Ch. 161..170
Chapter 161
Xyla was utterly speechless. Mother? Was she worthy of that title?
"You're not worthy," Jeremy snapped coldly.
That one sentence was enough to put Xyla at ease.
"Alright then. Stan, we met yesterday. I'm May Conner, Xyla's stepmother. Welcome to our home," said May, grinning.
She was completely unfazed by Jeremy, unleashing her shamelessness to its full potential. It was impossible to tell that she had been at odds with them just yesterday. Stanley nodded out of courtesy. "Hello."
"If you don't have any business here, hurry upstairs. Don't stay here and be an eyesore," said Jeremy. He sounded aggravated.
"That won't do! It's Stan's first time at our house, so I have to personally cook him a feast," replied May, rolling up the sleeves of her white home clothes.
Jeremy remained ice-cold. "Don't. I'm scared of you spitting into the dishes."
"Honey, what are you saying? I couldn't possibly do that. If you're so worried, I'll let the maids work with me. It's fine if someone is supervising, right?'
Having said that, May hurried into the kitchen without giving Jeremy a chance to respond. She wanted to put on a good show because she knew full well that Jeremy had always been a soft-hearted person. As long as she kept being humble, there would definitely be hope for survival.
Jeremy couldn't be bothered with her. His gaze returned to Stanley's face. "Stan, I'm sorry you had to see that."
"It's okay." Stanley nodded respectfully again, showing great manners and demeanor.
"Let's continue that subject earlier. Stan, where are your parents now?" asked Jeremy.
Stanley answered honestly, "My father has a weak constitution, so he's recuperating by my grandfather's side. My mother is keeping him company."
His father's heart had indeed weakened lately, so he was staying by Stanley's grandfather's side to recuperate in Country Y.
Any matters to do with all their companies both in and out of the country were basically left to Stanley. Other than extremely important issues that required him to report to the president, Stanley was allowed to make decisions for everything else.
Previously, his mother had been staying by his father's side to keep him company. Presumably, after staying here for a little longer, she would return to Country Y to be with him again.
Xyla didn't stop him, allowing him to answer as he pleased. Because in regards to Stanley Batton's information, including information on his parents, she had found nothing. No matter what Five Batton said, it was impossible to get caught.
"Is that so? Which part of him is unwell?" Jeremy inquired.
"His heart."
"That's quite serious. He should rest well."
"Yes."
"Your house is at Country Y, isn't it?" asked Jeremy, wanting to get to know his son-in-law.
"You can put it that way..."
They had many houses all around the globe, so once again, it was not considered a lie.
"Then, where are you staying while you're back here?"
"I'm staying in a tiny normal area in the suburbs," Stanley answered smoothly.
Satisfied with his quick answers, Xyla quickly tugged his shirt and smiled at him. Stanley smiled back before shifting his gaze back to Jeremy.
"Do you have a house in the suburbs?" asked Jeremy.
"Yeah," said Stanley.
Jeremy looked eager. "You and Xyla are now married, so logically speaking, Xyla should be living with you. Although I'm reluctant to see my daughter leave home, it must be done. I don't think the living conditions in the suburbs are convenient, so why don't the two of you move into the mansion next to us?"
Chapter 162
Chapter 162
"I bought that mansion a long time ago, together with this one. It's been empty this whole time. The renovations and interior layout are very much like this one. What do you guys think?" asked Jeremy. For a moment, Xyla didn't know how to answer. Because of one minor oversight, many things now had to change. Since Five Batton had said that he would reside in the country permanently, her father would definitely arrange for a house for them to live together. If she kept living at her maternal home like an unmarried young lady, it would be most inappropriate.
"It's okay, Dad. Don't I have a duplex building under my name in the city center? My husband and I can stay there instead..." she said.
She couldn't possibly agree to stay next door. If she did, that would mean having to spend every single day with Five Batton. If they didn't stay together, her father would definitely find out. Hence, it was better to say that they would live in the city center. That place was far from home, far from her father's radar. Even if she lived alone, it was impossible for her father to find out.
