Chapter 21: The Stolen Key

Jared frowned in disbelief. "I'm a resident here! I even have a key to the house!" He pulled a key from his pocket.

It was the key William had given him, bearing the Dragon Bay crest in gold. Its exquisite appearance convinced the security guard of its authenticity—at first.

After closer inspection, the guard scrutinized Jared again. "Where did you get this key? It's to the mansion atop the Dragon Bay mountain—the most expensive property here. Since Mr. Sullivan purchased it, how did it end up in your hands?"

Jared was shocked. Wow! The mansion William gave me is the most expensive one? What a gift!

"Mr. Sullivan gave it to me," Jared replied truthfully.

"Nonsense! Why would he give it to you? You stole it or found it on the ground, am I right?" the guard shouted suspiciously, signaling to his colleagues. "Keep an eye on them! I need to make a call."

He hurried off with the key. Noticing the tension, Gary grabbed Hannah, and they both exited the car. The spooked taxi driver quickly retrieved their luggage and left.

"Jared, what's going on?" Hannah asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, Mom. It's just a security check. They're very strict here," Jared reassured her.

"Of course they should be! This is Horington's most luxurious neighborhood. I can smell the flowers from here!" Hannah exclaimed excitedly.

Gary, however, was exasperated. We're being held up. Something's wrong. I shouldn't have trusted Jared! Why would anyone lend him a house in Dragon Bay?

A black Mercedes-Benz slowly pulled up beside them.

"Jared? What are you doing here with your family and luggage? Moving into Dragon Bay?" Warrick asked sarcastically, exiting the car.

Sandy and Juliette followed. The trio mockingly observed the family. They were touring Dragon Bay; Sandy wanted to show them the house Leyton had bought her as a wedding gift. Their arrival, however, changed their plans.

Jared gave them a cold glare and ignored them.

"What's happening?" Sandy asked a security guard.

Noticing her Mercedes-Benz and designer clothes, he replied politely, "Miss, they claim to be residents. One produced a mansion key. Our captain suspects they found or stole it and is confirming."

Sandy, Warrick, and Juliette erupted in laughter.

"Jared, you're hilarious! You found a key and call yourself a resident? What a fool!" Warrick mocked.

Juliette laughed uncontrollably. "Do you know how much a mansion here costs? Even after sweeping streets for a hundred years, your dad couldn't afford one!"

Sandy pointed at Jared. "Get rid of them! He's an ex-convict, just released today. Letting him in would ruin Dragon Bay's reputation!"

The final sentence, "Search the FindNovel.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality," is an advertisement and should be removed from the story itself.