Chapter 85 Women Standing Strong and Independent
"Hey, no worries. Once we get the cash back, we can just snag it from someone else, even if it costs more," Maurice said, trying to sound optimistic.
Donna bit her lip, almost blurting out, "Who the heck buys a second-hand house for a wedding?" But she held back, considering the company's tight spot.
Still, the Stardust Enclave Villas bugged her big time. It felt like a missed opportunity.
"Are you sure it's Stardust Enclave Villas?" Donna asked over the phone, double-checking.
Heather smirked.See, nobody believed Alistair's family could actually buy a villa.
"I saw the contract myself! No way it's fake. Plus, Bella admitted it. Said it was a gift from Camilla. Man, why can't I have a daughter like that? Don't underestimate Camilla just 'cause she's a girl. She's doing better than Lester now!"
Lester had started a company, but no villa for his folks yet.
Donna's tone turned icy, "Camilla's sweet, but does she really have that kind of dough?"
"Oh, who knows? Don't underestimate Moore women."
Donna dropped the villa talk and asked, "When can you come get your stuff?"
"Tomorrow. I'll have Jared swing by."
"Cool."
Heather hung up and pocketed her phone.
Jared frowned. "Why are you broadcasting this? Afraid people won't know Alistair's family bought a villa?"
This wasn't like Heather at all.
"What do you mean 'afraid'? It's good news!"
"What are you really up to?" Jared knew Heather too well.
Heather snorted. "Just letting everyone know so they can congratulate Alistair. What's wrong with that?"
"You've got other plans."
Heather chuckled and nudged him. "Didn't know you knew me so well."
"Hey, I'm driving!"
"Fine, if you must know, I do have a little plan. If I ask Alistair or Bella directly, they won't spill where the money came from. So, let others ask."
She thought, 'No way they can keep it a secret forever! Even if they don't fess up, it'll still bug them to no end! And why should I be the only one jealous? Let's spread the fun.'
Jared shrugged. "Laura hates drama, and Donna doesn't care about anything. Your plan might backfire."
Heather pouted. "You don't get Donna or your own sister."
She thought, 'Laura hates drama and keeps to herself. Maybe the divorce hit her hard, so she's all about "women's independence" and "being your own person." She can't stand women who rely on men or become mistresses.
'And Donna? She's generous until you hit a nerve. Then she’s nastier than anyone.
"Just wait, Alistair's family is gonna be swamped!"
"Laura? What brings you here? Long time no see! Come on in," Alistair greeted Laura.
The day after Heather's call, while Alistair and Bella were packing, Laura showed up.
Alistair was caught off guard. His sister, Laura, was usually pretty high-maintenance and distant. She only showed up at Maurice's place during holidays and barely interacted with his or Jared's family.
Laura slipped into some house slippers, took a quick look around the living room, and noticed a bunch of packed boxes in the corner. She plopped down on the couch without saying a word.
"Doing a big clean-up?" she asked.
Bella smiled, "Nah, just packing up some bed linens and clothes."
"All packed?" Laura's eyes zeroed in on the boxes.
"Almost."
"Moving out?"
"Yeah."
"Where to?"
Alistair and Bella exchanged a look. No point in hiding it; everyone would find out soon enough.
Alistair said, "To the new development nearby, Stardust Enclave."
"Did you buy an apartment?"
"No," Alistair shook his head, "a villa."
Laura's face showed just the right amount of surprise, like she was hearing it for the first time, "Alistair, where'd you get that kind of cash? The cheapest villa in Stardust Enclave is like four million bucks."
Laura paused, her eyes filled with concern. "You didn't do anything shady, right?"
"No, no, I wouldn't dare," Alistair said.
"Then where'd the money come from..."
"Dad!" Camilla suddenly walked in from the balcony, cutting Alistair off, "Why are you just talking about yourself? Shouldn't you ask Laura why she's here?"
"Right, Laura, what brings you here?" Alistair asked.
She never visited, so there had to be a reason.
Laura was taken aback. She hadn't expected Camilla to jump in and catch her off guard.
"I was meeting a client nearby and thought I'd drop by since I was close."
"Oh, I heard you just got promoted to branch manager. Must be super busy."
Laura forced a smile, "Stealing a moment of leisure. By the way, Camilla, I didn't get a chance to chat with you last time at Maurice's place."
Camilla raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised, "What do you want to talk about?"
"Are you planning to leave again?"
"If nothing else, I'll head back to Imperial City."
"Working there? Studying? Or something else?"
Camilla hesitated for a moment. "Looking for new opportunities, I guess."
Once she got her grad school acceptance letter, she could say she was going to study. But since she hadn't received it yet, everything was still up in the air. No matter how confident she was, Camilla wouldn't speak prematurely. So she gave a vague answer.
However, in Laura's ears, it sounded like "looking for a new rich guy."
Her heart sank, and she beckoned Camilla over. "Come on, Camilla, sit with me. Let's talk."
Camilla was puzzled but sat down next to her.
"Camilla, do you know what's most important for us women?"
"What?"
"To respect and depend on yourself. To constantly strive and work hard. For example, look at me. I've had a rough life, right? My family was poor when I was Moore, so I studied hard and got into a decent college. After graduation, I couldn't find a good job, so I started as a teller, doing all the dirty and tiring work for low pay. Now, I'm a branch manager. And my marriage, I thought I married a good guy, but he turned out to be a jerk. I cut my losses and chose to divorce. Now, I'm living well on my own."
Camilla said, "So, Laura, what are you trying to say?"
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