Jeremy's expression fell. "Xyla, do you really have to do this?"
"Dad, what do you mean?" asked a confused Xyla.
She could sense that her father was angry, but for what reason, she had no idea.
"I'm asking you to stay next door because I'm reluctant to let you be so far away from me, do you understand? I originally wanted you guys to just stay here, but I'm not an old-fashioned person. I know that you youngsters need your space, so I came up with this idea to let us meet in the middle," said Jeremy, looking upset.
"Now that Emily has left home and I'm about to divorce your aunt, if you leave as well, don't you think that your father will look like a lonely old man?"
Upon hearing this, Xyla immediately felt a sourish feeling in her heart. She felt ashamed to continue rejecting him. However, if she didn't cruelly reject him, she would have to live with Five Batton.
This was not part of her plan at all. It was all Five Batton's fault for answering carelessly.
Beside her, Stanley remained silent. He only got up quietly to pour two cups of tea. One for Jeremy, one for Xyla, displaying wonderful education in every detail and gesture.
Xyla looked at him, waiting for his assistance in the rejection. However, he gave no response and was pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Xyla... Didn't you say that you would always keep dad company, show me filial piety, and listen to me?" Jeremy was clearly reluctant to give up.
Seeing how Jeremy was set on the decision, Xyla turned to the man beside her once more, deciding to put the ball in his court. "Honey, what do you think?"
"I'm fine with anything. You can decide," he answered faintly.
He was clearly not playing by the rules. Immediately, the ball was thrown back at her.
She couldn't help but wonder, 'How could this person be so oblivious to the atmosphere?'
Jeremy was adamant, asking, "Xyla, is it really so hard for a father to want his daughter to live next to him?"
Xyla held her forehead helplessly. "Alright then."
She knew that if she continued rejecting him, her father would no doubt get angry. Hence, she could only agree. Only, after agreeing, she regretted it...
Now, the troublesome matters would just grow and grow, and then grow even more. Would Five Batton even agree to it? What if he didn't agree? Moreover, why did she get the feeling that Five Batton was doing this on purpose? Was she overreacting?
Jeremy beamed happily. "That's more like it."
He was smiling, but Xyla was on the verge of tears.
"I'll transfer the ownership of that mansion to the both of you then," said Jeremy, looking down to take a sip of tea.
"It's okay, Dad. Just keep it under your name," said Xyla.
"That's fine too."
Jeremy nodded without saying anything else. He knew that his eldest daughter was not only obedient, but she was also not greedy. What a stark difference compared to his youngest daughter.
Chapter 163
Chapter 163
"Xyla, take Stan next door to take a look," said Jeremy.
"Okay..."
This was perfect, as she had just wanted to pull Five Batton away on some pretext to talk to him anyway.
Stanley leisurely stood up and tipped his head down politely. "Dad, I'll be back soon."
Jeremy waved them off. "Go on, go on."
Xyla latched onto his arm affectionately as the two left the house. Out the door, Xyla led him to her Maserati.
Once the car door was closed, Xyla pinched the bridge of her nose helplessly, her expression a little sullen. "Why did you tell my dad that you'll be residing in the country permanently? See how everything has spiraled out of control once you said that."
Stanley looked indifferent. "I didn't think too much."
Xyla put her hands up in defeat. "Forget it... It's my fault too for not briefing you properly." Unable to suppress her suspicions, she looked at him and asked, "Did you do it on purpose?"
"On purpose? Would that benefit me in any way?" he asked in return, looking nonchalant.
"Like you want to be with me, for example," said Xyla.
Stanley's lips curled into a mysterious smile, his eyes gradually darkening. Too much intelligence in a woman was sometimes a headache.
"Aren't you thinking a little too much? Do you think that's possible?" asked Stanley.
Xyla coughed awkwardly. "I was just suspicious. Since you say that's not the reason, then forget it. We can only do as my father says for now." She let out a long sigh before turning to him with a serious expression. "Okay?"
"I'll think about it."
