After that, he pulled a black pistol from his waist, checking it carefully before stating coldly, “Alright then. Once Charlie arrives, I’ll shoot him in the head without hesitation! I will avenge you immediately!”

***

Meanwhile, Claire was completely unaware of the unfolding events.

She stood by the entrance of the riverside villa, waiting for her mother, when suddenly, she spotted Elaine hurrying out to greet her.

Elaine quickly opened the small gate and exclaimed, “Claire! Come in!”

Claire waved back at her mother.

Curiosity got the better of Claire, and she asked, “Mom, why haven’t I heard about this friend of yours who lives at the riverside villa before now?”

The riverside villa, situated along the riverbank, was part of one of Aurous Hill’s upscale communities. The residents here were affluent and influential, clearly beyond the reach of Elaine’s usual social circle.

Elaine beamed as she replied, “He’s one of my old classmates. He just bought a villa here and is planning some renovations. He mentioned he has a budget of eight million dollars for it! Isn’t that impressive?”

Claire smiled and answered, “Of course! Any home renovation costing over a million dollars is a significant deal to me.”

Elaine grinned and said, “Great! Let’s go over there now so you can check out the villa layout and brainstorm some interior design ideas for the renovation!”

“Sounds perfect!” Claire replied eagerly.

Elaine then led Claire to Villa 8 and rang the doorbell.

As soon as the door swung open, Jason greeted them with a warm smile. “Hello, Claire! It’s been ages since we last saw each other.”

Claire was momentarily taken aback, her expression hardening instantly. Ignoring Jason, she turned to Elaine, who stood directly behind her. “Mom, is this the friend you mentioned?”

Elaine responded awkwardly, “Well, Claire, don’t be upset. Jason has a surprise for you!”

Jason quickly nodded and revealed the heart-shaped roses and candles he had set up at the door.

Claire, now visibly angry, confronted Elaine, saying, “Mom, did you team up with Jason to deceive me?”

Elaine rushed to explain, “Claire, please let me clarify. Jason is genuinely sincere about you…”

Jason quickly added, “Claire, this isn’t your mother’s doing. I asked her to help invite you here today.”

Claire glared at Elaine, her disappointment evident. “Mom, I’m truly disappointed in you!”

With that, Claire turned to leave, ready to walk away.

However, Elaine swiftly blocked her path, pleading, “Claire, this is all my fault, but I’m not trying to deceive you. I’m doing this for your own benefit. Jason genuinely wants to discuss a potential collaboration with you regarding his villa renovation.”

Claire frowned and retorted angrily, “I am not on the same page as him at all!”

Elaine shot back, “What are you talking about? Jason has gone out of his way to apologize to you. Look at how considerate he is! Why are you still talking like this?”

Elaine persisted, “Since you’re already here, just hear me out. Try to communicate with Jason, and if it doesn’t work out between you, you can still discuss the renovation project afterward, okay?”

Before Claire could respond, Elaine gently but firmly pushed her into the villa!