Chapter 233 Uninvited Guest
James wasn't really bothered by the Howard family's attitude.
He knew he couldn't change their minds and just regretted not being strong enough yet. But he wasn't in a rush to make it big.
He didn't have grand dreams, but he had clear goals.
Divorce Mary, leave the Smith family, open a clinic, build a reputation, network, and become the top expert in Rosewood City.
Most of his past goals were achieved, and he believed with more effort, he'd become a top figure.
To James, Simon and his daughter were just stepping stones.
When they walked into Peach Blossom Villa No. 1, Mary fell in love with it right away.
The villa had ten small buildings, with a three-story one in the center surrounded by nine two-story courtyards, like stars around the moon.
Nine corridors connected them, with water flowing underneath. The peach blossoms around each building were the highlight.
In spring, a gentle shake would send petals fluttering everywhere.
Even now, looking at the branches and leaves, Mary could almost smell the fragrance.
With the river in view, the phrase "facing the sea, with spring blossoms" came to Mary's mind.
James was also impressed by the architecture and scenery, silently agreeing that a $140 million villa was indeed extraordinary.
"Remember on my birthday when Alice bought a house for Lydia?" Mary suddenly grabbed the smart key from James. "Didn't you give Peach Blossom Villa No. 1 to me?"
James was surprised but replied, "I did, but you didn't believe it and thought it was because of Olivia, so you returned it."
"I've changed my mind now." Mary put the key in her handbag. "I'll accept this birthday gift."
James was stunned. "Didn't you think it was related to Olivia and didn't want this villa?"
Mary's change in attitude left James a bit frustrated.
"Can't I change my mind?" Mary started exploring the villa. "You know women are fickle. I didn't believe in your medical skills before, so I didn't believe you could get Peach Blossom Villa No. 1. But now that I see how good you are, it makes sense the Thompson family would give you this villa. Besides, even if it is related to Olivia, so what?"
Mary's eyes had a hint of depth. "You gave it to me, so I accept it without owing her anything."
James chuckled bitterly. "Even if it was from Olivia, it wouldn't bother you?"
"As your wife before, I would've been upset to get something from another woman," Mary replied bluntly. "Now that we're divorced, it doesn't bother me. In fact, it makes me happy because it can annoy Olivia."
"As my wife before, it was natural to give you this villa as a gift." James coughed. "Now giving it to you, isn't it a bit inappropriate?"
Compared to the over $2 billion in his account, a $140 million villa wasn't much, but having Mary live there felt awkward and could be misunderstood.
"Of course, I know our status is different now, so I didn't ask you to change the ownership." Mary wandered through the courtyards. "I'm just staying here for a while. When I get tired of it, I'll leave. But until then, I'm the owner here."
Whether it was because the amulet was gone or because she had come to terms with many things after the divorce, Mary seemed like a completely different person.
She re-evaluated James and no longer fussed over details, making their interactions more like those between friends.
For the first time, James didn't feel pressured by Mary.
James couldn't help but tell Mary, "Being your ex-husband is way better than being your husband."
Mary raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"
"You've got this dual nature," James said, keeping his cool. "You're always sweet and gentle to outsiders, but with family, you get all irritable and lose your temper."
"In front of outsiders, it's all about socializing, so of course, you put on a mask," Mary replied, shrugging. "With family, you should be real—happy when you're happy, angry when you're angry. Faking it would be gross."
James shook his head, not wanting to argue further.
Over the next few hours, Mary toured the entire villa, had the servants change several sets of kitchenware, and even cleared out a courtyard.
She commanded the servants like she owned the place.
James followed her around, busy helping, and finally couldn't hold back. "Are you really moving in?"
"Of course, the environment here is great, the air is fresh. I have to live here for a while," Mary said openly. "Besides, after living with my parents for over twenty years, it's time to enjoy some alone time."
James thought about saying living alone would be lonely, but knowing she'd be away from Charles and Addison, he didn't push it.
"Alright, if you want to live here, go ahead. If you need anything, just tell the servants."
The security here was better than the Smith family villa, so Mary would be safe, and her daily needs would be met.
Peach Blossom Villa No. 1 had ten servants, one for each courtyard, so Mary could live comfortably.
"If the JZL Medical Clinic gets too crowded during renovations," Mary suddenly said, "you can move in here too."
"No worries, it's not crowded," James replied casually. As he stepped out the door, he suddenly frowned, feeling like he missed something.
Mary gave him a sidelong glance but said nothing, turning to check out her bedroom.
James smiled, broke off a dead peach blossom branch, and was about to comment on how hard it is to understand women when his gaze fell on the broken branch.
The uneven break reminded him of Larry's wound.
James didn't stay long at Peach Blossom Villa No. 1. Mary was no longer his only priority.
As dusk approached, he had Samuel drive him back to the clinic.
Back at Bright Heart Hall Clinic, James saw there weren't many patients, so he guided Samuel in practicing some martial arts.
With just three simple moves, Samuel's chubby figure exuded a cold and fierce aura.
James was pleased. Samuel had good talent and could reach an intermediate level within a year.
After giving Samuel more guidance, James checked on the renovation progress at the JZL Medical Clinic across the street.
After a month, the JZL Medical Clinic was fully renovated and ready to reopen on the 8th of next month.
Jared had put a lot of effort into it. Besides using top-notch materials, he had met all of James's requirements for various details.
James was very satisfied. As he wandered to the backyard, ready to go home, his eyes suddenly narrowed.
His gaze fell on a door frame in a side room, where there was a bloody fingerprint, and the lock had been tampered with.
The renovation team had finished two days ago, so these marks weren't from them. James picked up a wooden stick and rushed over.
He kicked the door open and raised the wooden stick.
Almost immediately, a flash of light appeared in the dim room.
It was fast and fierce.
James's face changed dramatically. He raised the wooden stick to protect his throat.
Almost simultaneously, the wooden stick broke.
The white light, like a venomous snake, continued to strike at James's throat.
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