Having said that, Stanley cocked up an eyebrow, then turned to look out the window. A mischievous smile played on his lips.
"You're not angry about my earlier question, are you?" Xyla asked cautiously with her ever-so-tender voice.
"No," he answered.
"Then, why else would you need to think? You have to help me." Her eyes were filled with desperation.
"Do you really want to cohabitate with me?" he asked, looking calmly at her.
Why did this question sound so ambiguous to her?
Xyla's expression became grave. "You're teasing me, right? Can you be a little more serious?"
"I'm very serious."
"Is it okay? The mansion is huge and has many rooms. We can just each pick a room... and not disturb each other. You can think of it as a temporary hotel. Your daily life won't be affected in any way, I guarantee you," said Xyla, looking serious.
Sunlight filtered in through the side windows, illuminating her sparkling eyes.
"I can increase your pay. I'll top-up another fifty thousand, so you'll be getting two hundred and fifty thousand every month. That's enough, right?" she added, terrified of his rejection.
"Oh."
She felt a surge of delight. "Does that mean you agree?"
He raised his eyebrows slightly. "What do you think?"
"Thank you." Xyla was filled with gratitude. Her uneasy heart could now finally rest. "Then, let me take you there to have a look. You can choose a room while we're there."
"No need. You can make the arrangements."
Stanley casually took a cigarette out of his pocket, rolled down the car window, and started smoking. As the smoke circled around, it was like a classic painting produced by a renowned artist. "I'll do as you say," he said.
She didn't know if she was imagining things, but Xyla had a feeling that his tone sounded different from before. It sounded a lot more gentle. In any case, she felt touched.
"Then, I'll decide on my own," she said.
"Yeah, you be the boss."
With this, she could finally relax. After calming down and carefully thinking it through, she suddenly felt like something was off.
Slowly, she raised her head to look at him. "Are you doing this on purpose?"
Chapter 164
Chapter 164
"On purpose?"
Stanley took a draw of the cigarette, slowly puffed out smoke, then looked calmly at her. It really was troublesome when a woman was too smart.
"Were you hoping for a chance to get a raise, so you didn't reject my father on purpose?" asked Xyla.
Stanley frowned slightly. "No."
What was that assumption?
"Then, that means you just want to be with me, don't you?" Xyla wasn't giving up on pressing the earlier question.
Stanley kept quiet. Stubbing out the cigarette with one hand, he tossed it into a nearby trash can. His movements were swift, precise, and utterly captivating.
His gaze gently traveled across her face. "What do you think?"
Staring at his calm expression, Xyla gradually removed the suspicions inside her heart. She must have been thinking too much. Judging from all their time spent together, right up until this very moment, Xyla felt that Five Batton was not a person who hungered for money. It was like he thought money was crap.
They had not been acquainted for long. Even if they had spent that one night together, it was impossible to fall for her so fast, so him wanting them to live together was presumably impossible as well.
At this, her mind inadvertently recalled the images of that night. Her face instantly went crimson up to her ears. This was crazy. Why did she think of that night again?
"What are you thinking about? Your face is all red," he asked.
"Nothing." She quickly recollected her thoughts and started the car. "Since you don't want to look at the house next door, let's just take a drive around so you can get used to the roads. You'll be living here soon after all."
"Sounds good."
At this, Xyla tuned the car around, heading for the gates.
Snow piled up on the roadside, turning it into a white wonderland. The Quest Manor was located far away from the bustling city, so there were almost no pedestrians and barely any cars around. Xyla could drive smoothly without obstructions.
She patiently helped him get familiarized with the nearby malls and locations of commodity stores. Afterward, the two returned home together.
Upon stopping the car, Xyla turned to the beautiful man who looked like a painting and said, "Can you go back home in the afternoon to pack up and move in tomorrow? We can move into the house immediately, so you just have to pack a few clothes. I'll take care of the rest."
"Sure," Stanley answered simply.
"Forget it, let me help you pack after all. Your elbow isn't fully healed yet, so let's not risk another accident," Xyla added.
