Chapter 7

After exiting the car, Lionel led Emelie to Mirage Heights and stopped before the grandest, most luxurious house in the neighborhood.

"Ms. Vaughn, this is the first property Mr. Vaughn selected for you. The surroundings are serene and picturesque."

Emelie needed only a quick glance to realize the villa's layout mirrored her dream home. Satisfied, she was about to approve the property when Melissa's voice interjected.

"Guys, isn't this place too big and expensive? Wouldn't it be extravagant to buy it for me?"

"Not at all. You and your mother deserve a proper home. Besides, it's close to ours, so we can visit and take care of you anytime," Anthony reassured her.

"Exactly. No price is too high when it comes to you," Marcelo chimed in.

"Mel, just accept it. Your rented apartment is too shabby. We're worried about you," Connor added.

Melissa's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "It's all my fault. If I hadn't upset Ms. Richmond and caused her to complain to Mr. and Mrs. Horton, Mom and I wouldn't have ended up homeless, and you wouldn't have to spend so much on us."

At the mention of Emelie, Marcelo's expression darkened. His eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure to get justice for you. No one can wrong you without paying the price."

As they spoke, the group began walking toward the villa, only to spot Emelie there.

Connor's brows furrowed, his tone harsh. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to look at my new home," she replied calmly.

The three brothers paused, exchanging glances. Their hearts skipped a beat, but quickly settled when they saw Lionel beside her. They assumed she was acting again and had even hired someone to assist her.

This time, however, they didn't reprimand her. Instead, they chuckled lightly and remarked, "Alright, if you say so. We'll watch as you buy your new home."

Unbothered by their reactions, Emelie signaled her approval of the villa to Lionel.

After the card payment, Lionel said, "Ms. Vaughn, let's visit a few more locations and purchase additional properties. This one is too close to your family. It might make you too vulnerable." Connor's face fell. "Hey, what are you trying to say? Emelie, what kind of person did you hire?"

He glanced at Lionel disdainfully. "How much did she pay you? If you tell me the truth, I'll pay you double."

Lionel replied affably, "You misunderstand. I wasn't hired. I'm Mr. Vaughn's assistant."

Anthony frowned, finding the name familiar.

Not wanting to waste more time, Emelie turned to leave.

Anthony quickly grabbed her wrist. "This villa costs over a billion dollars. Isn't your act a bit much? Just quit it already." Without hesitation, she pushed him away and retorted, "Whether or not this is an act, you'll find out when you attend the wedding."

Then, she followed Lionel to the car and left.

They visited several other locations and purchased multiple properties before finally returning.

As Emelie entered, her eyes fell upon an invitation card and catalog for an upcoming auction on the table. She was about to discard them when a photograph on the last page caught her eye. Her breath caught as she recognized her parents' keepsake.

Emelie picked up the invitations, quickly changed into suitable attire, and headed for the auction.

By the time she arrived, regret was already setting in. Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor were present. Melissa was with them, acting solicitously and basking in their attention.

"Mel, don't hold back on anything you want. We'll cover the cost; just get what makes you happy," Marcelo said, his grace belied by the undercurrent of something else.

Anthony and Connor echoed his sentiment, going overboard to show their support.

Emelie looked away and shifted her attention to the items for auction.