Just as Sarah thought things were looking up, Rachel hit her with a reality check.
"It's not a loss. The sooner we return Serena's six million dollars and clear our debts, the sooner we'll be rid of her threats. Soon, the entire Jansen family will be ours. Forget one villa. We'll be able to buy a dozen in the future."
"Alright, then." Sarah reluctantly went to help sell the house.
Although six million dollars was a hefty sum, the villa's prime location made it highly desirable. Before long, offers started rolling in.
Rachel eagerly signed the contract, took the money, and left in a hurry. She was oblivious to the pair of eyes watching her from the shadows.
Serena was about to take her cat for a vaccination when she received a message from the person she had assigned to monitor Rachel.
"Rachel sold the villa Howard bought her for six million."
"Has the buyer settled the payment?"
"I saw Rachel leaving the bank two hours ago."
Two hours had passed, yet Rachel hadn't contacted her. Serena wondered if Rachel was trying to invest the money and drag things out until she had no choice but to return it.
If Rachel were good at managing money, she wouldn't be in such a mess. Letting her hold onto the money was as good as throwing it away.
Besides, Amber Group desperately needed funds.
With that thought in mind, Serena texted Rachel. "When are you returning my six million?"
"Give me some time. Do you think it's that easy to come up with that much money?" Rachel replied instantly.
At the same time, she was busy flipping through stock and investment guides. Now that she had the six million in hand, there was no way she was giving it all back to Serena at once. Instead, she figured she'd invest it first, turn a profit, and then only pay Serena back. If she played it right, she could make a nice profit before settling the debt.
Watching the money land in her account, Serena was in high spirits. Hugging her calico cat, she planted two firm kisses on its head before giving a call to the maid at the villa.
"In a couple of days, I'll drop by to check on my mom's porcelain. Prepare some cat food and supplies. I'll take my calico cat for a stroll in the yard," she said.
"Got it," the maid replied, assuring her that everything would be in order.
Just as Serena was about to end the call, the maid spoke again. "A new family is moving into the villa community. They arrived today and signed the contract on the spot."
After a brief pause, the maid continued, "In this villa community of Javerton City, it's customary to welcome new neighbors with gifts and establish connections. Would you like us to prepare a gift and present it in your name?"
Serena's eyes narrowed as she listened, and she stole another glance at her account.
A multimillion-dollar villa had just welcomed a new owner. Coincidentally, Rachel had just received six million dollars.
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