His elbow was basically hurt because of her. Since it wasn't fully healed, it was her responsibility to take good care of him.
Taking out her phone, she transferred fifty thousand dollars to him via WeChat. "I've sent you fifty thousand. Remember to accept it."
"Okay."
***
After having lunch, Jeremy did not allow Stanley to leave. Instead, he made the young man play chess with him. As they were evenly matched, Stanley was kept there until evening. Finally, after dinner, Xyla sent him back to his suburbs.
The red Maserati stopped steadily in front of his apartment building, and the engine of the sports car gradually faded away. Many neighbors were out for a jog at this time. They could not help taking a few more glances upon seeing such a luxurious car.
Xyla got out first. The chilly north wind breezed past her, like tiny knives carving against her face. Feeling cold, she took a deep breath before jogging toward the apartment entrance.
Stanley stood behind her to key in the password. This way, it felt like she was being embraced in his arms. She could distinctly feel his warm breath on the top of her head, tugging at her heartstrings.
In an instant, it brought about surges of electricity.
The door opened...
Chapter 165
Chapter 165
Xyla hurried inside, with Stanley following close behind her.
Upon entering, she changed into a pair of slippers before looking at him and asking, "Do you have a large luggage bag?"
"Yeah, it's in the bedroom," he replied, pointing to the bedroom.
"Can I go in?"
"Yeah."
Xyla immediately entered his bedroom. Entering after her, Stanley opened the closet and pulled out a huge black luggage bag from the bottom, laying it open on the floor. There were hardly any clothes in his closet. They consisted of basic colours-black, white, grey, and dark blue.
"Will you be taking all these with you?" asked Xyla.
"You decide."
Hearing this, Xyla took out all the clothes from his closet and placed them on his bed. She started concentrating on folding them one by one, putting them into the luggage bag. When she was done, the bag was now almost filled to the brim.
Xyla let out a long sigh of relief, pulling the luggage bag to the wall. "You can pack up your personal items on your own."
Those tiny items could be moved with one hand, requiring barely any physical exertion. Moreover, it would be awkward for her to touch something so personal.
"Okay. Do you want a drink to take a breather?" asked Stanley. His tone was casual, showing no expression on his face.
The moment he asked, Xyla suddenly felt a little parched. "Sure. I'll just have a glass of water."
"I'll have to boil it now."
"Forget it then. Bottled water is fine too."
"It's cold."
"That's fine."
"That won't do."
Being simply overbearing, Stanley walked into the kitchen, poured the bottled water into the kettle, and switched it on.
Xyla followed him into the kitchen. "It's okay. It's so late now, there's no need for the trouble."
"I told you before that you have to be careful since you have a cold body constitution," replied Stanley.
Xyla felt a surge of warmth in her heart. "Having cold stuff once in a while is fine."
He gave no answer, but stood quietly in front of the kettle, waiting for it to boil.
"I'll wait for you outside. I remember that you have lemon in your refrigerator. Since you're boiling water, make me a honey lemon drink."
She ordered him around like it was the most natural thing to do.
Stanley turned to look at her. "There's no honey."
"Then, use sugar."
She strode over to the sofa in the living room and sat down, waiting for her honey lemon drink. Several minutes later, Stanley brought over a piping hot glass of lemon water and placed it down before her. He had used a transparent milk glass and two pieces of lemon could clearly be seen inside. The faint scent of lemon lingered at the tip of Xyla's nose, calming her senses. Bringing out another similar lemon drink, Stanley sat down beside her.
After carefully blowing on the drink to cool it, Xyla took a small sip. It had a nice taste but the sweetness was lacking.
"How does it taste?" he asked.
"It needs a little more sugar," she said.
Stanley got up immediately and brought out a seasoning container from the kitchen. He took out a spoonful of sugar and put it into Xyla's lemon drink.
"Wait a minute, isn't this salt?" she asked. Back when she had cooked for him, she had taken the salt from that container. She pointed to a different container. "That's the sugar." "They're both sugar," said Stanley.
