Chapter 7

After getting out of the car, Lionel led Emelie to Mirage Heights and stopped in front of the grandest, most luxurious house in the neighborhood. "Mrs. Vaughn, this is the first property Mr. Vaughn selected for you. The surroundings here are serene and picturesque." Emelie only needed a quick glance to realize that the villa's layout was identical to the dream home she had always envisioned. Satisfied, she was about to settle on the property when Melissa's voice drifted over. "Guys, isn't this place too big and expensive? Wouldn't it be a bit extravagant to buy it for me?" "Not at all. You and your mom deserve a proper home. Besides, it's close to ours, so we can visit and take care of you anytime," Anthony reassured her. "Exactly. No price is too high when it comes to you," Marcelo chimed in. "Mel, just accept it. Your rented apartment is too shabby. We're worried about you," Connor added. Melissa's lips curved into a soft smile while her eyes brimmed with gratitude. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't upset Ms. Richmond and made her complain to Mr. and Mrs. Horton, Mom and I wouldn't have ended up homeless, and you wouldn't have to spend so much on us." At the mention of Emelie, Marcelo's expression darkened. His eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to get justice for you. No one can wrong you without paying the price." As they talked, the group began walking toward the villa, only to spot Emelie there. Connor's brows furrowed together, and his tone turned harsh. "What are you doing here?" "I'm here to look at my new home," she replied calmly. The three brothers paused momentarily and exchanged glances. Their hearts skipped a beat but quickly settled when they noticed Lionel standing beside her. They assumed she was acting again and had even hired someone to assist her. This time, however, they didn't reprimand her. Instead, they chuckled lightly and remarked, "Alright, if you say so. We'll watch as you 'buy' your new home." Unbothered by their reactions, Emelie signaled her approval of the villa to Lionel. After paying by card, Lionel said, "Mrs. Vaughn, let's visit a few more locations and purchase extra properties. This one is too close to your family. It might make you uncomfortable." Connor's face fell instantly. "Hey, what are you trying to say? Emelie, what kind of person did you hire?" He then glanced at Lionel disdainfully and continued, "How much did she pay you? If you tell me the truth, I'll pay you double the amount." Lionel replied indifferently, "You misunderstand. I wasn't hired. I'm Mr. Vaughn's assistant." Anthony frowned as he found the name familiar. Not wanting to waste more time on them, Emelie turned to leave. Anthony quickly grabbed her wrist and said, "This villa costs over a billion dollars. Isn't your act a bit too much? Just quit it already." Without hesitation, she pushed him away and scoffed. "Whether or not this is an act, you'll find out when you attend the wedding." Then, she followed Lionel into the car and left. They visited several other locations and purchased multiple properties before finally returning home. As Emelie entered, her eyes fell on an invitation card and catalog from an upcoming auction on the table. She was about to toss them aside when a listing on the last page caught her eye. Her heart dropped as she recognized her parents' keepsake. Emelie picked up the invitation, quickly changed into formal attire, and headed for the auction. The moment she arrived, regret set in. Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor were present. Worse, Melissa was with them, smiling radiantly and basking in their attention. "Mel, don't hold back. Bid on anything you like. We'll cover the cost. Just focus on what makes you happy," Marcelo said, his gaze tender as he looked at her. Anthony and Connor echoed his sentiment, urging her to go all out. Emelie looked away and shifted her focus to the items for auction.