Chapter 24
“There’s a backyard too, really big, with a swimming pool,” Xavier said, taking a sip of his beer.
“Yeah, but the pool’s emply, and the yard’s overgrown,” Eloise replied, shrugging
“This is Cloudmere Residence,” Xavier continued, “Even a smaller villa here costs 20 to 30 million dollars. With this one’s prime location and size, it’s got to be at least 50 or 60 million dollars.”
“Is it really that expensive?” Eloise asked, surprised
Jack nodded, “If anything, it’s probably worth more.”
Eloise pressed her lips together. For a house this pricey, William must have taken out a mortgage. He was probably still paying it off.
“When you’re renovating the front and back yards, you should check with the owner first to make sure they’re okay with it. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises,” Jack advised..
it to be our
“Well, actually, this house belongs to my fiance. I’m renovating it to be our new home,” Eloise admitted
“Fiancé? Since when have you had a tiancé?” Xavier asked, looking skeptical.
Jackshared the same doubtful expression.
Eloise huffed. She was sure she had mentioned it before, but they must have thought she was joking
My aunt Felicia introduced him,” she said..
Xavier and Jack exchanged glances, clining, their beer bottles together before taking a drink.
“I’m serious! I’m really getting married!” Eloise said indignantly.
Xavier paused mid–drink, tuming to her seriously. “You’re saying you’re getting married soon? When?”
“September 6th.”
“The same day as Jacob’s wedding?”
Xavier blinked in surprise, and then his expression shifted to concem. “Eloise, are you okay?”
“Of course, I’m fine!” Eloise glared at him, then tumed to Jack “Do you believe me?”
Jack looked at her quietly for a moment before nodding, “I believe you.”
Eloise was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Jack added, “As long as you’re happy.”
She rolled her eyes. He clearly didn’t believe her at all!
Just then, Jacob’s car pulled up across the street. He got out and glanced in their direction
Xavier waved at him, and Jacob started walking over
Eloise shot Xavier a glare. He scratched his head awkwardly. “It’d be rade not to say hi.”
Jacob approached the gate in a black suit, his hair slicked back. His gold–rimmed glasses added to his sharp, elite demeanor. His gaze was cold and piercing.
He stopped at the gate, glancing at the brightly lit villa, the cluttered yard, and finally, at the three of them. His eyes lingered on Eloise.
“Have you thought about Sophia’s proposal from yesterday?” he asked.
Without even looking at him, Eloise replied, “I haven’t thought about it because I’ve already decided. I refuse.”
“The salary is negotiable Name your price.”
“I’m not that desperate for money.”
“I hope you’ll reconsider.”
Eloise let out a cold laugh, turning to face him. “Do you enjoy bullying me? Is this some kind of amusement for you?”
“Sophia was only trying to help.”
“Then tell her to keep her so called kindness to herself. I don’t need it.”
Jacobi nodded slightly. “About your parents‘ old house–I’m planning to tear down and rebuild it as a café, what do you think?
Eloise shot to her feet. “Jacob Kilbourne! You promised to give the house back to me! Are you going back on your word?”
“I did promise you,” Jacobs said calmly, “but do you have any idea how much trouble that photo of yours caused?”
Eloise took a deep breath. So, this was all about making her life difficult, wasn’t it?
“Fine, Lagree!” she snapped.
If he wanted her to suffer, then they could all suffer to
together.