Xyla was flabbergasted. Had she really put sugar into the dishes she made that day?
Chapter 166
Chapter 166
"So, the dishes I made the other day were sweet?" exclaimed Xyla in disbelief.
If that was true, that would mean that everything she cooked had been inedible.
"Yeah," replied Stanley softly. That sweet dinner had left a deep impression on him.
"It wasn't edible at all, was it? I'm sorry."
"It was delicious," Stanley answered casually.
"How could it be delicious? I used sugar instead of salt!"
Although Xyla had never eaten dishes that only tasted sweet, she could imagine just how disgusting it tasted.
"I like sweet things," he said.
Xyla felt warm inside. While Five Batton looked apathetic on the outside, he was quite a warm person on the inside. He knew how to comfort and care for others.
"Alright, stop saying things you don't mean. Be honest, you tossed away all the dishes that day, didn't you?"
"I didn't," he answered.
Xyla was stunned. "Did... did you finish them?" she probed.
"Yeah."
Xyla immediately gave him a big thumbs up. "Amazing."
Pointing his chiseled chin at her lemon drink, Stanley changed the subject, "Try and see if it's sweet enough."
Xyla took a small sip. The sweetness was just right. The mild fragrance of lemon mixed with a sweet and sour taste spread inside her mouth.
She smiled at him again, holding up a big thumbs up. "Superb."
He smiled and put the seasoning box away before returning to her side to drink his lemon beverage.
After finishing her drink, Xyla left. Once inside her car, she did not leave immediately, but sat there looking at her phone instead. No one had contacted her, so she opened up Weibo to scan through the hottest searches.
Upon entering the website, she could see that #Tom Sullivan sentenced to one month's detention was ranked second on the hottest searches. She clicked on it to take a look.
The first link was a statement by the police station in Tom's resident district announcing his punishment. It had been released at eight pm. Due to the peak timing, the accumulated comments had exceeded five million.
All this was to be expected, so Xyla was not too surprised.
Tom's incident had garnered extensive attention from netizens. Every day, they would press the police station for progress on this case. Hence, even if no one fueled the fire behind the scenes, this incident would still make it into the hottest searches. Even if the Sullivan family wanted to suppress the news, the police station wouldn't dare anger the public.
Emotional comments were exploding in the comment section. Everyone berated Tom Sullivan like their lives depended on it.
"A cheating and violent son of a b*tch! I hope you die on the spot. Stop wasting oxygen."
"Today is another day of being annoyed to death by a casanova. Violent cheating demon, please die! Bleurgh!!!"
"Listen up casanova, although we didn't attend your wedding, we'll definitely bring flowers and wear red dresses to attend your funeral."
Xyla could not resist laughing as she read these comments. Turning her head, she noticed how exceptionally beautiful tonight's scenery was. Even the air smelled nice.
After heaving a long, comfortable sigh, Xyla exited the search result on Tom Sullivan and glanced at the other topics on the search ranking. The top ten hottest searches were mostly occupied by Tom Sullivan, Emily Quest, and the Sullivan family.
What an extravagant sight.
Chapter 167
Chapter 167
The harsh comments were never-ending. United by a common enemy, netizens had now set the Sullivan Group, Tom Sullivan, and Emily Quest as their main targets.
Shifting her eyes to an economics news official channel that she was following, Xyla read the news that the channel had just announced.
'Due to an unnamed factory under the Sullivan Group using expired ingredients, and with Tom Sullivan and Emily Quest's scandals added into the mix, Dragon Group plans to withdraw their investment in the Sullivan Group.
The Sullivan Group's share price is currently plummeting, and in the short span of three days, the Sullivan Group's market worth has been reduced by three hundred billion dollars. According to our sources, the Sullivan family's eldest young master, Julian Sullivan, will be returning to the scene to help the Sullivan Group avert this disaster.
For now, the Sullivan Group is actively cooperating with relevant departments on related investigations."
This news revealed two important things.
