Chapter 13: Home With The Peaches

After the extravagant feast, everyone got into their respective vehicles and headed toward the new house.

The Bai family led the way, with the exception of Lillie, who was in the car behind them. Their destination? One of the most prestigious and exclusive neighborhoods—where only the wealthiest, most powerful individuals could afford to live.

It wasn't a place for just anyone. Billionaires, influential figures, and renowned artists resided there. If you didn't belong to that world, you wouldn't even make it past the gates.

Trailing behind the Bai family's car was Ethan's vehicle. And inside, sitting beside him, was none other than Lillie Bai.

How did that happen?

Well, an urgent matter had come up at the company, and Lillie had sent Elliot back to handle it. The moment Elliot was out of the picture, Ethan seized the opportunity.

With the enthusiastic support of Mrs. Bai and Old Madam Bai, they managed to convince—no, corner—Lillie into riding with him. Her father and grandfather were strongly against it, and so was she… silently.

But in the end, the men were no match for their wives.

The car ride was silent, filled with nothing but the soft hum of the engine.

Their destination? Peach Town.

True to its name, the town was surrounded by lush nature, with peach trees covering the landscape. In mid-July, when the trees were in full bloom, the entire area would transform into a breathtaking sea of pink.

Peach Town wasn't just beautiful—it was heavily guarded. Massive walls enclosed the community, with well-trained guards stationed at every entrance. No one could get in without clearance.

As the two cars pulled up to the towering metal gates, the guards conducted a thorough security check before allowing them to pass.

Minutes later, they arrived at their destination.

The villa.

Or rather—the villa.

It was enormous, easily the grandest property in Peach Town. The sheer size and luxury of it left no doubt about the wealth and power of its new owners.

Mrs. Bai was practically glowing with excitement. "Here we are! Welcome to Tranquil Villa!"

She wasn't just thrilled about the house. No, this was where her daughter would soon get pregnant! The thought of future grandchildren sent her into silent giggles.

Lillie, on the other hand, stared at the villa with a blank expression. It's not a house. It's a fortress.

She resisted the urge to shoot a withering glare at her mother—the mastermind behind this entire arrangement.

The villa was three stories tall, complete with a massive backyard swimming pool. But what caught Lillie's attention was the one-acre garden filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.

She wouldn't admit it, but this part... she actually liked.

"We arranged for Nanny Ying and Butler Tian to stay with you," Old Madam Bai announced.

Nanny Ying had served Ethan's household for years, practically raising him. She had volunteered to move in, eager to help care for their future children.

Butler Tian, on the other hand, had been with the Bai family for ages. Ever since Lillie moved out of the old Bai residence, he had been reluctant to part ways with her. This was the perfect excuse to serve her once again.

They must have conveniently forgotten that there were still eleven months before the wedding.

"The villa has already been blessed by the monks," Elder Bai reassured her, his voice tinged with emotion. "So, little flower, don't be afraid. And remember, you can always come home to visit."

Lillie exhaled softly, feeling the tight squeeze of his embrace. Her grandfather had always been one of the few people she truly respected.

Her father, however, had a different approach.

"My dear daughter, don't hesitate to call us if this beast bullies you," Mr. Bai warned, his protective instincts flaring. "If he does, I'll have his guts fed to the dogs!"

The "beast" in question—Ethan—stared at his future father-in-law, unfazed.

Ethan: "...I'm the one being bullied here. Have your daughter take responsibility!"

Extra Scene: Gabriel's Shock

Gabriel returned home from school, exhausted from the day's lessons. He made his way upstairs, his feet dragging slightly. But before heading to his own room, he stopped by his sister's.

Knocking on the door, he waited.

No response.

Odd. Lillie usually came home to rest after work.

"Sis?" he called again, knocking louder this time.

Still nothing.

Frowning, he grabbed the doorknob—and to his surprise, it was unlocked.

Slowly pushing the door open, he was met with darkness. He instinctively reached for the switch, flipping on the lights—

And then he froze.

"...?"

GONE.

Everything was gone.

Her clothes. Her personal belongings. Even her PC.

Gabriel's heart pounded as he rushed to her closet, flinging the doors open. Empty. He checked the drawers, cabinets—even the bathroom. All empty.

The only things left were the furniture.

His sister had vanished.

"Sis?!" His voice rang out in the silent room.

Panic surged through him as he stormed out, his eyes scanning for the nearest house staff.

He spotted Mei Lian, a young maid, carrying fresh bedsheets down the hall.

"MEI LIAN!"

Mei Lian let out a startled yelp, flinging the sheets into the air as Gabriel stormed toward her.

The next second, he grabbed her shoulders, shaking her in urgency. "WHERE'S MY SISTER?!"

Mei Lian felt dizzy from the sudden attack. "Y-Young M-Master… p-please w-wait—!"

Realizing he was literally shaking the life out of her, Gabriel reluctantly let go.

Catching her breath, Mei Lian hesitantly answered, "T-The Eldest Miss no longer lives here… she already moved out."

Gabriel's face darkened. "Moved? Why? Where?"

"I-I'm sorry, Young Master, I don't know the details," she admitted nervously. "The Master and Madam went to the old residence earlier, but… I overheard something."

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. "What did you hear?"

Mei Lian swallowed. "...That she's going to live with her future husband."

"...What?"

WHAT?!