Chapter 381
When Lucia arrived at Westmoor Heights, she spotted Clayton chatting with Marla from a distance.
“There you are,” Clayton said as soon as he saw her, not the least bit awkward about showing up uninvited. In fact, he smiled as he walked over.
“Mrs. Pennington brought her family to see the place. I figured I’d tag along and help with the tour so you wouldn’t have to do all the work.”
“You’ve got such a good son–in–law, Mrs. Winifred. I’ve got two boys, and they don’t even come close,” Marla said warmly.
Her sons, standing right behind her, knew it was just polite talk and didn’t take it to heart. They smiled and greeted Lucia politely. “Let’s head inside, shall we?”
78
Lucia wanted to ask Clayton how he even knew Marla was viewing the house, but Marla immediately launched into questions about the property, giving
her no chance.
Clayton walked with Marla and her two sons, Rowan and Jude Pennington. He clearly came prepared, rattling off detailed information about Westmoor Heights and its surrounding resources like he worked there. Every question had an answer.
“You sure you don’t work for a real estate company?” Jude asked curiously.
Clayton smiled. “I’m a lawyer.”
In the outside world, identity depended entirely on what was declared.
He wasn’t taking cases, so no one would know he’d been disbarred.
Jude looked surprised and nudged Rowan. Rowan’s expression subtly shifted.
“I know Westmoor Heights so well because I have a property here too. Once you guys move in, we’ll be neighbors,” Clayton added, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Marla caught that from a few steps ahead and turned back with a grin. “Impressive! Two properties in Westmoor Heights? That’s no small feat.” She glanced at her sons, the smile in her eyes deepening.
The Pennington family was excited about securing a home here. But with only one unit up for grabs, neither Rowan nor Jude had said out loud who should get it. Still, each had their own agenda.
Rowan had married early and already had two kids. He wanted to move in so the children could attend the nearby schools.
Jude was about to get married and wanted this as his new home since his fiancée’s office was just minutes away.
That was why both brothers were here today.
If Lucia happened to own a second unit, it would solve everything. One for each. No arguments.
What Lucia didn’t realize was that the imagin
second house she’d made up to fool Clayton was now being eyed by Marla as real.
They checked in at the property office, and a property manager led the group on a tour.
Rowan and Jude loved everything about the place, and truth be told, Lucia was pretty taken with it too. The layout was smart, efficient, and made good use of space.
For a brief moment, Clayton allowed himself to imagine what it’d be like if Lillian moved in with him here. Maybe then she’d finally be proud of his success and stop blaming him for everything that went wrong with the Patel family.
But the thought faded as fast as it
came.
1/3
09:09 Tue, 24 Jun T
Chapter 381
‘And who’d look after Mom if I brought her here? Would Riley tag along too? She’d tear this place apart in no time, and unlike back home, there’d be no one in Ashbourne to clean up her mess.‘
Rowan and Jude each recorded short videos to send to their families. Meanwhile, Marla pulled Lucia aside onto the balcony.
“Mrs. Winifred, I’ve got a bit of a selfish favor to ask… My boys both love this house. Is there any way you’d be willing to sell me the other unit you have?”
Lucia blinked. ‘Other unit? I barely scraped together a deposit for this one. Where the hell would I get another?‘
“Well…” Lucia hesitated, spotting Clayton walking toward them. She held her tongue until he passed and then lowered her voice. “That really won’t work.”
“I know the other one’s meant for your son–in–law, and I’m sure he’s a great guy who listens to you. I’m not as capable as you are, and both my boys have their hearts set on Westmoor Heights.
“If I can only get one, it’s going to cause problems between them. What if I gave you ten percent more in commission? Please, if there’s any way you can
let me have it too.”
Marla looked sincere.
Her husband had made his money in mining, but everyone in town called them nouveau riche. When people heard she was buying into Westmoor Heights, they’d all laughed behind her back, saying she was bluffing.
Back on the mine, her family was respected. In Ashbourne? They were nothing.
Meeting someone like Lucia, well–connected but still grounded, was rare. Marla wasn’t going to let this chance at a social lifeline slip away.
Lucia felt uncomfortable under all the praise.
She started out feeling guilty… but eventually, it got to her head a little.
“You’re so kind. I’d feel awful saying no. It’s just… these Westmoor Heights homes are hard to come by.”
“Oh, I know, I know.”
“So about the commission…”
“If you can secure another unit, I’m willing to pay this much extra.” Marla held up her hand, signaling a hefty amount.
Lucia glanced at it and sighed, pretending to be conflicted. “I’ll see what I can do, but no promises.”
“I appreciate it either way.”
The Pennington family looked like they didn’t want to leave. The property manager had to remind them multiple times that they couldn’t receive the keys without completing all the paperwork. They finally said goodbye with obvious reluctance.
Lucia walked them to the door and then excused herself to use the restroom.
She made sure the stall was empty before calling Celeste.
“Celeste, I’m so sorry to bother you again. It’s just.. my friend really wants another unit in Westmoor Heights. Yes, Westmoor Heights.”
“She’s not trying to flip it, is she?” Celeste’s voice went cold. “I only gave you that internal rate because of Audrey. If your friend’s planning to make a profit, I’d rather just sell it myself.”
Lucia flushed with embarrassment.
Truth was, she had used Audrey’s name to get the deal and had planned to pocket the difference.
2/3
09:09 Tue, 24 Jun
Chapter 381
But things had gone too far. She couldn’t just let that money slip away
now.
+28
“I must’ve explained it wrong. She’s not looking to flip anything. She’s got two sons who are both desperate for a home here. It’s already causing tension
in their family.
“Her mother’s a close friend of mine. She came to me in tears. I couldn’t say no. If you do have another unit, she’s willing to pay extra commission.”
“Extra commission?” Celeste’s tone softened a little. “How much?”
Lucia took a deep breath and named a number.
“My friend might already have one, same layout, different building. If she wants this one, she’ll pay what you asked. But you’ll need to match the price difference on my unit too.”
Lucia froze. ‘So I haven’t even gotten Marla’s money yet, and now I owe Celeste more? Am I paying to sell houses now? This is ridiculous. I just smashed my own foot with a brick.‘
When she walked out of the restroom, Clayton noticed her expression and stepped closer. “You okay?”
“I’m fine,” Lucia exhaled deeply, trying to pull herself together. ‘Maybe I should just tell Marla no. One house, I can make a profit. Two, and I’m losing money.‘
Unless Marla was willing to pay way over market value.
Lucia was about to leave when Clayton stopped her. “Since you’re already here, why not check out my place?”
“What place?” she echoed before her brain caught up.
“The one you got for me. It’s in Westmoor Heights too, isn’t it?”
Clayton had already gotten friendly with the property manager earlier. Whery he waved him over, the manage book. “Hello, sir. Please write down the unit number so I can grab the key for you.”
kly came over holding the sign–in
AD