Firstly, the Sullivan Group had been kicked while they were down. Dragon Group's withdrawal would only make their disastrous situation worse. Secondly, Tom Sullivan's status as heir of the Sullivan family was in danger. The position of inheritor of the Sullivan Group would definitely return to Julian Sullivan.
Everything was going according to her prediction, without any deviation from its tracks.
Xyla breathed a long sigh of relief before starting the car and turning on the radio. A gentle piano piece absolutely befitting of the current atmosphere played. The comforting tune helped her relax even more. With snowflakes once again fluttering down from the skies, the night sky was a gorgeous painting.
***
A little while after Xyla left, Zack entered Stanley's house.
"The Chairman called you earlier. You didn't answer, so he called me instead," Zack announced respectfully to the man who was puffing out smoke on the sofa.
Leaning against the backrest with a lazy gaze, Stanley took a long draw of his cigarette before slowly breathing out the smoke. "My dad? What's up?"
His phone had run out of battery earlier, so he left it charging inside the bedroom. He must have accidentally silenced it, which is why he had not heard his father's call.
"He said that Madam has told him about your matters with the young madam, the young madam's conflicts with Tom Sullivan and Emily Quest, and your matter with Tom Sullivan. He wanted me to express deep praises of your actions on his behalf. The Chairman has also asked you to keep it up without having to consider too much. He will support you," said Zack, speaking in great seriousness. Fifth Master's parents were undoubtedly the best aristocratic parents-in-law he had ever seen.
"Got it," said Stanley.
"The Chairman also said that our young madam is a pitiful creature, and hopes that you can treat her well. If you dare to mistreat the young madam, he will..."
Stanley mildly cocked up an eyebrow, asking with interest, "He will what?"
"He will switch out the heir of the Dragon Group. Besides this, he will also return to the country personally to... to..." Zack trailed off, finding it difficult to say what came next. "Personally to... ?"
"Personally, to beat you to death," Zack added.
The smile on Stanley's lips gradually deepened. "Got it."
"The Chairman even said that although he has no idea what game you're playing with the young madam, he hopes that you can do better and give him a grandchild soon." "Got it," said Stanley.
Vrrt, vrrt, vrrt...
Just then, Zack's phone vibrated again. Wilson Batton was calling.
After first glancing at Stanley out of reflex, Zack immediately answered respectfully, "Hello, Chairman."
"Have you met Old Fifth?"
"Yeah, he's beside me."
"Pass the phone to that brat." His tone was exactly the same as Stanley's.
Zack carefully handed the phone to Stanley.
Stanley leisurely took a draw of smoke before saying, "Dad."
Chapter 168
Chapter 168
"Zack must have told you what needs to be said, right?" asked Wilson, sounding grave.
"Yeah," Stanley answered calmly, showing no emotional disturbance in his tone.
"There's something important that I forgot to ask Zack to pass on to you, so I'll say it now. If there's something you don't understand while spending time with my daughter-in-law, remember to ask me. No one's better at love than I am."
His tone was filled with confidence, like a certain dopey Mr. President.
Stanley slowly huffed out a mouthful of smoke. "... Got it."
"You stupid brat. I always thought you were gay, and was even mentally prepared for you to bring Zack home and announce your relationship with him," said Wilson. He was not shy to speak his mind. Stanley held his forehead in defeat. In his heart, he wondered how could such a straight man like him be gay?
When Zack, who was standing beside Stanley, heard what Wilson said, his lips started twitching as he reconsidered his life choices. Exactly what was it about them that gave the chairman and madam the wrong idea?
Stanley had no intention to continue this subject, so he changed it, asking, "How is your health?"
"I'm quite well. Although this is the case, I still hope that you can let your mother return to Country Y as soon as possible. I miss her." At the mention of Sharon, Wilson's tone became much softer. "Can't you tell her yourself?"
"Isn't that just nonsense? If she would listen to me, why am I asking you? This is because she's too at ease with me staying beside your grandfather. If I'd known, I would have never come to Country Y." Stanley held his forehead helplessly. "... I'll try."
