Chapter 982:
Before they stepped inside the house, Rylie tugged lightly on Felix’s sleeve and murmured, “Let’s not tell Grandpa about any of this. He’s old, and he deserves a peaceful Christmas.”
Felix placed a gentle hand on her head and gave a small nod. “I’ve already spoken to Marcus and Deandre. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. We won’t mention it over the holidays. Let’s just spend these days together.”
When the three of them entered the house, they found Terrance and his wife seated on the sofa with Paola, while Kendrick sat nearby, his expression heavy with thought.
“Oh, Rylie, Felix, you’re back!” Laurel greeted cheerfully, her tone bright and unbothered, as if the tension in the room didn’t concern her at all.
She beamed as she continued, “I didn’t come for anything serious. Since there’s a wedding in the family, I thought I’d bring a few gifts to celebrate. After all, Terrance still carries the Owen name; he’s part of the family, isn’t he?”
Deandre appeared on the stairs, his voice dripping with disdain. “Funny, last I checked, we already cut ties with you. It’s rare to see someone as thick-skinned as you, Aunt Laurel.”
His sharp words barely fazed Laurel. Instead, her expression smoothed into one of amused satisfaction. She covered her mouth and let out an exaggerated, mocking laugh. “Oh, Deandre, how can a simple piece of paper erase blood relations?” Her tone was light, but her words were barbed.
As she spoke, her gaze swept slowly past Kendrick, who sat silently in the room, before settling on the newly arrived Rylie and Felix. Then, in a gesture full of pride, she patted her daughter Paola’s hand and said with a triumphant smile, “Paola truly is blessed. Right after she married Gregg, good fortune followed.”
Laurel lifted her chin, her posture radiating confidence as she strode forward. “With the Terra Games preparations in full swing, the A7 and A8 premium plots have already been chosen. Our construction was interrupted just as it began due to inspections, and now their market value is soaring—over fifty billion as of yesterday! And it’s still climbing. Who knows how high it might reach? Perhaps this will mark the next major economic development zone.”
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴.𝘤𝘰𝘮
She emphasized the words “fifty billion” as if the number itself could drape her in a halo of triumph, giving her the right to stand tall before the Owens, who had always treated her with indifference.
“As soon as I heard the news, I came straight to you. The Owen family can stake a claim in these plots, and the returns are bound to multiply.” Laurel’s smile was smooth and practiced. “I always look out for your best interests.”
Terrance added, “Gregg also mentioned that he’s advancing in years and may not have the energy he once had. He intends to groom Paola as his successor. I have similar plans; Detour Inc. should eventually pass into Paola’s hands, after all. Don’t you agree, Rylie?”
“Detour Inc. is the inheritance left by my granddaughter’s parents,” Kendrick chimed in, his brow furrowing in clear disapproval at the suggestion.
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