Chapter 155

"We can buy new ones when funds become available." Elizabeth Melville bit back her words at her husband's remark.

Her fingers clenched. The idea of buying a secondhand marital home was utterly distasteful.

But with company accounts stretched thin, she had no choice but to swallow her pride.

Yet the Lakeside Villa festered in her mind like a splinter.

Too expensive to afford, too painful to forget.

"Are you sure it's the Lakeside Villa?" Elizabeth's fingertips trembled as she pressed for confirmation.

Patricia Lorenz's chuckle carried through the phone, laced with implication. "I saw the purchase contract myself. Victoria admitted Evelyn bought it."

"Girls these days are so accomplished—far more than Daniel."

Elizabeth's breath hitched.

Her son's company earned millions annually, yet he'd never gifted his parents a villa.

"Where did Evelyn get that kind of money?"

"How should I know?" Patricia pivoted smoothly. "By the way, I'll have Charles collect those items tomorrow."

Hanging up, Patricia smirked at her phone.

Charles frowned. "Must you broadcast everything?"

"Sharing with family isn't broadcasting." She rolled her eyes. "I'm just happy for William."

"Spare me the act."

Patricia suddenly leaned in, causing Charles to jerk the steering wheel.

"I'm simply curious about the money source." Her eyes narrowed. "Let everyone ask around—someone will uncover the truth."

Even if they didn't, constant prying would be torment enough.

Charles scoffed. "Elizabeth avoids gossip, and Grace detests it most of all."

"You understand nothing." Patricia's smile turned icy. "Grace despises gold-diggers, and Elizabeth..."

She left the sentence unfinished, her grin chilling further.

......

The doorbell rang as William Langley packed old clothes.

"Grace?" He blinked at his rarely visiting sister. "Come in."

Grace Deross surveyed the cardboard-covered floor before seating herself with deliberate grace.

"Moving out?"

Victoria paused mid-fold. "Just organizing some old things."