Chapter 86

Her face burned with humiliation.

Victoria Sullivan spoke with grave sincerity.

She looked at Sophia.

"A woman must never take shortcuts, no matter how difficult things get."

"Be down-to-earth."

"Steady and solid progress is the right path."

"Stay away from crooked methods."

"Avoid wishful thinking at all costs."

Sophia nodded gently.

"That's true."

"You agree?" Victoria looked pleased.

"Of course."

"Then I'm relieved." She sighed. "Return the villa as soon as possible."

"You might lose the handling fee."

"But peace of mind is worth it."

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"Having second thoughts?" Victoria's expression darkened.

Sophia suddenly laughed.

So that's what this was about.

"First, I agree with everything you said, Aunt Victoria."

"Women should rely on themselves."

"But I haven't relied on anyone else."

"Consider your words shared experience."

"I won't take them personally."

Her tone was calm.

"Besides, the villa was bought for my parents to live in."

"The contract is already signed."

"It can't be returned."

"Finally, I suggest you know your boundaries."

"You can offer advice."

"But don't issue commands."

Sophia finished speaking.

Victoria's face was stormy.

She left in a huff.

Tossing a final remark over her shoulder.

"Sharp tongue!"

"Unyielding and unrepentant!"

David Sullivan frowned deeply.

Isabella spoke directly.

"Ignore her."

"Coming here to lecture without knowing the full story."

Sophia didn't take it to heart.

She worried others might show up too.

But the following week was peaceful.

No further disturbances.

The move proceeded gradually.

David was reluctant to part with his plants.

The potted plants were easy to move.

Transplanting the trees in the yard took time.

Isabella only cared about her books.

Two entire bookcases needed moving.

They finished by Lantern Festival.

The lush greenery gave the villa a classical charm.

A new vegetable plot was dug in the backyard.

The amaranth seeds had already sprouted.

They'd be ready to eat in half a month.

The swing and lounge chairs were brought over.

The wisteria was transplanted to the new home.

Everywhere felt familiar.

The front and back yards were still bare.

Come spring, they would be covered in lawn.

Blossoms would fill the garden.

Thinking of this, Sophia didn't feel tired anymore.

An amusing incident occurred during the move.

Their neighbor, Linda Moore, saw them moving things.

She assumed David was moving away.

She envisioned claiming the empty space between their houses.

Even annexing part of the yard.

For growing vegetables, raising chickens and fish.

Enough to feed the whole family.

She stood at her gate, arms crossed.

"Moving out?"

David ignored her.

Focused on digging.

Isabella heard the voice and retreated indoors.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Linda smirked.

"What's there to be proud of?"

"Driven out by me, after all…"

She went to the market for groceries.

Ran into an old friend.

"Buying eggs?"

"They're half price at this hour."

Linda was very proud.

She was excellent at managing household expenses.

"I'll come at this time next time."

"I heard Professor Sullivan is moving away?"

Linda nodded.

"Who knows where he's renting."

"Could it be as convenient as here?"

A man his age still clinging to pride.

Couldn't take it, so he leaves.

Saves her the trouble of cutting those vines.

Her friend lowered her voice.

"Is he moving because of that argument?"

Linda lifted her chin.

"How should I know?"

"Some people are petty sore losers."

"I'll just grow vegetables in the yard later."

"That's exactly what I thought!" Linda's eyes gleamed.

Another neighbor hurried past.

"Hurry and get the candy!"

"It'll be gone soon."

Linda was stunned.

"What candy?"

"The Sullivans' housewarming candy."

"You're their neighbor, you must have gotten some already?"

"I need to hurry."

Linda pressed.

"Why are they giving out candy?"

"It's not a wedding."

"It's for their new house!"

"A huge villa!"

"Giving neighbors celebratory candy."

Linda's eyes widened.

"Villa?!"

"Rented?"

"Bought!"

"Lakeside Pearl!"

Linda gasped.

"How is that possible?"

"My husband drove over with flowers to see it."

"Spacious and beautiful."

"Two yards, front and back."

"So comfortable."

"Enough talk, I'm going to get candy."

"Share in the joy."

Laughter faded into the distance.

Linda stood frozen.

Unable to move.

Her face burned.

After a busy week, they finally settled into the new home.

David cooked a full table of dishes.

Isabella raised her glass.

"To a new home and new beginnings."

"May everything go smoothly."

Glasses clinked.

A clear, crisp sound.

Laughter spread through the garden.

The moonlight was perfect.

Light in the darkness.

Early the next morning after moving in.

David received a call from the elderly lady.

"Mom?"

"I heard you moved to a new house?"

"Yes."

"Custom dictates a housewarming."

"Tomorrow is Lantern Festival."

"Usually we celebrate at your eldest brother's."

"Shall we come to your place this year?"