Chapter 168
“Alright,” Caitlin didn’t refuse this time. Looping her arm through Celeste’s, she said, “Let’s go take a look p>
Celeste was the heiress of the real estate developer’s family.
So the moment the two of them walked into the sales office, they were treated like royalty.
The manager, Mr. Winslow, came out personally to greet them.
Celeste smiled and said, “Catie is my best friend, Manager Winslow. Please show us the most beautifully finished single-family homes-the ones with the best layouts p>
Willow Manor offered both single-family homes and duplexes.
Naturally, the duplexes couldn’t compare to the standalone villas.
Willow Manor was not only close to Central Academy, but the neighborhood was lush and green—the perfect place for older folks to settle in.
It didn’t take long for Caitlin to fall for a lavishly renovated European-style villa.
“This one,” she said, turning to the manager. “How much is it p>
Manager Winslow hurried to explain, “This villa is just over 9,400 square feet, with eight bedrooms, fully furnished with high-end appliances and smart home tech throughout. The list price is five million, but you’re Miss March’s dearest friend, so for good luck, we can offer you an insider’s price-one point eight million p>
“One point eight?” Caitlin looked at Celeste. “March, isn’t that a huge drop? Won’t you lose money p>
Celeste grinned. “Not at all, Catie, you know how outrageous the profits are in real estate! This is the same price we give to close friends and family. Isn’t that right, Manager Winslow?” ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ.net
Manager Winslow nodded enthusiastically, “Absolutely, Miss Kensington, this is our usual internal rate p>
“Alright then.” Caitlin was quite pleased with the house. “I’ll pay by card p>
“Would you like to finance the purchase?” Mr. Winslow asked.
Even at one point eight million, it was a small fortune for most middle-class families.
“No need,” Caitlin replied.
The manager looked a little surprised.
Caitlin’s clothes were simple, not a designer label in sight. He had assumed she was just a regular friend of Celeste’s.
He hadn’t expected her to pay the full price up front.
Lesson learned-never judge a book by its cover.
“Miss Kensington, if you’ll follow me this way p>
Soon, Caitlin had paid, signed a mountain of paperwork, and Mr. Winslow handed her the keys. “The deed should be ready in about a week. Here are your keys- you can move in anytime. Once the documents are finalized, we’ll deliver them right to you p>
“Thank you.” Caitlin accepted the keys.
Celeste beamed. “Congrats, Catie, on your new mansion! When’s the big move? I want to help you break in the new place p>
Caitlin checked her calendar. “How about the day after tomorrow? Looks like a good day for it p>
“Perfect, I’ll come over then p>
“Great! I’ll make a special dinner with all your favorites p>
Celeste added, “That little courtyard is perfect for a barbecue. We should do one p>
“Definitely.” Caitlin nodded. “March, I owe you for saving me millions. Dinner’s on me tonight-your pick p>
“Let’s go to Willy’s Greasy Spoon,” Celes said, eyes lighting up. “I haven’t had it in ages p>
Willy’s Greasy Spoon was a little roadside diner-nothing fancy, but the food was famously good.
Despite her wealthy upbringing, Celeste wasn’t fussy; she loved trying all kinds of food.
Caitlin was the same-she was a true foodie, just as happy at a six-star restaurant as at a hole-in-the-wall diner. For her, food was never about social class.
It was only five thirty in the afternoon, but there was already a long line outside Willy’s Greasy Spoon.
Because the prices were low, most people waiting were local residents, cab drivers, and construction workers from nearby sites.
Caitlin and Celeste weren’t in any hurry. They chatted and laughed as they waited in line, their bright smiles and easy energy drawing glances from passersby.
Bonnie happened to be walking past with Grace Shepherd from their class and spotted Caitlin in the crowd.
Bonnie snorted. “Look at that country mouse-she’ll never set foot in a fancy restaurant in her life p>
Unlike Caitlin, Bonnie had just come from an upscale bistro, savoring a meal with triple-digit prices. She was part of the upper crust now, and Caitlin would always be stuck on the bottom rung.
Grace was curious. “Do you know anyone in that line up ahead p>
“No,” Bonnie said quickly, “why would I know people like that?” She couldn’t let Grace, whose family’s business was much bigger than the Hadleys’, know she was from the same world as Caitlin. That would only drag her down.
Grace smiled, “Good, I thought for a second you did p>
Bonnie linked arms with her. “Let’s get out of here, Grace. Standing around a place like this is bad luck for our families p>
Grace nodded, “You’re right, Bonnie. Let’s hurry p>
They made their escape as if the place was contaminated by poverty.
After half an hour in line, Caitlin and Celeste finally snagged a table.
Caitlin wasn’t picky, so she left the ordering to Celeste.
While Celeste browsed the menu, Caitlin took out her phone and logged into Imperial Ascent. Almost immediately, a notification popped up:
[Welcome back, Ms. Phyllis. Your latest chess puzzle, “Windbreaker,” has just been solved by S p>
Caitlin froze in surprise.
Solved again? Who was this person? S had cracked every puzzle she designed- original ones you couldn’t find solutions for online.
Not only that, S had left behind a new puzzle for her to solve. This one was even tougher than her own, the work of a true chess master.
She studied the board, a spark of excitement in her eyes. Finally—a worthy opponent.
Now this was getting interesting.