The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 101

Nanette gave a slight nod and turned to leave, but Margery's voice called out once more. "Oh, and take these roses with you—toss them in the outside bin."

*****

A sapphire-blue Bentley Mulsanne glided into Villa Number Seven of the Crown Villas Area.

After the car came to a stop, Stefan and Nina stepped out one after the other.

"This is another property I own here in River City. I have other places to stay in town, so this one usually sits empty. But it's kept clean—a housekeeper comes by every week," Nina explained as she moved ahead to unlock the front door.

Stefan followed her inside. The villa was spacious and bright, lavishly laid out. In a city where land sold at a premium, a home like this carried a price tag in the tens of millions.

"So, what do you think? Will it work for your... alchemy?" Nina asked with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling as she tilted her head.

"More than suitable," Stefan replied appreciatively. The place met all his needs perfectly.

Wedged between the famous Moonlit Lake and Cascade Hill, the Crown Villas Area occupied a spot deemed supremely auspicious—a classic case of desirable frontage meeting reliable hinterland.

This enviable positioning was a major factor behind its sky-high prices, which ruled out all but the most affluent purchasers.

"I'm glad you like it." Nina grinned, clasping her hands behind her back as she strolled closer. Curiosity and mischief danced in her eyes. "Now I can't wait to see how you actually perform alchemy. This should be quite the show."

As she neared, a delicate fragrance wafted toward Stefan. Her white tee hugged her figure, drawing attention to the elegant line of her collarbone and the hint of a shadow that traced downward.

Stefan glanced briefly before looking away, shouting inwardly.

Don't come any closer—if he lost control, that was not his fault.

Having such a vibrant beauty bouncing around before him was a challenge enough, especially with the Solar Energy stirring restlessly inside him.

Catching a glimpse of his flustered expression, Nina couldn't hold back a light laugh, her gaze softening with a touch of affectionate teasing.

Watching from nearby, Janet grew increasingly anxious.

She could see where this was headed, and it worried her—Nina was drifting into dangerous waters.

"For alchemy, a proper cauldron is ideal. But since I don't have one, I'll have to improvise," Stefan remarked, sounding slightly regretful.

He walked into the kitchen and returned with an electric hot plate, then set an electric cooker's inner pot on top of it.

Nina, who had followed him in, stared in disbelief. "You're not telling me... this is how you make elixirs?"

Electric hot plate and an electric cooker for alchemy... That was new...

This was nothing like the alchemy she'd read about in ancient texts or seen in dramas—those involved ceremonial cauldrons, mystical flames, and assistants fanning the fire.

But Stefan was using this?

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