Chapter 366: Deal in the Shadows
The widow swallowed hard, letting out a long sigh of defeat as she clenched her fists.
"Can we talk about this in private?" said the widow, lowering her head in resignation.
"Of course," said Alexander with a smile. "But before the officers leave, go inside and fetch the property documents. That way they can attest that the transaction will be completed properly, sound fair?"
The woman had no other choice. She looked at her daughters and walked inside the house with slow steps.
"Wait out here," said the widow to her two daughters before crossing the threshold.
Alexander turned toward his large group of recruits.
"You girls can go get some rest," said Alexander, gesturing toward the grand structures lining the street. "Take any house in the area; starting today, this entire block is ours."
Several of the female adventurers opened their mouths to protest; taking possession of other people’s homes in the middle of the night felt bizarre to them, but seeing Alexander’s firm, decisive gaze, they didn’t dare say a word and simply began dispersing among the adjacent properties.
A few minutes later, the widow returned to the entrance holding a stack of documents. Alexander took them without ceremony and handed them directly to the head guard.
"I will take these to the mayor," said the guard, inspecting the property seals. "As soon as she wakes up, she will sign the eviction decree and everything will be ready."
"Excellent," said Alexander, winking at the officer. "I expected nothing less from you and your great efficiency."
The guards offered a brief bow and quickly retreated toward the city center.
Alexander waited in silence until the officers’ footsteps and the murmur of his adventurers faded away completely in the distance. Then, he turned his eyes back toward the widow and her two young daughters.
"Everyone is gone," said Alexander, stepping past the doorway frame. "Now then, tell me... what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Let’s step inside," said the widow, taking a step back to open the way. "This isn’t a good spot; I wouldn’t want curious eyes watching from the street."
Alexander stepped inside the residence, following the widow and her two daughters. The home was spacious, decorated with fine wooden furniture and tapestries that reflected the family’s former status. Alexander walked in with absolute ease and settled onto the main sofa, crossing his legs while the three women remained standing before him.
"Now then... what was it you wanted to talk about?" said Alexander, resting his arms along the back of the sofa.
"This house... this property is all we have left," said the widow, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "These are the memories of my husband, the home where I raised my daughters. We can’t just pack a few bags and leave into nothingness. I beg of you... what can we do to stay?"
The two young women nodded with downcast eyes, pressing against their mother’s side while the light tulle of their nightgowns revealed the outline of their thighs and the rise and fall of their anxious chests.
Alexander observed all three of them for a long moment, savoring the clear power he held over their fate.
"I could leave one of the adjacent houses for you," said Alexander with a smile playing on his lips. "I’m not an unreasonable man. In fact, I could grant you a lifetime allowance so you’ll never lack for anything from here on out."
The widow’s eyes widened in surprise, her hands flying to her chest in immediate relief at the unbelievable offer.
"Would you truly do that for us?" said the widow, letting out a breathy sigh. "I thank you with all my heart, Mr. Alexander..."
"Don’t thank me so quickly, ma’am," said Alexander, leaning slightly forward as his gaze grew heavy and intent. "Nothing in this life comes free. So tell me... how do you plan on paying me?"
The widow swallowed hard, grasping the weight of his words. She lowered her eyes toward the young man’s hands and pressed her bosom against the silk of her robe.
"I can do whatever you ask of me," said the widow in a low, submissive whisper. "Absolutely anything."
While their mother spoke, the two young women began taking slow steps backward, attempting to slip away unnoticed toward the stairs leading to their bedrooms. Alexander flashed a broad smile.
"Hold on a second," said Alexander, raising his voice just enough to freeze them in their tracks. "Shouldn’t the two of them pay as well?"
The widow immediately stepped in front of her daughters, spreading her arms to shield them in a protective gesture.
"Please, let my daughters leave," said the widow, her voice trembling and her eyes pleading. "They aren’t like this. Their father spoiled them terribly, and they’re far too shy... Please don’t hurt them."
"Nobody is going to hurt them," said Alexander, leaning back calmly. "I’m not that kind of person."
The woman nodded, visibly resigned. She gestured to her daughters with her hand, and the two young women bolted upstairs, disappearing into the darkness of the second floor.
Alexander stood up, closing the distance until standing just inches from the widow. He slid his hand around the woman’s waist, feeling the smoothness of her mature skin through the silk.
"Seems like I’m forcing you..." said Alexander into her ear, trailing his hand down toward the contour of her hips. "Haven’t all these years of loneliness made you crave dick?"
The widow closed her eyes, letting out a soft moan at the firm contact of the young man’s fingers against her body.
"Yes... I do," said the widow, squeezing her thighs together. "But... this is my home. The place where I lived with my late husband."
Alexander stopped his hands dead in their tracks. He looked at the woman’s face, taking note of the conflict in her eyes, and pulled his arm back with absolute composure.
"I understand," said Alexander firmly. "There’s no need to explain."
Without adding another word, Alexander turned around and walked toward the exit, stepping out the front door and leaving them alone in the night.