The Ex and Her Riches

Seeing that Charles still didn’t respond, the other men in the room couldn’t figure out his temperament.

One of the men asked, “Can we leave now, Mr. Newton? We don’t have any more money on us, and we didn’t touch this who—I mean, woman. In fact, she’s the one who beat us up so badly that we’re covered in injuries. We’ll have to see a doctor right away.”

Charles narrowed his eyes and spat coldly, “Scram.”

“Okay, okay.” The men immediately scurried away.

When they passed by Charles, he caught a glimpse of their injuries.

Some had fractured arms while some were covering their bleeding waist.

All six of those men had their butts kicked by Whitney, a woman, despite their advantage in numbers.

As such, Charles’ interest in Whitney was roused.

Slowly, he ambled into the messy room. The shattered glass pieces scattered all over the floor crumbled beneath his dark leather shoes.

Whitney, who was hiding beneath the table, trembled violently and held her breath upon hearing his steady footsteps.

In her mind, she prayed, Please don’t see me, please don’t see me, please don’t…

A second later, she felt warmth on her shoulders. She tilted her head and saw Charles taking off his coat and draping it over her shoulder to cover her tattered clothes.

He’s so gentle, so much so that he can charm any woman in minutes. Whitney felt even more ashamed and hung her head low, not daring to meet his gaze.

“You don’t have to hide. I know who you are,” uttered Charles in a deep, magnetic voice, which was pleasant to Whitney’s ears.

“Why did you come to this dangerous place? Are you in desperate need of money?” he asked.

wanted to try dating me in the afternoon, yet I embarrassed

money on the table, squatted down, and delivered it to Whitney. “Take it. It’s all yours. You

soon as her eyes met Charles’ piercing blue gaze, she

some thought, she refused to take the money. “I don’t want it. If you hadn’t arrived in time, I would’ve suffered greatly.

a silly way sometimes. “I don’t need it, and what happened tonight has nothing to do with me. You deserve this money. Consider it your reward for sparring with those men. Besides, you’re injured, too. You’ll need the money to receive treatment at the

Whitney was almost sexually assaulted by the group of men, Charles referred to the incident as

gaze, daring to ask, “Don’t you find it disgusting that I’m earning money in a bar through

and you’re forced to do what it takes to make ends meet. I can understand that. Although, you should avoid taking such risks in the future. Your safety should come first when you’re outside,

“Thank you.”

Charles handed the cash in his

cash. After tonight’s nightmare, I guess I can count this as compensation for my emotional damage. Perhaps I’ll have some money left over after purchasing the cologne as a gift for Charles, which will also cover my rent.

surprised to see her still wearing a smile. What a happy-go-lucky woman. He offered, “I’ll send you to the hospital. Can

was a few slaps, that’s all. The minor injuries on my body will

that case, I’ll send you home.” He stood, hands stuffed

a few steps forward, he stopped because he

around, he noticed she hadn’t

countenance mixed with blood. There was a touch of desolation to her

she bit her lip and uttered, “I… My legs are numb. I can’t stand up. I’m

I could walk, I proved myself wrong just thirty

the butts of a few men earlier? Why are her legs numb after I come to her

distasteful, he still approached her and carried her

easy for him to lift her

that moment, her thin shoulders were covered by his coat. Her body was tainted

state would easily arouse

froze, lowering his gaze and

blink as

I used to carry her like this as well. I even spun around with her in my arms, promising to love and protect her forever. Now, she no longer needs my protection. She’ll never

for Whitney to discern the expressions swirling in