Chapter 706:
On most days, Keith wouldn’t stir until noon, but this morning, he was already up and alert by dawn.
After a quick breakfast, Keith drove Elyse to Hillside Manor.
Using his father’s luxury car, Keith smoothly navigated into the estate. The rest of the Harper family was already out for the day, except for Jolie, who was at home recovering from her illness.
The butler, upon seeing Elyse and her guest arrive, promptly notified Alexander.
Elyse noticed Jolie was the only one present, and a cunning grin crept over her face. Luck seemed to be on her side today. Jolie was the most approachable of the Harpers. If Alexander or Jeffry had been home, Elyse would have needed a more solid plan to secure both the ten billion and the property.
Elyse didn’t take Jolie seriously. She tightly gripped Keith’s arm and flashed Jolie a radiant smile. “Good morning, Jolie. This is Keith, my fiancé, whom I’ve mentioned to you before.”
Her smile was warm, yet her gaze carried a subtle edge of spite. By referencing prior conversations about Keith, she subtly pressured Jolie, signaling that her intentions were serious. Jolie would understand the implications of denying her demands, especially given Keith’s father’s political influence.
Keith, exuding the arrogance of an heir apparent, casually stood with one hand in his pocket and nodded at Jolie. “Hello, Jolie. I’m soon to be married to Elyse. I trust your family has prepared her wedding gifts, right?”
Jolie, visibly weakened by her illness, looked up in puzzlement. “What?” She was shocked by Elyse’s audacity to show up like this again.
Alexander had been working from home recently, closely monitoring Jolie’s recovery. He had only returned to the office today due to persistent calls.
Jolie had just started to enjoy some peace, though her health remained fragile.
Keith glanced around the mansion. “Not a cheap place, huh? I understand Hillside Manor is in one of Klathe’s prime locations. How many square feet is this villa?”
“Sizable, but honestly, the interior is quite dated and could really benefit from some modernization,” Keith said as he subtly shook his head, critiquing the estate as if he already owned it.
𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓾𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓼.𝓬𝓸𝓶
Elyse chimed in, “Keith, I grew up here. This villa is nearly thirty years old.”
Keith scoffed. “That explains the old-fashioned vibe.”
As their easygoing conversation continued, Jolie’s brow gradually furrowed with growing frustration. The disrespect shown toward the Harper family’s estate was obvious.
Jolie’s demeanor quickly soured. Her breath grew short, and her complexion turned pale. “What are you here for? This is private property. I want you out!”
After her outburst, Jolie gasped for air, clutching her chest and coughing, her anger unmistakable.
Keith responded disdainfully, “If talking is too much for you, then maybe it’s best you don’t. We haven’t harmed you, so there’s no need to act like a victim.”
Elyse responded with feigned innocence, “Jolie, what seems to be the issue? Am I mistaken? This villa is indeed quite old, having been purchased over thirty years ago. We’re not complaining though. A bit of updating and it could still be quite nice.”
Jolie’s anger caused her to cough violently as she shook a trembling finger at them.
The butler hurried to her side with a glass of water, advising, “Mrs. Harper, please drink this. Mr. Harper is on his way back.”
The news of Alexander’s imminent return unsettled Elyse momentarily. She hastily pulled out a bank card, urging, “Jolie, here’s my bank card. Remember I mentioned it? We really need to expedite the transfer. Keith has a packed schedule, and we can’t afford delays.” Then, regarding the villa, Elyse continued cheerfully, “You’ve already agreed to transfer the villa to me. Keith and I are planning our wedding. With Alexander’s resources, finding a new residence within a month should be no problem, right?”
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