#1504 – Visit

The four-door sedan glided smoothly along the road, and groggily, Renly fell back into a deep sleep.

There were no dreams, no bumps—just a peaceful slumber that lasted the entire journey. As the car slowed to a stop, Renly awoke in a daze. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced out the window. The peacock blue door and the slope of the stairs came into view, signaling they had arrived in Notting Hill.

Without Renly needing to give further instructions, Philip had instinctively driven him to Matthew's apartment. Was this a sign of improvement?

"Master Renly, the Knightsbridge apartment has been used by Master Arthur as a guest residence. Would you like to lease a new one?" Philip's voice came from the passenger seat.

If this were an ordinary housekeeper, the conversation would end there. They would offer polite suggestions, but not delve deeper. However, with Philip's long-standing relationship with Renly, he continued.

"Though Master Matthew wouldn't mind, you can't really bring all your luggage and furniture here, can you?" Philip asked thoughtfully.

The subtext was clear: Renly would likely return to London more often in the future. Shouldn't he have his own home here?

Without hesitation, Renly nodded. "Help me find an apartment in Chelsea. Have Arthur move all my furniture and clothes over. And make sure it's south of the area, not north." After saying that, Renly sat up straighter, signaling he was ready to proceed.

Philip quickly exited the car, opening the door for Renly. The driver, Richard Martin, followed suit and unloaded Renly's luggage before heading into Matthew's small apartment. Philip and Richard didn't linger. After a polite bow, they left.

As they drove back, Richard glanced at Philip, who seemed in a brighter mood. "Mr. Demba, how are things?" Richard asked, noting the shift. "It seems like Master Renly is still hesitant about going home. His attitude hasn't changed."

Philip smiled faintly, his eyes momentarily meeting Richard's. He paused, then gestured forward. "Start the car. Let's head home."

Richard could sense that Philip's mood had lifted, which, to him, indicated a positive change. But still, he didn't fully understand why. So, he quietly started the engine and drove off, leaving Notting Hill behind.

Though Richard didn't understand, Philip knew that finding a new apartment in Chelsea marked a change for Renly—a return to his roots. After years of living in New York, Renly was finally ready to make London his home again.

Chelsea, part of the Kensington-Chelsea district, is one of the wealthiest areas of London. It's home to Kensington Palace and boasts a rich history dating back to the Tudor Dynasty. Once the center of noble residences, it now draws the cultural elite, writers, and artists. It's an area known not only for its rich heritage but also for its quiet charm and security. The high property values are a testament to its status.

Renly's choice of the southern part of Chelsea was deliberate—quieter and more scenic, with the Thames nearby, compared to the hustle and bustle of the northern area, home to Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.

Renly's new living arrangement would signify a fresh start. If he wanted to buy property in Chelsea, with his current wealth, that wouldn't be a problem. For now, it was simply about settling into a home that would suit him.

Philip understood this, recognizing the significance of Renly's decision. More importantly, Renly had made the choice without hesitation. Was the cloud that had hung over the Hall family finally lifting?

For Renly, this wasn't a monumental shift—it was simply a logical next step. He knew he would be traveling more frequently between London, Los Angeles, and New York, so settling down here made sense.

On his first afternoon back in London, Renly didn't schedule anything special. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, he ventured out to explore Notting Hill's famous markets: the second-hand record market, second-hand furniture market, the electrical market, the flower market, and the food market.

Renly had always liked small, historical markets. They exuded the charm of literary youth, with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. There was no particular goal in mind—just a leisurely stroll through the markets, enjoying the experience.

When his feet began to tire, he found a tavern, ordered a glass of red wine and some French fries, and relaxed. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long journey, soaking in the tranquility of the bustling city around him.

By the end of the evening, Renly was ready to sleep, grateful for the rest.

The following morning, as he opened the window, he was greeted by a light, persistent rain. Not the clear, dry spring rain, nor the harsh, cold winter downpour—but something in-between, the kind of weather that suggested the approach of autumn, even though it wasn't yet September. Only in London could you experience all four seasons in a single day.

Londoners, accustomed to the unpredictable weather, hurried past in their waterproof trench coats. Meanwhile, tourists, struggling with the dampness, sighed and fumbled with their umbrellas.

Instead of calling the family driver, Renly decided to hail a taxi and head to Westminster.

Like New York, London was one of the world's top cities. It was traditionally divided into four districts: the City of London (financial and trade hub), West London (the seat of the royal family and government), East London (industrial and working-class), and South London (a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial areas).

Westminster, just west of the City of London, was renowned for landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye. While it wasn't as exclusive as Kensington-Chelsea, it was still at the heart of the city.

Renly was en route to visit Christopher Nolan, whose family hailed from the area. The two had connected through their agents and arranged a visit. Christopher was notoriously private, much like Renly, so it was unusual for him to open the doors to his family's home.

Standing at the door of the Nolan family's residence, Renly took a quick glance, already drawing conclusions. The two-story detached cottage, with its Victorian architecture and well-kept gardens, revealed a family with more than a modest income—a solid middle-class background, if not wealthy.

When the doorbell rang, there was a flurry of movement behind it before the door swung open. A young face peeked out, looking up at Renly with curiosity and mischief.