Jewel's life had gotten better, so naturally, she wanted to improve her and her husband's lifestyle. Every few days, she would take Xavi out to have fun and let him buy whatever he liked.
But lately, every time they went out, Jewel felt something wasn't right.
It felt like someone was secretly watching them.
The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. So she asked one of her careful employees, Sister Seven.
"Has anything strange been going on around the restaurant these past few days?"
Sister Seven thought for a moment and said seriously, "Hmm... there's been a beggar hanging around outside. But she's not really begging for food. Whenever someone talks to her, she ignores them. She just lingers near our entrance every day."
Hearing that, Jewel immediately rushed up to the empty third-floor room with a street view. Sister Seven followed after her.
They watched from the window for a while until Sister Seven pointed out someone and said, "Boss, that's her! The one in black!"
Jewel took a closer look. The person squatting next to the restaurant looked familiar.
She thought hard and suddenly remembered who it was!
It was her!
And then a memory flashed through Jewel's mind.
Back when they used to hang around together, that woman had often mentioned, "There's a boy from the Xavia family who's really good-looking."
Now, this woman was hanging around her restaurant every day. Could it be she was planning something, maybe even targeting her husband or her business?
"Keep an eye on her. I have a feeling she's planning something. Don't let her mess with the restaurant."
Her business had just started running smoothly. She couldn't afford any trouble.
As for Xavi, she would definitely keep a close eye on him too.
"Got it, Boss. Don't worry."
Sister Seven was always sharp and reliable, and Jewel trusted she could handle this.
…
In this world, some people hesitate and leave you suffering with no results. But others, despite gossip and pressure, will give their all just to protect you.
That day, Xavi was out walking with his wife again.
They stopped by a street stall selling masks.
Jewel was carefully picking something fun for her husband.
Suddenly, her heart tightened.
Her sharp senses picked up on something—someone was watching her husband again!
It was the same feeling she'd had a few days ago. Very uncomfortable.
"Xavi, come with me!"
She grabbed his hand and led him to a quieter part of the street.
Then she spotted a small alley nearby and quickly pulled him in with her.
"Jewel, what are we—"
Xavi was about to ask why they were hiding, but just then, he saw a ragged-looking woman pass by the alley.
Jewel whispered, "Someone's following us. Don't say anything, Xavi."
Xavi obediently stayed still.
"Where'd they go? They were just here..."
The woman mumbled as she walked right into the alley where Jewel and Xavi were hiding!
Just as she entered, Jewel caught her off guard and threw her over her shoulder!
Thud!
The woman hit the ground hard before she could even react!
She was dazed at first, but then the pain hit and she started howling.
"Ahhh—!"
Jewel didn't hesitate—she kicked her again and knocked her out cold. The cloth the woman had planned to use to drug Xavi was picked up by Jewel.
This was solid evidence—she had to keep it safe!
"Jewel..."
"It's okay. Don't be scared."
Xavi didn't know why she'd attacked the woman, but he trusted her. Whatever she did must've been for a good reason, so he just followed closely behind her.
He glanced at the woman lying on the ground. She looked familiar.
Yes!
It was the same woman—she used to gamble with Jewel before. They called her "Third Sister."
Her real name was Meng Yan.
But since she always hung out with two other sisters, she got used to being called "the third."
Meng Yan had seen Xavi many times.
The first time, he hadn't married yet. He already looked handsome then.
The second time, he was married to Jewel and seemed like a useless man—just the guy who paid off their gambling debt.
After Jewel had paid them back with ten taels of silver, she even beat the three of them up. Meng Yan couldn't help sneaking several glances at Xavi before leaving. The more she looked, the better he seemed.
The third time was when she saw Xavi and Jewel buying pastries at a famous shop. He looked so bright and charming. She started to envy Jewel and even dreamed of stealing him away.
Lately, she kept bumping into them on the streets. And every time she begged for food, she'd think of his face.
As for why Meng Yan looked like a beggar now—it was a long story.
She and her sisters had used the ten silver taels to gamble again, hoping to win more, but ended up losing everything.
Hungry and desperate, they tried to steal something. The victim reported them, and officers were sent to arrest them.
Meng Yan managed to escape, but her two sisters weren't so lucky and got thrown into jail.
With no other options, she had to beg to survive.
But then she saw Jewel had made it big and opened a big restaurant—that made her feel bitter.
So she had a plan: kidnap Xavi and use him to blackmail Jewel for money.
Jewel clearly cared a lot about Xavi. If she used him as leverage, Jewel would definitely pay up.
She even got some knockout powder and waited for a chance to act when Jewel wasn't paying attention.
But in the end, she got beat up again!
Jewel didn't care about anything else—she just held Xavi's hand tightly, using her whole body to shield him from the scene.
There were city guards patrolling the streets.
Hearing the noise from the alley, some people called the patrolling officers.
A few guards ran over to check and ended up taking away the unconscious, beggar-like woman.