She would not even listen to his father, let alone him.
"Not try, you must."
"... Do I have to? It has only been a month." Stanley took a draw at his cigarette, his eyes as calm as a lake surface.
"It has been more than a month. She has already been in Country Z for a month now. And what about before that? She also went to our company in Country M to help me take care of some work, and that took three days. So accurately speaking, it's been a month and three days," Wilson added.
Stanley was speechless.
"Right, since I'm not in the country, keep an eye on that rowdy little brother of yours for me." On this topic, Wilson's tone became a little sullen.
"He's doing exceptionally well, so he doesn't need my care," said Stanley.
"Just keep an eye on him at any rate."
"Okay."
After the call, Stanley glanced faintly at Zack, handing the phone back to him. "Is there something else?"
"I'd like to ask, when do you want to take Tom Sullivan and the Sullivan Group off the hottest search ranking? So that I can inform the relevant parties in advance," asked Zack.
"Leave it for now. We'll talk about it when I'm in a good mood."
Zack nodded, musing to himself about what a ruthless person Stanley was.
"Right, Fifth Master, something's a little weird," added Zack with a serious expression.
"What is it?"
"Previously, before I released the news about Tom Sullivan hiring goons to attack someone, the news was already published. I've investigated and it was not our young madam who released it." Zack looked confused. "It's as if someone else is also getting involved in this."
Stanley saw it through immediately. "Must be Julian Sullivan."
Now that Tom Sullivan had fallen, the biggest beneficiary would be Julian Sullivan.
"Him? Aren't they biological brothers?" asked Zack.
"Since ancient times, biological siblings have been slaughtering each other for power and glory. Does it sound new to you?" said Stanley.
Zack mused to himself, 'As expected of Fifth Master, he can see through anything'. Out loud, he exclaimed, "... Not at all. Only, if that's true, then it's too surreal.”
Spotting the luggage bag of the corner of his eye, Zack became curious. "What's with the luggage bag? Are you planning to bring the things in here somewhere else?"
Chapter 169
Chapter 169
"Yeah."
"Where to?"
"My wife's place," said Stanley.
"The young madam's house? The Quest family's old mansion?"
Zack's eyes were filled with doubt, hardly believing his ears. Why were they suddenly cohabiting?
"We're moving into the mansion beside the Quest Manor," Stanley answered calmly as he stubbed out the cigarette in his hand.
"Oh..." Zack nodded. "Right, Julian Sullivan came to the company today asking to see you, but I rejected him."
Toot, toot, toot.
As he spoke, Zack's phone rang again. Seeing that it was an unknown number, he answered it immediately.
"Is this Assistant Cassidy? Hi, I'm Julian Sullivan from the Sullivan Food Group," said the voice on the other end.
"This is he. Only, why do you have my number?" asked Zack. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he put the call on loudspeaker.
"I got it from someone. Assistant Cassidy, would it be convenient for us to meet up and talk?"
"Uhh... it's inconvenient."
"I'd really like to have a good chat with your president. Can you help me, Assistant Cassidy? I will be sure to thank you properly."
"I'm sorry, I can't help you with this. Our president's decision is final, so I hope that your company can transfer the investment money back into our Dragon Group's account," said Zack firmly.
"I'm curious as to why your president would suddenly recall the investment. He brought it up before something happened to our company, so I'm sure that he has another reason for insisting on this decision." Julian had no intention of giving up. "Would you be able to enlighten me on the reason, Assistant Cassidy?"
Stanley frowned slightly. Looking at Zack's phone, he answered indifferently, "My wife doesn't like it." He waved his hand dismissively.
Zack understood at once and ended the call. Although he was a man, right now, even he felt a little electrified by his Fifth Master.
***
On the other end of the call, inside a glamorous bedroom, Julian locked his screen with a baffled expression. Looking up at the brightly lit yard through the french windows, various unsettling emotions started weaving around him like a spider web, suffocating him.
The last person who spoke was clearly not Assistant Cassidy. His tone sounded like the president of Dragon Group.
