Chapter 149

Patricia Lorenz approached in her stilettos, gracefully linking arms with Charles Lorenz. "What a coincidence, Victoria. Fancy running into you here."

Victoria Langley gave a slight nod. "Hello, Patricia."

"What brings you to the sales office? Don't tell me you're house hunting?" Patricia widened her eyes in exaggerated surprise.

"No," Victoria replied softly. They'd already purchased a property yesterday.

"Is that so..." Patricia studied her with a knowing look, her smile widening. "We're here for Lakeside Pearl—the hottest luxury development right now! The high-rise units are selling like hotcakes. Everyone's scrambling to get one."

"Luckily Tiffany knows the sales manager here, so they reserved a unit for us."

"We just signed the contract."

Patricia spoke animatedly, her entire demeanor radiating smug satisfaction.

She watched Victoria closely, delighting in the flicker of surprise on her face.

Bet you didn't see that coming?

Jealous?

Too bad you can't afford it.

Victoria was indeed surprised—not by envy, but because she hadn't realized her in-laws were moving again. They'd just upgraded to a new place three years prior.

"...That old place was too cramped. The neighborhood wasn't nearly as nice as this one," Patricia dismissed airily.

Victoria nodded. "What will you do with your current home then—"

Charles started to answer, but Patricia tugged his sleeve sharply. She lifted her chin. "We're keeping it. Why sell or rent when we can wait for appreciation?"

The Lorenz family certainly had that luxury.

"Victoria, have you seen the high-rise models here?" Patricia abruptly changed the subject.

Victoria shook her head. "No."

Yesterday Evelyn had headed straight for the villa section without glancing at the towers.

"Let me tell you, the finishes are exquisite! All imported appliances, layouts designed by an Italian architect..." Patricia gushed. "And the landscaping—premium turf, professional running tracks, sports courts..."

"Living here could add ten years to your life!"

Charles couldn't help interjecting: "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"Not at all! You saw everything yourself just now," Patricia shot back with an eye roll.

Charles fell silent. He simply felt this boasting was inappropriate in front of his sister-in-law.

But that was precisely the reaction Patricia wanted.

Her eyes gleamed. "Victoria, that old faculty housing you've been in for years is overdue for an upgrade. Why not buy here? We could be neighbors."

"Though the pricing..." She paused deliberately. "Might be steep. But William teaches at that elite prep school, doesn't he? With some private tutoring, he could easily cover the costs."