chapter 6 We will settle our accounts tomorrow ===

"Calling the cops?"
The man adjusted his collar. "Pretty girl like you, not taking you away to earn a few bucks, that'd be a real shame."
"You... you dare?"
"You think I won't?"
The man reached out to grab her, but just in time, Ulric stepped in front of Mabel.
The unexpected turn left Mabel speechless.
Wasn't this guy just ditched?
How come he's back now?
Before she could ask, the man's face darkened with displeasure. "Kid, you wanna meddle in this?"
Ulric glanced at him, speaking softly, "Your business isn't mine, but you can't take her."
"Why not?"
"Because I've called the cops for her."
The man erupted in anger. "Damn! You wanna die? Dare to meddle in my affairs? Believe me, I can kill you right now!"
Ulric remained silent.
Thinking he had cowed him, the man intended to teach him a lesson and leave quickly, but Ulric pushed him aside.
This thoroughly annoyed the man, who instantly brandished a switchblade, the sharp blade flashing menacingly, frightening both Mabel and the woman.
"Kid, you wanna be a hero? I won't let you."
The man charged, but sirens blared in the distance, closing in on them. His face twisted in anger. "I'll let you off today, but remember, we'll settle our score later."
He turned and fled in one direction, several police cars hot on his heels.
"Who called the cops just now?"
At that moment, a police car screeched to a halt in front of them, and a short-haired woman in uniform stepped out.
She was pretty, with a good figure and a tall stature, exuding an air of sophistication. However, her face seemed cold.
Seeing her inquiry, Ulric calmly spoke up, "Officer, it was me who called!"
"You?" The woman sized him up, then shifted her gaze to the visibly shaken Mabel, surprised. "Miss Flores, what are you doing here? Are you also a victim?"
The appearance of this policewoman caught Mabel off guard. Others might not know her background, but Mabel was well aware.
Her real name was Jace, the heiress of the Ewans Family. Due to the family's involvement in politics, members of the Ewans Family were all quite similar.
Especially her father, Xeno, who was undoubtedly the leader of Yorkvichill City. During his tenure, he managed Yorkvichill City efficiently, showing signs of moving up the ranks.
Even more impressive was Old Master Ewans, who served the country. Although retired, it didn't diminish the Ewans Family's status in Yorkvichill City.
Facing her question, Mabel calmed herself and said, "Madam Ewans, please don't misunderstand. This has nothing to do with me."
"Is that so?" Jace looked at Ulric and the woman beside him. "And what about them?"
"Offi... Officer, they... they're good people. They bravely saved me." The woman spoke timidly.
"It seems you do have a sense of justice. In that case, Miss Flores, mind if I take them back to the station for a statement?"
Mabel was slightly surprised and glanced at Ulric before saying, "If Madam Ewans insists, I won't object. But my friend here is from the countryside and isn't familiar with the city. I hope Madam Ewans won't scare him at the station."
Ulric thought to himself, Why is she speaking so harshly?
And she's mocking me at a time like this?
Deciding not to say more, Ulric agreed to go with her to the station. However, Madam Ewans surprised him with her next words.
"Since he's Miss Flores's friend, I'll give you face. He doesn't need to come with us."
"Ma... Madam, what about... me?" The woman sounded fearful.
"You're a victim. Go back with us, describe the situation, and if everything checks out, you can go home. Let's go!"
The woman glanced fearfully at Ulric and Mabel before reluctantly following Jace away from the scene.
"Now that everyone's gone, if you can't let go of her, feel free to follow!" Mabel's remark left Ulric speechless. "I don't know her; what's there to let go of? But you, you sound a bit angry."
"Heh, me, angry? Ulric, don't flatter yourself. Just because you helped me out doesn't mean I owe you anything. Let me tell you, even without you, I'd still call the cops."
Ulric remained silent.
Mabel didn't want to argue with him and warned, "I'm going back to rest. Don't follow me."
"I told you, I have nowhere else to go."
"What about the money I just gave you? Why not stay in a hotel?"
"I don't like taking money from women. Here, take it back."
Seeing him pull out the bills she had given him, Mabel was speechless.
She had never seen someone so arrogantly principled, especially someone her grandfather had arranged to be her husband...
Mabel couldn't fathom what Old Master Ewans was thinking.
At this moment, she found Ulric both pitiful and ridiculous.
How could there be someone like him in the world?
Out of gratitude for him saving her, Mabel relented.
"Fine, I'll put you up for one night. Tomorrow, as soon as it's light, you're out."
Ulric nodded. "No need to remind me; I already planned on it."
"Better be."
...
Twenty minutes later, Ulric followed her back to Bloomfield Boulevard.
Mabel placed her bag aside, and kicked off her high heels, revealing a pair of beautiful feet that caught Ulric's eye.
Her feet were exquisite, slender, and fair, like snow-white onions; stepping into slippers, they were perfectly proportioned and naturally beautiful.
"What are you staring at? Change your shoes!"
Caught off guard by her sudden remark, Ulric shifted his gaze and surveyed her living space, which was spacious and bright.
If he had to describe it in two words, it would be: luxurious!
However, Ulric wasn't jealous of wealth.
He acknowledged that the house on Bloomfield Boulevard was nice, but it wasn't enough to surprise him.
"Ulric, if you're staying with me, you have to follow my rules. No entering my room, no touching my things, and most importantly, if you leave any marks when you use the bathroom, don't blame me for kicking you out."
Ulric: "..."
While the demands were a bit excessive, they were understandable; after all, everyone had their cleanliness habits, especially women.
"Okay, I promise. So, where do I sleep?"
"Here!" Mabel pointed, and Ulric nodded. "All right, I'll turn in first."
"Aren't you... aren't you going to shower before bed?"
"No need. Too much washing drains your vitality."
Watching him walk away, Mabel was livid.
On such a hot day, sweating so much, and he's lazy enough to skip a shower? What... what's the difference between him and a beggar?
Not only lazy, but he also never runs out of excuses. Even if it's bad for his vitality, he can't just skip bathing, can he?
Thinking of his lazy and unkempt appearance, Mabel was seething with anger.
She couldn't fathom what her grandfather was thinking, handing her over to such a bastard...