Chapter 78
Always found ways to make her lose face in front of Cedrick!
“Cedrick, must you hand out houses like candy?
Others are money trees–what are you, a house tree?
Shake yourself and houses just fall?”
Houses for everyone!
He ignored her outburst, musing instead, “Never knew you had such a temper. You scared me at your place yesterday.”
That’s not the point!
“Cedrick!
You-”
“Alright, I don’t just shake houses down for anyone. They fall because of you.”
He continued, “I know you–tough talk but soft heart. Weren’t you planning to buy your brother a house yesterday too?
That money you saved came from the allowance I gave you. How much could it be?
Took effort to save–keep it for yourself!”
He thought he understood her?
Believed she actually wanted the house yesterday?
That was a spur–of–the–moment lie!
“I-” She almost said her savings weren’t hard–earned, and his payments over five years were hardly “that money“!
But better hide wealth, she decided.
11:29
Chapter 78
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288 (Vouchers
“Am I wrong?
You sold watches and jewelry just to buy Tristen a place. Why?
Just ask me for money.”
Lucille: ?
27
???
????
She sold watches for Tristen’s house?
Cedrick, get your head straight!
“Lucille, I’ll buy this house–but in your name. Your parents‘ place is under Tristen’s. Let them add names or transfer ownership there. This one is yours. You decide who lives in it.”
Hearing this, every retort caught in Lucille’s throat.
She thought it over, then swallowed all her words.
Fine. Buying it for her? No complaints.
Who refuses free money?
As his legal wife, she’d get half his wealth if they divorced. She hadn’t planned to take more, but wouldn’t reject property handed to her.
Seeing her finally quiet, satisfaction surfaced in his eyes. He relaxed, as if solving a major problem.
Lucille understood perfectly. If yesterday’s purchase was for Tristen’s wedding, today this house gained another purpose.
He was using it to compensate her–hoping she’d stop pursuing Maricela.
Sorry, but I’m keeping the house. Dropping the case is out of the question!
Cedrick had clearly settled everything with the agent. He’d already picked out a house–a standalone villa in a prime location, worth a small fortune.
11:29
Chapter 78
288 Vouchers
“Three floors with an elevator. Whoever lives here later, it’ll be convenient for you to visit.”
Cedrick held her hand, guiding her through all three levels. “Great views too. No obstructions front or back. Premium Real Estate Spot in the community, facing the artificial lake. You’ll see beautiful scenery from the terrace.”
“Absolutely, Mrs. Maynard. This is our best–positioned unit, right by the lake. Swans visit when it’s warm–very pleasant,” the agent chimed in.
Cedrick led her onto the terrace to experience the vista.
Lakeside air, moist and fresh, washed over her. She took a deep breath, filled with the scent of trees and grass. Truly relaxing.
“Well? Like it?” He squeezed her hand as he asked.
She glanced down at his hand covering hers. Whatever. For a house this perfect, she’d tolerate it.
She nodded.
His smile widened. “I think it’s great too. Or… after renovations, we could move in ourselves. Tristen’s wedding… we’ll see.”
Lucille stood on the terrace, mentally planning vegetable plots for the first–floor yard. Grandma would love gardening here when she moved in. She barely registered Cedrick’s words.
“Come on, let’s check inside again.”
Suddenly considering living there himself, Cedrick wanted another look at the layout.
“Hmm… a bedroom on the first floor for Grandma. Elderly folks shouldn’t climb stairs,” he mused aloud.
Lucille nodded emphatically in agreement.
He caught her vigorous nodding. “You approve? We’ll need to convince Grandma to move then.” He was already making plans…

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