Chapter 8 Matthew Manor
+8 Pearls
When Noelle was still at Jamore University, she received a call from Queena. Upon hearing that Noelle was at Jamore University, Queena said she was nearby and would come pick her up.
In a café near the university, Noelle briefly recounted what had happened at the Sandback family.
Though she kept it short, Queena was fired up and bluntly said, “Good job.”
The two had a great conversation. Noelle wasn’t one to talk much, but when chatting with Queena, she always had more to
say.
Queena liked Noelle a lot. She had only one son and no daughter. If she could, she’d take Noelle home and raise her as her
own.
Queena had married into the Harris family, which was involved in politics.
Lorenzo Harris, the Harris family patriarch, was one of the top figures in the political sphere, holding immense power.
Miles Harris, the eldest of the Harris family, was also in the system. He was currently a high–ranking official in a state, but it was only a matter of time before he returned to Jamore. His future was bright.
The Harris family understood the dangers of standing out too much. Since the eldest was in politics, the second son had to take a different path.
Fortunately, Preston Harris, the second son, was capable enough. He entered the business world. Leveraging the Harris family’s connections, he quickly built an empire of his own.
At a banquet, he met Queena, the eldest daughter of the Caffyn family. It was love at first sight. Despite being married for nearly thirty years, they were still as affectionate as ever.
When Queena learned that Noelle wasn’t planning to stay in the dorm, she had an idea. Her son’s place was close to Jamore University. Noelle could live there for convenience and safety.
It was far from safe for a young girl to live alone. Her so–called relatives were as good as nonexistent. No, they were worse than that. They only made her life more difficult.
Noelle found Queena’s offer amusing and politely declined, assuring her that she had a place to stay. Besides, living with Queena’s son wouldn’t be appropriate.
Queena rolled her eyes. Her son was getting stranger as he got older. At this rate, he might as well become a monk.
“A monk?”
Queena’s words slipped out too naturally, and Noelle was surprised. “Ms. Caffyn, is your son a religion enthusiast?”
Queena looked a little embarrassed and coughed. “No, I just said that offhandedly. You’ll understand when you meet him. And trust me, you’ll love his place.”
Queena spoke mysteriously. It had taken a lot of effort to get her son to agree to let Noelle stay, so she wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip away. She’d trick Noelle into visiting first.
She truly worried about Noelle. The people in the Sandback family weren’t easy to deal with.
At the very least, staying at her son’s place meant that no one would dare mess with Noelle, sparing her a lot of unnecessary
trouble.
Hearing Queena say that, Noelle was genuinely curious.
In the end, she agreed to go take a look. Whether she’d stay was another matter.
Queena’s son was named Matthew Harris. Among the Harris cousins, he was the third. His eldest uncle had two sons as well.
Matthew was mysterious and rarely appeared in public. Many people didn’t even know what he looked like or what his real name was. But everyone in the elite circles knew “Mr. Matthew.”
:34 PM
Chapter 8 Matthew Manor
+8 Pearls
At sixteen, Matthew was admitted to Stridrora University, where he earned a master’s degree in finance within three years. He made a name for himself on Wale Street, excelling in stock trading and venture capital investments with an almost perfect record.
The Harris family’s background meant he couldn’t stay abroad for long. At twenty–two, he returned to take over Harris Group. In just a few years, he multiplied its market value several times over.
Matthew seemed to succeed effortlessly in everything he did, achieving in mere years what others could only dream of accomplishing in a lifetime.
However, as the old saying goes, “Being too intelligent and sophisticated will bring harm to oneself.” It seemed like he had lost interest in everything, including women.
According to Queena, he looked half–dead all the time. If he suddenly decided to become a monk one day, she wouldn’t be surprised.
It wasn’t that Matthew was deeply religious–he might just get interested in religion on a whim.
He could end up becoming an abbot before eventually returning to secular life. Queena wouldn’t doubt it for a second.
Outsiders saw Matthew as sophisticated and elegant, but those close to him knew his true nature–sharp, calculating, and ruthless.
Queena wasn’t expecting Matthew to take care of Noelle. His place was enormous. If they didn’t want to meet, they might not even run into each other for a year.
She just wanted to use his name to protect Noelle.
Noelle followed Queena into the car. After about ten minutes, they arrived at a straight, tree–lined avenue.
At the entrance, a security booth stood guard, marking the start of a private manor.
Upon recognizing Queena’s car, the guard opened the gate without question.
The car continued down the avenue for several hundred meters before an exquisite, ancient–style manor came into view. It wasn’t just one residence but an entire architectural complex.
Pavilions and terraces were arranged harmoniously, with white walls and black–tiled roofs, exuding poetic elegance.
Above the main entrance hung a plaque with two bold, calligraphic characters: Matthew Manor.
The grandeur of the place left Noelle momentarily speechless.
It was hard to imaginę such a vast private manor existing in this prime location.
The car stopped in a large courtyard at the center. As Noelle and Queena stepped out, she took in the finely carved beams. and intricate craftsmanship of the buildings. This place has such a refined charm, she thought.
A middle–aged man was waiting in the courtyard. He discreetly assessed Noelle before bowing slightly to Queena.
“Good day, Mrs. Harris.”
Queena introduced them. “Hudson, this is Noelle Yersley. Hudson is the house steward here–he watched Matthew grow up. When Matthew moved out, Hudson followed him. You can call him Hudson.”
Hudson warmly welcomed them inside and had the staff serve coffee and refreshments.
“Mr. Mauhew hasn’t returned yet. Please, have a seat.”
Queena proudly introduced the manor to Noelle, which impressed everyone who was there for the first time.
Not that many people come, though. Besides family, it was just a few of Matthew’s friends.
This place is amazing, right? Matthew designed and built it himself.”
Noelle was genuinely surprised. The cybersecurity department had records on notable figures in Jamore, but she had only
213
2:34 PM
Chapter 8 Matthew Manor
skimmed through Matthew’s file without diving into details.
She hadn’t expected Matthew to have such refined taste.
O
+8 Pearls
Inside, the contrast was striking–the exterior was steeped in traditional elegance, while the interior was equipped with state- of–the–art modern facilities. Somehow, the blend worked seamlessly.
The life of a capitalist was enviable. Maintaining such a massive manor must cost a fortune every year.
With the household staff and the security personnel who could be seen anywhere, Matthew could probably run his own private security company.
As Noelle sat on the sofa, she mused internally, So much space, and he lives here alone? What a waste.
“Elle, do you like it here?”
Queena’s voice pulled Noelle from her thoughts. She nodded.
“I do. If you sell tickets to visit this place, I’d buy one.”
She rarely joked, but this time, she playfully added a remark.
Send Gifts
19
