Chapter 148
After ending the call with Lucy, Paisley opened WhatsApp and transferred some money to a contact,
She texted: Thank you 1
The recipient replied: 110s what I should do.)
The recipient was a maid working at the Vanderbilt estate, someone Paisley had oner lielpril.
Earlier, on her way to the Vanderbilt estate, Paisley had contacted her and sent the dashboard camera footage. The maid was video onto the Vanderbilt Manor’s living rooms TV and hid the two remote controls
the rihr who cast the
Paisley wanted to fully expose Marisa’s crines–not only did she want the entire Vanderbilt family to see it, but she made sure everyone had a “copy. That way, even il Mariva destroyed the TV, everyone else would still see the evidence.
Lucy worked efficiently. By that evening. Paisley had moved with Maria and Serena to a new place. It was in Harrowell’s oldest, most exclusive, and expensive villa district.
Paisley had bought a villa here when she was first acknowledged by the Sullivan family. Back then, the Sullivan family couldn’t even afford a bathroom in this area.
She had orginally planned to move her whole family here at the harsh reality prevented her from fulfilling that wish.
Her so–called biological parents treated her worse than strangers, so even after she left the Sullivan family, Gregory and Christina never knew about this property.
rious mountaintop vith, she gradually forgot about this place.
Later, when she married Dominick and moved into his house, followed by their husurious m It was only after returning to Harrowfell that she remembered it again.
However, with only the three of them, the villa was indeed too large. Maria didn’t like big houses either, feeling they lacked warmth
and liveliness
That was why Paisley had initially chosen the top floor of an old residential building—because Maria thought it had a lively atmosphere and was close to the market and supetsnarket
“This house is too big. It’ll be a hassle to clean” Maria held Serena while walking around the yard. “But this garden is nice. I can plant some vegetables here and flowers over there.”
“Plant whatever you like. Paisley smiled as she pushed open the door.
The entire villa had been professionally cleaned that afternoon. But some areas still needed their personal touch, as no one had lived there since Paisley bougu it
“Alright, I’ll check out the supermarket tomorrow and buy some things” Maria set Serena down, letting the little one run around the yard.
“Maria, you don’t have to clean this place yourself. You can hire a cleaning team regularly, or 1 can hire a few people for you to manage, just like we did in Brightmoor”
Maria waved her hand. “No need to hire anyone. We won’t be living here for long anyway. I’ll do what I can, and if I can’t, I’ll get someone else. Don’t worry, I’ve got the household covered”
With Maria around, Paisley felt at ease.
“It’s a pity, though. I really liked our old place. I got along well with the neighbors, Moving here all of a sudden. I wonder if I find anyone to talk lo” Maria gazed out the floor–to–ceiling window.
Although this was a villa district, there were only eight vallas in total. These villas weren’t all the same either. The two outermost ones were the least expensive, while the scenery and house designs improved the further in you went, along with their prices.
Paisley’s villa was the most expensive in the area, and only one other villa nearby matched its price. However, that villa remained completely dark
night, with no lights on in the courtyard, leaving it shrouded in eerie darkness. It gave all a spooky vibe.
“Paisy, is that villa empty, or hasnt it been sold?” Maria asked, unfamiliar with the property market in Harrowfell
“Unsall” Impossible,” Lucy chimed in cheerfully as she walked over, placing down the items in her hands. “This is the most exclusive villa district in Harrowfell. So many wealthy familers deram of owning a home here–not for the house itself, but because it’s a status symbol”
Of course, Lucy’s definition of wealthy didn’t include families like the Vanderbilts or Beaumonts, old–maney dynasties with grand ancestral estates. They didn’t need villas to showcase their wealth.
“I did some digging before, but all I learned is that the owner of that villa is from Montera. Just like our professor, they bought the property but
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Chapter 118
never moved in.”
Hearing this, Maria’s excitement deflated. It seemed she’d have to endure some boredom for a while longer.
“Paisy, when does your production start filming Maria asked impatiently. The sooner it started, the sooner they could finish and return to Brightmoor, leaving the chaos of Harrowfell behind
Paisley understood Maria’s urgency. “You’re right, this can’t be delayed any longer.”
The Sullivan family had the backing of a financial powerhouse even Gary couldn’t touch, let alone identify. Relying on him alone wouldn’t solve the problem. She would have to step in herself.
Though she had wanted to stay far away from the Sullivans, she had no choice but to start there.
The next day. Dominick arrived at Paisley’s villa with Grayson in tow. Standing before the familiar door, he felt an almost surreal sense of nostalgia. The last time he was here, he had replaced a bathroom lightbulb for her, and she had warned him to be careful. Everything had felt so peaceful and harmonious back then.
If only he hadn’t been interrupted by a
a call from Marissa that day, things would be different now.
The thought that he and Paisley might have had a different future if not for his own mistakes filled Dominick with an unbearable bitterness.
“Dad, why aren’t you knocking?” Grayson asked eagerly.
He was desperate to see his mom and Serena, to play with them at the nearby park and hear his mom talk about the flowers a
and plants Dominick raised his hand to knock but hesitated, lowering it repeatedly. He was scared–scared of seeing Paisley’s cold, distant face, scared of hearing her say heartless words to him.
“Dad” Grayson shouted, then knocked on the door himself without waiting for Dominick
But after three knocks, there was no response. Growing anxious, Grayson knocked three more times, calling out, “Mom, Dad and I are here to see you!”
Still, no one came to the door.
Just then, the neighboring door opened. “Who are you?”
