Chapter 2009

Claire Wilson had known Loreen for many years and knew something about her family. When she heard Loreen was bringing her cousin, she asked curiously, "Loreen, your cousin isn't Sam, is he?"

Jorin Thomas smiled. "That's him."

"Huh?" Claire remembered the man immediately and asked in surprise, "What's your cousin doing in Aurouss Hill?"

Loreen said, "He's been in Eastcliff for a long time, causing trouble. He came to Aurouss Hill to, ah, improve himself."

Claire was surprised. "Improve? How?"

Loreen laughed. "By living a miserable life. He's renting a place in the city village—the conditions aren't easy."

Claire chuckled. "Your cousin's domineering. Living in the city village must be torture for him! It couldn't have been his own decision. Who's that cruel?"

Charlie Wade was amused. After all, he was the one who'd sent Sam to Aurouss Hill to live miserably.

Loreen smiled. "My brother offended a powerful man in Eastcliff. They demanded he spend a year in Aurouss Hill as punishment. I'm going back to Eastcliff for New Year's Eve, so he'll be here alone."

Claire pursed her lips. "Honestly, Loreen, your cousin is arrogant. If this humbles him, it's not a bad thing."

"Yeah," Loreen laughed. "When we get to your place, please don't mention this to him. Let's save face."

Claire said, "Don't worry, I won't."

Loreen said, "Great, we'll be there soon!" "Yes! I'll wait for you at home!"

After hanging up, Claire said to Charlie Wade, "Honey, Loreen and her cousin are coming over."

Charlie Wade nodded. "Are they staying for lunch?"

Claire shook her head. "No, Loreen's leaving soon. She's catching a flight back to Eastcliff."

Claire continued, "Oh, and Loreen's cousin is staying in Aurouss Hill for a year."

Charlie Wade smiled slightly. "I met her cousin in Eastcliff. Didn't you ask me to send a birthday gift to Loreen's grandmother? Her cousin was there."

"Really?" Claire asked, smiling. "Did you talk to him?"

Charlie Wade smiled. "Just a few sentences. Nothing much."

Claire nodded. "Her cousin is unpleasant. He's arrogant, thanks to family money. He's haughty and flamboyant. If he acts superior with you, don't take it personally. He's a guest, and it's New Year's. Don't start a conflict."

Charlie Wade smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I understand."

Meanwhile, Sam was driving the old Mercedes-Benz sedan provided by the Emgrand Group, following the navigation to Thompson First.