+25 BONUS
392 Estate Tour
(Winona)
As we step into the grand entry hall, the sheer opulence of the estate has Lisa’s jaw dropping and Lance running a hand over the polished marble walls, his eyes wide.
Staff are stationed at every corner, poised and ready to cater to our every need. For once, I let it happen. I know Lisa and Lance will enjoy being treated like royalty.
“Would you like some canapés prepared, ma’am?” a well–dressed server inquires with a respectful nod.
Lisa perks up. “Canapés? Yes, please! And a glass of bubbly wouldn’t hurt.”
“Sparkling water for me,” I add, smiling. “And whatever Lance wants.”
“Beer,” he grins, clearly taken aback by the attention. “Whatever the local drop is. Ice–cold and keep them coming. If that’s okay?”
The staff nod and disappear into the kitchen to fetch our requests, and I notice Lisa practieally bouncing beside me, loving the special treatment.
Lance looks like a kid in a candy store, wandering around in awe of every detail from the frescoed ceilings to the antique furniture that likely costs more than any of us would care to think about. Not to mention the artworks and collector décor.
“Can you believe this place?” Lisa says, leaning close. “This isn’t just luxury; it’s a real palace!”
“Yeah,” I chuckle, taking in the room around us, “but it’s no place to raise kids, you know? One wrong move and they’d be smashing priceless vases or toppling suits of armor. There’s a Picasso in the living room!”
Lance shakes his head. “Seriously, Winona, I don’t know how you’re managing all this. I’m terrified of breaking something just by looking at it.”
“Yeah, mirrors are bad enough,” Lisa teases him.
“Ha. Ha.”
A server returns with our drinks on a tray. Lisa grabs hers with a gleeful sparkle in her eyes, taking a sip of
her champagne.
“So, what’s the story, Lance? What made you take a break and come over?”
He glances at me, and his casual grin fades slightly. “Honestly? Judy. She’s been impossible lately. Somehow Phillip’s wormed his way back in, and he’s basically her golden child again.”
“Phillip?” I ask, tensing. “But I thought she’d finally taken her claws out of him.”
“It’s honestly nauseating, the way she dotes on him. But that’s not even the worst part.” He leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “She’s leaving on a trip. International, I think, and Mia is in charge. I mean she’s been there five minutes!”
My pulse quickens, I’m still stuck on Judy. “Wait, what? She’s traveling? To where?”
He shrugs. “No idea. I saw she renewed her passport, though. Business account covered it.”
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392 Estate Tour
+25 BONUS
“When?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I wasn’t hanging about to let a kid boss me around. I should be the one running things. I have some self–respect. Lisa was heading here and I thought, why not?”
The pit in my stomach deepens. Judy on the move, internationally? Is she heading here? And if so, what does she have up her sleeve? My mind races with questions, and a flicker of panic rises.
If she’s anywhere near Brussels… has Phillip mentioned anything to her about hall pass week? He said he would never let her manipulate him again, but how can I ever be sure?
Lance must catch the look on my face. “Hey, don’t let her get in your head. Jayden’s got people watching her, right?”
“Yeah, he does.” Jayden would tell me if he suspected Judy getting close. He can’t know. “You should definitely say something to Jayden tomorrow. He’d want to know about this, especially if she’s moving around internationally. She’s not exactly trustworthy.”
“Fair point.”
Lisa, meanwhile, has found herself right at home with the attention. She’s practically glowing with every small bow and smile from the staff, and I lean over, whispering to one of them, “treat these two like VIPS, please.”
The staff member nods, and I feel a tiny surge of satisfaction seeing Lisa and Lance enjoying themselves. It feels good to offer something other than drama.
Lance raises an eyebrow as he takes a long swig of his beer. “Not that I’m complaining about living like a king, but I might get a little stir–crazy if I’m holed up here the whole time.”
I grin, pulling my phone from my pocket. “I’ll fix that for you.” Quickly, I pull up Sofia’s number and hit dial. After a few rings, she picks up.
“Sofia! I have a favor to ask.”
I see Lisa’s eyebrows shoot up.
“Sure, Winona. What’s up?”
“I’ve got two of mine and Jayden’s best friends here, and I was wondering if you and Matteo are free to show them around Brussels later tonight? Show them a good time.”
There’s a small pause before she replies with an enthusiastic laugh. “Of course! Matteo and I would be delighted. Just let us know when they’re ready.”
Tsmile, shooting Lisa and Lance a thumbs–up. “Thank you, Sofia. How about a late dinner?”
“Perfect. Get the driver to drop them at La Cabane.”
“I owe you one.”
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