Bad idea to buy a gaming laptop when you already had a Series X. I upgraded from my Xbox One to a laptop instead since it was only about $300 more for a quality laptop. I know the "but a desktop is better!!!" line, but I do not have the space for a desktop + monitor.
Also, why do you think you need a wired controller? I currently use a wired-only 3rd party Xbox controller because I hate batteries but in the past I could use my normal Xbox controller wirelessly just fine.
Oh this poor woman. Her husband is an animal.