Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 722

The hefty man finally dropped the pretense. "We've been more than polite with you! In our town, a woman acting as stubborn as you would get a good thrashing. Just hand over the fifty grand, and we'll be on our way!"

The elderly man sighed, taking on a softer tone. "Why put yourself through this, miss? If you'd listened to me earlier, my sons wouldn't be so upset. Is a little money worth the risk you're taking?"

"We're just after some cash. You're driving a Mercedes, so fifty grand should be pocket change for you. Don't worry, we're true to our word. Give us the money, and we’re out of here."

Roseanne was taken aback by their audacity.

They weren’t even trying to hide their intentions anymore.

This was robbery, plain and simple.

Though she’d never been in a situation like this before, she knew the saying "money for your life."

But fifty grand was out of the question.

With a steely expression, she retorted, "I've only got three grand. Take it or leave it."

"Three grand?! Are you joking? That barely covers a headlight on your car, and you’re trying to play poor with me?"

"This lady needs a lesson in hard knocks. A good beating will set her straight!"

The tall, lanky man raised his hand, ready to strike, but suddenly something stopped him mid-swing. In the next instant, he was sent flying backward, landing in a heap.

Corley withdrew his foot, staring coldly at the crumpled man. "You really think you can lay a hand on her?"

He then turned to Roseanne, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"

Roseanne had instinctively shielded her head during the commotion, but instead of pain, she heard Corley's familiar voice.

She looked up to meet his worried eyes. "How did you even know to come here?" she blurted out.

Corley chuckled at her surprise. "What, you expected me to let you get conned by these clowns?"

"No, it's just... how did you know where I was? And that I'd need help?"

"Your call ended with a scream, and then you weren’t picking up. Hardly reassuring, you know?"

"Sorry, I—"

Corley interrupted her, "You're not the one who should be apologizing."

His gaze shifted icily to the three men. By now, the lanky guy had scrambled back to his brother and father.

"What gives you the right to kick someone?" the hefty man shouted.

Corley shot him a sardonic grin. "If you think that was bad, wait until I really get started."

The man hesitated, his bravado faltering.

"Three grand against fifty? That's some negotiation strategy," Corley laughed in disbelief.

Roseanne cleared her throat. "That's literally all I had in my account."

"And the knife? What was your plan with that?" Corley asked, flipping the knife open and close.

"It’s sharp enough, right?" she replied, her tone serious. "If they weren’t after money, if they meant harm, I'd need a backup plan. Don't you think?"

Corley was momentarily speechless.

Roseanne continued, "That's why I said I wouldn't use it unless absolutely necessary."

Whether or not to use it was one thing; being prepared was another.

Corley sighed, seeing her in a new light.

"Your car's got a scratch. It might be best to have it towed to the service center for repairs."

"Alright."

Corley opened the door to his own car for her. "Come on, let me drive you home."

Roseanne tightened the jacket around her, pausing as she realized it was his.