His wife didn't like it? Did this 'wife' mean his legal wife? Or his girlfriend?
There was only news that the new president of Dragon Group was Wilson Batton's son, the heir to the Dragon Group, but it was unheard of that he had a woman. In the first place, the Batton family was extremely mysterious, so only a scarce few people outside knew of them.
So, the man was recalling the investment because his woman didn't like the Sullivan Group? What kind of deity was his woman? How exactly did the Sullivan Group offend her? To the point where she's requesting for the Dragon Group to recall their investment.
Just how exceptional was this woman to make someone like the heir of Dragon Group listen to her? D*mn her!
Julian wanted to know who this woman was, but he knew full well that it would be impossible to find out. No one on the outside could even find out the Dragon Group's heir's name, much less information about his beloved.
Now that Dragon Group's heir had verbally rejected them once again, that would mean the possibility of getting him to nullify this decision was close to zero.
Looks like Julian would have to find another way.
***
Early the next day, Xyla took Stanley to the mansion Jeremy had prepared for them.
Chapter 170
Chapter 170
Upon entering, Xyla led Stanley upstairs and pushed open the door of the first bedroom. It was just as extravagant as the first floor.
French windows occupied an entire wall of the room. And there were many other glorious features, such as a large open balcony, a comfortable king-size bed, a large closet that occupied another wall, a high- end desktop, and more.
The bedsheet and pillow covers were a dark blue color-this color coordination made the room feel grander and classier.
"How is it? Do you like it? I picked out the bed covers for you last night. They're all new. If you don't like the colors, you can switch it out. There are many other sets in the closet. I moved the computer over from next door. It has the best specs configuration. If you like to play games, it'll definitely give you a whole new gaming experience," said Xyla.
"Yeah, I like it," said Stanley faintly. He could tell that she had put a lot of effort into decorating the room.
"That's good then. That's the toilet. It's linked with the bathroom," Xyla added, pointing to the washroom.
"Okay."
Xyla gestured to the right with her thumb. "My room is beside yours. If there's anything you need, you can come and look for me."
Stanley's eyes remained emotionless. "Okay."
"Since we'll be living together from now on, there are a few things I'd like to brief you on. Come and sit down."
As she spoke, Xyla casually sat on the sofa beside the french window. Stanley said nothing, but walked calmly over to the sofa opposite her and sat down, keeping quiet as he waited for her to speak. One by one, Xyla laid out the ground rules of their cohabitation.
"While we're living together, we don't get involved with each other, and we do not disturb each other unless necessary. You can think of our relationship as that of friends staying in the same hotel. "If you have any problems, you can look for me and I'll try to help if I can.
"I hope you won't bring strangers over because I don't like that.
"You can use everything in the house but remember to put them back in their place after you're done."
Xyla explained everything in a serious manner, while Stanley listened carefully without saying a word. These requests were reasonable, so he could accept them.
"You can accept these, right?" asked Xyla.
"Yeah." As usual, he was a man of few words.
"Is there anything you'd like to add? If you have any requests of me, you can bring it up," Xyla asked patiently.
"I don't have any requests of you," replied Stanley.
Xyla continued, "Alright then. We'll keep living together under this agreement for a year, until I've fulfilled my three-year agreement with my master, and successfully divorced that husband of mine." "Aren't you curious about your husband?" asked Stanley, intrigued.
"Previously, after I got married, I would sometimes be curious about how he looked, and wondered why this guy was reluctant to show his face from the moment we got our marriage certification until now. "Even if he wasn't interested in me, he didn't have to hide his face from me, right? We could have openly discussed things. In fact, I've even considered that he might be a disabled person. That he was blind, deaf, mute, and immobile, so he can't meet me.
"Or, perhaps he was exceptionally ugly, so he didn't have the courage to meet anybody. Or maybe, he's comatose, so he married me trying to counter the bad luck. But it ended up fruitless, so he's still in bed," Xyla analyzed thoughtfully.
Stanley was speechless. This woman had a great imagination.