Chapter 67

The Reed family stepped from their car, immediately captivated by the courtyard's beauty. A riot of colorful flowers and the elegant slate-tiled floor complemented each other perfectly. To their astonishment, a magnificent European-style villa nestled exquisitely within the landscape. Its sheer size and luxury were breathtaking.

Could they actually believe they would live in such a luxurious villa? They felt like they were dreaming.

Gilmore, having parked the car, approached them. "Mom, Dad, Everly, you must be tired. Let's go inside!"

Snapping back to reality, they followed Gilmore and Gerald into the villa. Entering the supremely luxurious living room, they were stunned once more. A sparkling crystal chandelier, soft leather sofas, expensive wooden floorboards, European-style closets, and an elegant mahogany staircase filled their vision. The numerous expensive ornaments dazzled the Reed family; they instinctively held their breath. How could ordinary people like them live in such an extravagant residence? It was undeniably the home of the wealthy.

Gilmore said, "You must be tired. Please, sit down and rest your weary legs."

Harlan, his wife, and Everly nodded, dazed, and sat on the sofa, feeling self-conscious, like uninvited guests.

Noticing their nervousness, Gilmore instructed Gerald to make coffee. "Gerald, get the coffee beans from the drawer and make some coffee for my parents and sister."

Gerald readily agreed, retrieving the beans and brewing the coffee. After preparing several cups, he presented them to Gilmore's family. "Please have some coffee."

They nodded, unsure of what to say or do, and simply sipped their coffee. The high-end brew offered a rich, mellow aroma with a lingering aftertaste. With each sip, they felt refreshed and relaxed. They silently praised its quality.

After a few sips, they relaxed and began to converse freely, gradually adapting to their opulent new home. Seeing their ease, Gilmore knew the coffee had worked—precisely why he'd asked Gerald to make it.

Gilmore knew his parents and sister were ordinary people; they never expected to live in a luxurious villa worth over a hundred million dollars. It was undoubtedly a huge shock. The coffee, however, helped ease the transition.

He checked his phone. It was past ten o'clock. "Gerald," he said, "I'll run out and get some groceries. Take my parents and sister upstairs to look around and choose their rooms. I'll be back soon."

Gerald nodded in agreement. Gilmore added, "Take your time," before leaving. His parents and sister nodded.

Gilmore drove to the supermarket in his Mercedes. Instead of dining out, he opted to cook at home, believing it would help his family adjust more quickly. A home-cooked meal would make them feel more comfortable.

An hour later, he returned with two large bags of fish, vegetables, and fruit. He found his parents and sister seemingly completely at home. His father sat on the sofa, legs crossed, enjoying a mystery series while sipping coffee. His mother and Everly were cleaning the spacious kitchen, already embracing their new roles as housewives.

Gilmore was speechless. His earlier worries were unfounded. This was much better; he no longer needed to worry about their adjustment.

"My son, you're back!" Harlan exclaimed happily, immediately pouring Gilmore a cup of coffee. "You must be tired. Have some coffee."

Gilmore was stunned. His father had already adopted the role of homeowner! His adaptation was remarkably swift.

"Dad, maybe later," Gilmore replied, snapping back to reality. "I'll take these groceries to the kitchen first." He then instructed Gerald, "Gerald, the rice and olive oil are in the trunk. Please bring them in."

Gerald complied and went to retrieve the items.

Sophia smiled upon seeing Gilmore carrying groceries into the kitchen; cooking was her favorite activity. She'd be bored without it, and Gilmore's purchases satisfied her culinary desires. He gave his mother the groceries while Gerald brought in the rice and oil. Sophia asked everyone to wait in the living room for dinner, keeping Everly in the kitchen to assist.

The aroma of the prepared meal filled the air. The Reed family and Gerald enjoyed their first meal together in the villa—their first home-cooked meal, as Gilmore and Gerald had previously relied on takeout or dining out. Gilmore admitted his mother's cooking was far superior to takeout.

That afternoon, Gilmore drove his family to a nearby commercial center to buy clothes for his parents. He purchased several outfits and shoes for each, spending over a hundred thousand dollars. His parents and Everly protested, unwilling to accept such expensive gifts. However, Gilmore couldn't be dissuaded.

Walking out of the mall, Harlan grumbled, "Gilmore, even with your two-million-dollar lottery win, you'll spend it all if you continue this recklessness!"

Sophia echoed his concern. "We don't need such expensive clothes. Save your money for your wedding and children!"

Gilmore's lips twitched. I haven't even gotten married yet. Where would I get children? Mother, you're worrying too much, he thought. However, understanding their desire to save, he reassured them, "I know, Dad and Mom. I'll be more careful with my money."

His parents finally stopped nagging. Harlan then spotted something, his face lighting up. He pointed at a locked glass storefront. "Hey, that shop is for rent!"

Gilmore was surprised by his father's sudden interest. "Dad, what about it?"

Harlan examined the shop thoughtfully. "Considering its size and location, it's perfect for a restaurant." He looked at Gilmore and his wife. "Why don't we rent it and open a restaurant?"