcerned.
“Trouble? I’m not afraid of trouble. I like your grit, Xander. From now on, you’re a friend of mine. Anyone with a problem can say it to my face–right there in front of me.”
She lifted her chin. “Don’t worry. None of the Roffes is easy to push around.”
Xander was stunned.
Even though he resisted, Alisa still ordered the driver to take them home.
The family doctor–who usually handled Alisa’s checkups–was summoned to treat Xander. While tending his injuries, the doctor noticed the marks of older wounds that had never properly healed.
“You’ve new injuries on top of the old ones,” the doctor muttered, shaking his head.
“How’s your body supposed to keep up? Ms. Alisa was born frail, but you yours is man–made.”
Alisa, sitting nearby with her phone, paused mid–scroll.
Xander’s voice was calm. “I don’t have the means for treatment right now. This is the best I can do.”
And she thought–yes, if someone could receive treatment, who would choose to stack wound upon wound?
His family simply didn’t care about him.
In the Badman household, he’d never been favored by Mrs. Badman. They feared he might one day fight for the inheritance, so they’d rather see him gone altogether.
“Not anymore,” Alisa said. “If your family won’t treat you, you come to my house.”
The doctor worked quickly, securing the bandages around Xander’s wounds before packing up his instruments and leaving.
Once the bandages were tied and the tools packed away, Xander adjusted his coat. His right hand still hung stiffly.
“Why are you helping me?”
Alisa set down her phone. “Because I like you.”
He frowned. “What’s there to like?”
Her delicate face curved into that signature sinile.
“I’ve got unusual taste. I like what most people can’t see.”
She tilted her head, playful yet determined. I’m a sucker for a bit of personal heroism. Saving someone gives me a ridiculous
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Chapter 28 An Unlikely Ally
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sense of achievement. So yes, I’ll save you, and I’ll help you. I don’t like being refused–it makes me feel like I failed, and that puts me in a bad mood. So don’t worry about being a botlier. Just walk into this house whenever you want–I’ll have them open the doors for you.
“For go along with it. Standing beside me can only do you good.”
7 satisfaction, Xander, you’ll just have to
She never realized just how deeply those offhand words would strike him.
The butler personally saw him to the gate and even arranged a car to take Xander home.
For the first time, a member of Qodon’s elite had treated him like a guest.
“Thanks, but no need,” Xander said quietly.
The butler smiled politely. “No need for formality, Mr. Xander. Ms. Alisa’s orders–anytime you want to come, our doors will be open.
The next morning, Skyrend Hotel.
The hallway stretched long and hushed. Alisa walked ahead; Ricky followed close behind.
“Ms. Alisa, they still haven’t called me.”
It was already the second day. No word from the Greens or the Kellers.
Time was running short, and Ricky couldn’t help but wonder if they were planning to gamble everything rather than bow to
pressure.
Halfway down the corridor, Alisa veered toward the balcony rail, resting her hands lightly on it. Her voice was calm, almost lazy. “What’s the rush? We’re not the ones who should be worried.”
Ricky was puzzled. “Then who should be?”
She tilted her head toward the entrance. “Look–here they come.”
saw
Following her gaze, he saw Pamela walk into the hotel, her steps deliberate.
She looked up, and her eyes met Alisa’s from the second–floor railing
Alisa’s smile. “Come on. Let’s wait for her in the office.”
The last time Alisa had gone to the Green estate, Pamela had been away, but news had traveled fast enough.
Compared to Alisa, Pamela was far more anxious about these talks failing.
If Alisa didn’t get what she wanted, Pamela couldn’t predict her next move. Airing the witch’s scandal was one thing–but if Pamela’s own secrets were exposed alongside it, her life would be over.
Besides, the Greens was meant to pass into her son’s hands one day.
A public disgrace would tarnish the family name, and it was bad for her son.
Pamela was no fool. She had to help Alisa, because otherwise, there was nothing for her to gain.
