Chapter 154

Grace Deross's grip tightened around her phone. "William's family bought a villa? Are you sure it's them?"

Patricia Lorenz scoffed on the other end. "My eyesight isn't that bad. I clearly saw Victoria and Evelyn."

Grace's throat went dry. "Where did they get the money?"

"The purchase agreement was right there in black and white." Patricia lowered her voice. "Rumor has it Evelyn paid for it."

"Evelyn?" Grace's voice shot up. "She's just a college student!"

Patricia chuckled knowingly. "These young girls nowadays have their ways. Designer bags, luxury goods—if they can't afford it themselves, someone will gladly provide..."

"What are you implying?"

"Oh dear, my big mouth." Patricia feigned regret. "Never mind. I should go."

After hanging up, Grace stared blankly at her phone.

Patricia immediately dialed Elizabeth Melville.

"Elizabeth, it's Patricia..."

Elizabeth's voice came through. "Perfect timing. We have extra client gifts this year—prepared some for your family and William's."

Patricia's stomach dropped. "Since when does William's family get included?"

"More to go around this year." Elizabeth's tone was casual.

Patricia's voice turned sour. "How generous. Though I doubt William's family needs your handouts anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"They're moving into Lakeside Villas soon. Your little gifts must seem awfully provincial."

Elizabeth's iron froze mid-air. "Lakeside Villas?"

She knew that development well. She'd visited the sales office three times while hunting for Daniel's wedding home.

The villas had been perfect—until she saw the $4 million price tag.

"You're certain it's William's family?" Elizabeth's voice strained.

"Positive." Patricia added fuel to the fire. "Apparently Evelyn financed it. How does a girl her age—"

Elizabeth slammed the phone down, smashing the iron onto the board.

She remembered the sales manager's dismissive attitude last week.

"Villas are in high demand. Cash buyers take priority."

She'd left empty-handed—only for William's family to waltz in?

Elizabeth grabbed her phone and called her husband. "Richard, we need to revisit the Lakeside Villas situation. Immediately."