The Ex-Wife Strikes Back By Queena Laurie

Chapter 20 

By doing so, it would undoubtedly raise dissatisfaction among the council and certainly offend the county council speaker. At the same time, whether the newly appointed sheriff would be completely accepting of his approach without any resentment remained uncertain. It could potentially become an awkward situation where he would find himself caught between a rock and a hard place. 

Therefore, as a daughter, Aurelia considered finding a new path for her father. She came up with the excuse of Michael having health issues recently. 

Being unwell, he wouldn’t be able to handle the demanding workload of the chief deputy sheriff. However, he could still be transferred to a less demanding position, where he could have a more relaxed schedule. 

This not only protected her father from being set up by others but also helped him retreat to a safe position. 

After all, instead of waiting for others to plot her father’s downfall, it was more prudent for her to take proactive measures and secure a way out for him in advance. This way, she secured a more comprehensive plan for his future. 

Nevertheless, such a task was significant, and as a woman who was not actively involved in the political establishment, it would be difficult for her to accomplish it alone. 

If she were to approach her father directly to discuss this matter, she would likely not gain his approval. However, as a concerned daughter, she couldn’t help but worry. Therefore, she took the “bold” step of seeking help from Jacob behind the 

scenes. 

In this way, if things didn’t work out, the worst–case scenario would be a failed attempt, and her father would continue to serve as the chief deputy sheriff without any significant impact. 

That was all the meaning conveyed in Aurelia’s short statement. 

Hayden, having fully understood everything, began to regard Aurelia with even greater admiration. 

Even if it was the same matter, he might not have been able to express it better or more comprehensively than Aurelia. 

It was hard to believe that this woman came from the home of a mere chief deputy sheriff in a small town. 

She seemed just like the successor personally groomed by the sly foxes of those aristocratic families, leaving no room for any leaks or mistakes. 

It was a pity that she was a woman. If she was a man pursuing a career in the political establishment, the prospects would be truly limitless. 

After careful consideration, Hayden’s regard for Aurelia increased by a couple of notches. Honestly, he had no sincere intention of helping her, but now his stance had somewhat shifted. 

However, even though this matter was trivial, required little effort, and was merely a matter of words, it would undermine their dignity if Hayden readily agreed without any hesitation. Their reputation would be somewhat diminished. 

Aurelia had genuinely piqued Hayden’s interest thus far. He scrutinized her figure and appearance with a discerning eye, taking in her presence as she sat on the couch. 

Gradually, Hayden’s gaze intensified slightly. Aurelia’s intelligence and impeccable scheming were top–notch, and now it remained to be seen how much she was willing to invest in their endeavor. 

With his decision made, Hayden intentionally began to show a hint of relaxation and casualness in his words. 

“So, this is what it’s all about! Well, it’s easier said than done. The difficulty lies in how much determination you possess, Ms. Swanson, Hayden remarked. 

Aurelia’s eyes flickered with a sudden gleam as she looked at Hayden, somewhat surprised by his response. 

Chapter 20 

To be honest, when she spoke those words, it was more out of a sense of not wanting to offend Hayden rather than expecting him to agree to help. 

Therefore, upon hearing his words and witnessing his reaction, she was somewhat taken aback. 

Although she didn’t know his full name or background, based on his demeanor and the innate air of scion privilege he exuded, she had complete faith in this person. She believed that he had both the capability and power to change the current situation in Navarre. 

Whether she placed her bet on Jacob or this person, it was all a gamble. As long as the end result aligned with her desires, it didn’t really matter. 

Furthermore, with his Druobridge accent clearly indicating that he was not a local scion of Nuthana but rather hailing from Druobridge, it was evident that he wouldn’t linger in Navarre for long. 

After a mutually beneficial exchange of interests, with no debts between them, and each getting what they needed, he would return to his Druobridge. She, on the other hand, would continue with her own affairs. From then on, they would mind their own business, which was far more advantageous than engaging in a deal with Jacob. 

The more Aurelia thought about it, the more she felt the perfection of this arrangement. A satisfied smile bloomed on her face, radiating a delicate and enchanting charm. 

With a blend of innocence and captivating allure, Aurelia’s beauty was so exquisite that even Hayden, who was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, couldn’t help but pause in astonishment, his eyes captivated by her charm. 

Before he could regain his composure, he heard her melodious voice, crisp and pleasant, respond to what he said as she nodded without hesitation. “As long as it can relieve my father’s worries, as a daughter, any sacrifice I make will be worth it!” 

Upon hearing these words, Hayden’s gaze instantly turned cold and hardened. 

Although he had anticipated it, given this woman’s intelligence and discernment, he knew she wouldn’t fail to perceive the implications underlying his words. 

However, to see someone like her, who didn’t show the slightest hesitation, and instead nodded decisively, was indeed quite 

rare. 

He couldn’t help but grow suspicious, doubting whether this woman was simply used to experiencing the quid pro quo game of exchanging her body for personal gain, or was there some other reason behind her immediate agreement. Regardless of the underlying motive, Aurelia’s prompt response stirred up an unpleasant mix of emotions within him, both psychologically and physically. 

Aurelia, in the past, was once a foolish and naive woman, but now she had transformed into someone perceptive and astute, adept at reading people’s words and expressions with great attentiveness and keenness. 

She immediately noticed Hayden’s momentary coldness in his eyes. 

After a brief moment of reflection, she quickly realized where the issue lay. She couldn’t help but inwardly blame herself, feeling that she had been too impulsive. 

In such situations, even if it was an act, one should still display a hint of hesitation and reluctance to make it more in line with the curious nature of men. 

Without much thought, she readily agreed, and it was no wonder the man before her had a somewhat displeased expression 

on his face. 

As a glimmer of determination flashed through her eyes, Aurelia stood up slowly, displaying a touch of her characteristic pride while maintaining her composure. “But…” 

Hayden was taken aback. “But what?” 

Tm just an ordinary woman with no special abilities. If it weren’t because it was absolutely necessary, no one would willingly sacrifice their pride and dignity in such a manner. Furthermore, if news of this were to spread, my greatest concern would 

Chapter 20 

be the disappointment it would bring to my father, rather than any impact on my personal honor or reputation. Sir, you possess dignity and charisma, and I believe you are a capable individual. I trust that you won’t make things difficult for me. Even if this matter proves difficult to accomplish in the end, I hope that we can go our separate ways without lingering. entanglements. I wonder if you would consider granting this small request from me?” said Aurelia.