Chapter 166

“Let me discuss this with Mindy first,” Lionel said.

Anna’s tone hardened. “Discuss? What’s to discuss? Aren’t you the man of the house? Do you need your wife’s approval for such a simple decision?”

“Mom, it’s not about being the head of the household. I should at least inform Mindy. It’s a matter of respect,” Lionel replied.

“Spineless coward! Discuss it. If she agrees, fine. If not, it doesn’t matter. We’re coming over tomorrow!” Anna hung up abruptly.

Lionel sighed.

Mindy entered from the yard, finding her husband scratching his head. “What’s wrong? Who was that?”

“Mom,” he replied.

“What did she say?”

“She said they’re coming tomorrow for a housewarming party and New Year’s celebration.”

Mindy smiled. “Okay. Let’s invite Leonard, Harold, Cynthia, and their families.”

Early the next morning, Mindy shopped for groceries. By 4:00 p.m., everyone had arrived. Upon entering, Jenny felt a pang of bitterness. She knew Lionel’s family had moved into a villa—a luxurious one—but seeing it firsthand was more impactful than she anticipated. Usually talkative and boastful, she was unusually silent, surveying the opulent surroundings.

Only after Harold nudged her did she manage, “Congratulations, Lionel, Mindy.”

Quincey, also present, turned to Mindy. “Aunt Mindy, can I explore?”

“Of course.”

Quincey briefly explored the living room before disappearing.

Leonard couldn't attend, but Rena arrived, bearing gifts. “This villa is beautiful! Congratulations,” she said, handing them to Mindy.

Mindy accepted the gifts, thanking Rena.

“We’re family; no need for formality,” Rena replied.

George and Anna arrived with Rena, immediately claiming the main seats on the sofa and assessing the villa. They exchanged shocked glances. The villa was incredibly luxurious, far surpassing their townhouse.

The villa's original design was impressive, but Miranda had further refined it over the past few weeks. She and Mindy had personally planned the interior design, from major decisions like wall color and cabinetry to the smallest details. The result was exquisite.

George cleared his throat. “Lionel, this must have cost a fortune.”

Lionel avoided boasting. “Mindy and Mimi chose all the furnishings online. I’m not sure of the exact cost, but it wasn't excessive. We didn’t spend much…”

Jenny smiled. “Really? How could you afford such a large villa without spending much? Dad, this must cost at least four or five million dollars! Even if you gave Harold and me decades, we couldn’t save that much.”

Cynthia, who had remained silent, coldly snorted. “Lionel’s lucky to have a capable daughter. Not everyone is so fortunate.”

Jenny agreed immediately. “Exactly! Mimi is beautiful, capable, and a good daughter. No daughter could be more perfect! Quincey certainly can’t match that.”