Chapter 144

Evelyn patted her parents' hands reassuringly before striding toward the property model.

"I'd like to see the villas," she stated directly.

The saleswoman flashed a practiced smile. "I'm sorry, villas are only available to VIP clients."

"What are the requirements?" Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"First, you must qualify for property purchase in the adjacent city." The saleswoman counted on her fingers. "Second, liquid assets exceeding two million, or possession of a black card from any top-tier bank."

As Evelyn considered which card to present, William grabbed her arm to pull her away.

"This is getting ridiculous!" he hissed. "Two million? Do you think we own a bank?"

Victoria muttered behind them, "I wouldn't even write this plot in my novels. Since when did you become so bold?"

She then apologized to the saleswoman with an embarrassed smile. "Our daughter's being childish. Sorry for the trouble."

The saleswoman's expression instantly soured, rolling her eyes dramatically.

"Stop pretending to be rich if you can't afford it. What a waste of my time!"

Victoria stiffened while William's face darkened.

"We may have overstepped, but that's unnecessarily rude."

"Rude?" The saleswoman scoffed. "Don't waste my time if you're broke! Villas? You probably can't even afford a bathroom here!"

Evelyn's gaze turned icy. "How do you know we can't?"

"Please," the woman sneered, crossing her arms. "I see penniless posers like you every day."

Ignoring her, Evelyn spotted a young ponytailed girl carrying a tea tray in the corner.

"Are you a sales agent here?" Evelyn approached her.

The girl nodded timidly. "Yes, how may I assist you?"

"Show us the villas." Evelyn produced a black card from her pocket. "Does this qualify?"

The girl's eyes widened. "Absolutely! Please follow me—"

"Hold it!" The first saleswoman rushed over, shrieking, "How do we know that card's real?"