Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 92: Chapter 92

Alex reached out and gently gripped my wrist, his dark, penetrating eyes fixed on me with a cold, emotionless gaze. It was as though I were just a pawn, something he could easily discard.
No, wait—more like a toy.
In the past, I would've had no hesitation. I'd take the money, walk away, and leave everything behind. No need to get tangled up in this mess.
It was thankless work anyway, and who knows—next moment I could lose my life.
Though Alex's money was generous, what good is money if you don't live to spend it?
But now things were different. My mother was still sick, and I had already made enemies of the Harvey and Cole families.
Without Alex as my shield, I couldn't help but shudder at the thought.
I forced a half-smile and looked at Alex, saying, "Of course I don't want to. What are you talking about? This is the life I've always dreamed of."
"Is it?" Alex's gaze swept over me from head to toe, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I thought you'd be scared by them and run away in a panic."
"Well, I take the money, and I face the consequences. Don't worry, as long as you don't kick me out, I'm not going anywhere."
A flicker of surprise passed across Alex's impossibly handsome face. His lips curved into a playful smile. "Laurel, I do hope you keep that love for money alive. It's a fine tradition."
I blinked for a moment, staring at him, then smiled back, "Don't worry, I can't promise much, but my love for money? That's never going to change."
I didn't expect Alex to be so accepting of a woman who loved money.
Wasn't it usually the case that men hate women who were greedy?
They say that women who love money are shallow, that they corrupt the purity of love.
But in reality, it's just a convenient excuse for men who are either too stingy or don't love their partners enough.
"You should remember," Alex continued, "that no one in all of Newton City is wealthier than your husband."
I couldn't help but flinch at the word husband. Was he implying I was just after his money?
But then again, I couldn't deny that Alex's beauty was as tempting as his wealth—especially to the rich daughters of other families. But to ordinary people like us, money is what matters most.
"Don't worry, I'm not greedy. A gentleman values wealth but only through proper means. If it's not mine, I won't covet it."
Alex nodded approvingly, his face breaking into a smile that was as enigmatic as it was captivating.
It was the kind of smile that made me want to run away.
As the evening banquet began, Alex left first.
Angela and I made our way down to the grand hall.
Samantha was wearing a high-end designer gown, beaming with a smile that could light up the room.
I, on the other hand, looked like a thief sneaking glances around, my nerves on edge.
"Laurel, are you looking for someone?"
"The pets Samantha keeps around," I replied.
Angela went silent for a moment, and after a beat, her eyes lit up in realization.
She smirked, "Alex had them all kicked out."
"Kicked out? Why?" I furrowed my brow, looking at Angela.
Although I had my suspicions, I couldn't picture Alex acting on impulse like that.
Pissing off those rich girls didn't seem like something he'd do lightly.
"Because they just stood by and watched while I was in trouble. Didn't lift a finger," Angela leaned in, excitement dancing in her voice. "I saw them being escorted out by Alex's people. It was glorious!"
"Is it really okay for him to offend those rich girls on my behalf?" I frowned, a bit uneasy.
"Are you kidding? They offended Alex first," Angela took a sip of her wine, her eyes sparkling. "If he didn't take their lives, that's already showing mercy."
"But this is a society of laws," I said, half-laughing, half-worried.
"Exactly, that's what makes it even scarier."
I blinked, confused, and turned to Angela.
"I didn't think Alex would get this angry, either," Angela winked at me, her voice playful. "Mrs. Herrera, looks like I'll need to latch onto your leg from now on."
I shot Angela a sidelong glance, knowing that even if I explained, it would be futile.
In her eyes, Alex was madly in love with me.
Just like he said, deeply in love, and he would never let anyone harm me.
But I couldn't help admiring Samantha, who seemed to be chatting and laughing with the guests, as if nothing had happened, standing obediently by Alex's side.
To everyone else, they probably looked like the perfect couple.
Halfway through the banquet, there was a sudden bang.
I turned to look, and saw a middle-aged man collapse to the floor, his body twitching uncontrollably.
The people around him were instantly terrified, their faces drained of color.
I rushed forward, squatting down, and quickly shoved my arm into the man's mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue.
"Laurel, are you crazy?" Angela gasped, panicked.
"The doctor will be here in ten minutes. If he bites his tongue, he could die."
I could feel blood dripping from my arm as the man bit down, but before the doctor arrived, his spasms stopped, and he lay still.
I pulled out some medicine from my pocket and forced a pill into his mouth.
Just then, Alex appeared in front of me, quietly watching as I stood up with his help. His calm, composed face showed a hint of confusion. "Do you know him?"
"No," I answered coldly.
Alex narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a smile. "Go treat your wound. If you're tired, you should rest in your room."
I nodded, but I couldn't help wondering if Alex was angry.
Back in my room, Angela tended to my wound, but I remained silent. She eventually sat next to me, her voice soft with concern.
"Laurel, are you okay?"
I nodded, but tears slipped down my cheeks. I wiped them away and took a deep breath.
"Angela, do you ever wonder... what Quinn would have been like if he hadn't died?"
Angela's gaze softened as she looked at me, her voice emotionless. "Someone as weak as him? Honestly, he didn't deserve sympathy."
Her words were calm, almost cold, but I knew deep down, Angela had cared for Quinn—more than she let on.