Chapter 352

Chapter 344
Gemma’s POV
The silence in the Urban Lane apartment after everyone leaves has a weight to it.
look around, at the sleek furniture and the city lights beginning to glitter beyond the windows.
This place, with all its modern finishes, cost me nearly everything. The final number, after all the furnishings were accounted for, settled around seven or eight million dollars. It was a gutting sum, one that left my bank account gasping.
The orders I’ve been taking have brought in a steady stream, enough to live on, but the idea of acquiring a new apartment… that’s a financial mountain I’m not sure I can climb. Every inch of land in this area carries a premium price, a tax on convenience and ambition.
I can’t do this forever. Using a studio as my primary living space, tiptoeing around roommates.
can’t keep using this place as both a studio and my
14:50
< Chapter 344 +4 Bonus home,” I say aloud, the words feeling final. “It’s just not practical for daily living.” My eyes drift toward the bathroom door, behind which my damp laundry hangs in secret shame. The memory of spilled juice, the constant confrontations, the complete lack of privacy–it all boils down to this simple need for a door I can close and call my own. Zina, who’s clearing our coffee mugs, looks over. “Where are you thinking of setting up your studio, then?” Somewhere nearby, I say, the decision solidifying as I speak. “In the downtown core. It’s convenient for everything–meeting clients, building the life I want.” She lets out a soft, exasperated sigh, placing a mug down with a definitive click. “It’s convenient, Gemma, but have you seen the housing prices in this zip code? You’ve already sunk almost everything into this place.” I press my lips together, marshaling my arguments. “This is also a necessary investment in the early stages of starting a business!” I counter, the phrase sounding both rehearsed and desperately true. “That expense can’t be pared. Look at our setup. Jace and you have good 14:51 +4 Bonus She pulls back, her expression turning serious again. “But I’m not kidding, Gemma. It will certainly be more expensive than anything in the other areas. You’d better be mentally prepared for those numbers.” “I know,” I nod, the reality of the financial hurdle settling back onto my shoulders. “I know.” I don’t expect the past to follow me so quickly. The very next day, just after Sibille’s ambush, I walk out of the Dream International building, my mind already spinning with fabric swatches and client notes. And then I see it. Parked at the curb like a predator from another life: Grandpa‘ black Lincoln. The license plate is as familiar as my own reflection. My feet stop moving of their own accord. In those few frozen seconds, the passenger door opens and Simeon steps out. He approaches me, his posture as respectfully formal as ever. “Mrs. Blackwell,” he begins, and the name is a jolt to my system. 4/9 14:51 (f) +4 Bonus laptops, but Molly is a student. She needs a better machine to handle the larger orders we’re starting to get. This is about growth, Zina. Not just comfort.” “You’ve clearly already made your decision,” she says, a slight frown touching her lips. “So why are you asking me?” “I’m discussing this with you,” I insist, my voice softening. “I’m telling you the truth. It is a necessary investment.” She studies my face for a long moment. Then, the tension in her shoulders eases slightly. “Fine,” she relents. “Then I’ll ask Jeremy tomorrow to see if there are any good properties nearby.” My brother–in–law has a knack for finding real estate gems. Relief washes over me, so potent it makes my knees feel weak. A smile breaks across my face, and before I can think, I step forward and wrap my arms around her in a tight hug. “Zina, you’re the best! Thank you.” She stiffens for a second, then pats my back awkwardly, a mock shudder running through her. “Alright, alright, ough of that. You’re giving me goosebumps.“ Chapter 344 Gemma’s POV The silence in the Urban Lane apartment after everyone leaves has a weight to it. look around, at the sleek furniture and the city lights beginning to glitter beyond the windows. This place, with all its modern finishes, cost me nearly everything. The final number, after all the furnishings were accounted for, settled around seven or eight million dollars. It was a gutting sum, one that left my bank account gasping. The orders I’ve been taking have brought in a steady stream, enough to live on, but the idea of acquiring a new apartment… that’s a financial mountain I’m not sure I can climb. Every inch of land in this area carries a premium price, a tax on convenience and ambition. I can’t do this forever. Using a studio as my primary living space, tiptoeing around roommates. can’t keep using this place as both a studio and my 14:50 < Chapter 344 +4 Bonus home,” I say aloud, the words feeling final. “It’s just not practical for daily living.” My eyes drift toward the bathroom door, behind which my damp laundry hangs in secret shame. The memory of spilled juice, the constant confrontations, the complete lack of privacy–it all boils down to this simple need for a door I can close and call my own. Zina, who’s clearing our coffee mugs, looks over. “Where are you thinking of setting up your studio, then?” Somewhere nearby, I say, the decision solidifying as I speak. “In the downtown core. It’s convenient for everything–meeting clients, building the life I want.” She lets out a soft, exasperated sigh, placing a mug down with a definitive click. “It’s convenient, Gemma, but have you seen the housing prices in this zip code? You’ve already sunk almost everything into this place.” I press my lips together, marshaling my arguments. “This is also a necessary investment in the early stages of starting a business!” I counter, the phrase sounding both rehearsed and desperately true. “That expense can’t be pared. Look at our setup. Jace and you have good 14:51 +4 Bonus She pulls back, her expression turning serious again. “But I’m not kidding, Gemma. It will certainly be more expensive than anything in the other areas. You’d better be mentally prepared for those numbers.” “I know,” I nod, the reality of the financial hurdle settling back onto my shoulders. “I know.” I don’t expect the past to follow me so quickly. The very next day, just after Sibille’s ambush, I walk out of the Dream International building, my mind already spinning with fabric swatches and client notes. And then I see it. Parked at the curb like a predator from another life: Grandpa‘ black Lincoln. The license plate is as familiar as my own reflection. My feet stop moving of their own accord. In those few frozen seconds, the passenger door opens and Simeon steps out. He approaches me, his posture as respectfully formal as ever. “Mrs. Blackwell,” he begins, and the name is a jolt to my system. 4/9 14:51 (f) +4 Bonus laptops, but Molly is a student. She needs a better machine to handle the larger orders we’re starting to get. This is about growth, Zina. Not just comfort.” “You’ve clearly already made your decision,” she says, a slight frown touching her lips. “So why are you asking me?” “I’m discussing this with you,” I insist, my voice softening. “I’m telling you the truth. It is a necessary investment.” She studies my face for a long moment. Then, the tension in her shoulders eases slightly. “Fine,” she relents. “Then I’ll ask Jeremy tomorrow to see if there are any good properties nearby.” My brother–in–law has a knack for finding real estate gems. Relief washes over me, so potent it makes my knees feel weak. A smile breaks across my face, and before I can think, I step forward and wrap my arms around her in a tight hug. “Zina, you’re the best! Thank you.” She stiffens for a second, then pats my back awkwardly, a mock shudder running through her. “Alright, alright, ough of that. You’re giving me goosebumps.” Adminj