< More Than A Favor
Chapter 20
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“Mrs. Harlow? W–What are you doing here?” I stammered, unable to mask my surprise.
Victor, who appeared equally stunned, turned to Selene and asked the same question.
Selene adjusted her robe, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “I live here.” Her eyes flicked to the keys in my hand, and she added pointedly, “Do you usually enter other people’s homes without knocking?”
Victor stepped forward, his expression shifting between confusion and panic. “What? No… This house was prepared by Mr. Mercer for Ms. Hart,” he said, fumbling to retrieve his phone. Hastily, he called Logan, but in his nervousness, he accidentally put the call on speakerphone.
“Mr. Mercer, the house at Dazzle Residences-” Victor began, but Logan cut him off sharply.
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“That house is for Selene,” Logan said, his voice firm and unyielding.
Selene’s smirk grew into a full smile, her confidence radiating in the room.
Victor, still flustered, attempted to clarify. “What about Ms. Hart…” he asked hesitantly, but Logan interrupted again, his tone dismissive.
“I’ll arrange something else for Elaine. Just don’t let her find out about this,” Logan said.
The words hung heavy in the air.
Victor looked at me, his face flushing with embarrassment and guilt, as if he were the one who had betrayed me. He didn’t dare say anything further, reaNoraing it had been a mistake to bring me here without verifying with Logan first.
But it was too late.
I remained calm, refusing to let my emotions show. The last thing I wanted was for Victor to lose his job over this. He had made an honest mistake.
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With the economy in a downturn and many companies laying off employees, I knew how hard it would be for him to find another well–paying position. I also remembered he’d recently started dating someone–losing his job now might jeopardize his relationship.
So I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat and kept my composure. Even I was impressed by my own restraint in that moment.
Victor awkwardly hung up the phone and turned to me, his voice apologeti c. “Ms. Hart… I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said after a brief silence. “Mr. Langston, why don’t you sit over there and have some coffee? I need to talk to Mrs. Harlow.”
I didn’t want Victor to leave the apartment. If Selene decided to pull one of her dramatic stunts–fainting or faking stomach pain–it would be harder to explain myself if I were alone with her.
Victor hesitated but eventually nodded and moved to sit on the couch, his unease still evident.
As I turned to Selene, I caught the wary, defensive look in her eyes. She was ready for a confrontation and seemed prepared to fight me head–on.
But I didn’t give her the reaction she was expecting. Instead, I shifted my attention to the apartment itself, taking in the details of the space.
It was spacious, easily over 2,000 square feet, with a simple yet meticulously thought–out design. My eyes fell on the floor–to–ceiling window that framed a cozy beanbag and a small table in front of it. It reminded me of a painting I had made years ago.
The morning sunlight streamed lazily through the glass, soothing some of
the tension in the room.
The apartment was in the best location in all of Hilcord, with an optimal floor position. To the left was the bustling CBD commercial center, offering a perfect view of the Mercer Corporation building. To the right was the undulating expanse of the sea, with flocks of seagulls soaring freely in the sky.
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This was my dream house.
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Victor had said this apartment was Logan‘ gift for me. It was clear he had put thought into every detail.
But now, standing here, it all felt misguided.
I continued my silent inspection, walking through the living room and into the other rooms. The bedroom, bathroom, and open kitchen were all designed according to my preferences. The layout mirrored the one I had once painted down to the smallest details.
The longer I remained quiet, the more uncomfortable the room grew. Victor shifted awkwardly on the couch, while Selene seemed increasingly perturbed.
“Elaine, I’m sure you heard Logan loud and clear,” Selene finally said, her tone laced with condescension. “This house is mine. Please leave. I need
to rest.”
