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Chapter 27
"Ms. Perez, what are you doing here?" Ivan was just as surprised as I was, questioning Haley.
Haley pulled her bathrobe tighter around her. "I live here."
Her gaze fell on the keys in my hand. "Hey, do you guys always just stroll into my house without knocking?"
Ivan stepped forward. "No... This house was supposed to be for Ms. Hudson, arranged by Mr. Wagner."
As Ivan spoke, he fumbled with his phone to call Conrad. Probably too flustered, he accidentally put it on speaker. "Mr. Wagner, the house at Crystal Bay Villas..."
Before Ivan could finish, Conrad interrupted, "I gave that house to Haley."
I watched as the smile on Haley's face just kept getting bigger.
"What about Ms. Hudson?" Ivan tried to ask, but Conrad cut him off again. "I'll find something else for Felicia, and... let's keep this between us."
Ivan looked at me, his face a mix of helplessness and embarrassment as if he felt sorry for me than Conrad did.
He didn't dare say more. After all, he thought the mishap was his own doing. He should have checked with Conrad before bringing me there, but it was too late for regrets.
I didn't expose the situation, not wanting to jeopardize Ivan's job. With the economy being tough these past few years, many companies were laying off, and finding a decent-paying job was hard. Plus, Ivan had just started dating someone last month. Losing his job could jeopardize that relationship, too.
At that moment, I was surprised at my calm.
After hanging up, Ivan looked at me guiltily. "Ms. Hudson..."
"It's not your fault," I said, pausing before adding, "Ivan, why don't you sit over there and relax with a cup of coffee? I need to have a word with Ms. Perez."
I didn't send Ivan away to spare him. I didn't want Haley pulling any more stunts if I confronted her alone.
After calming Ivan, I glanced at Haley. She looked defensive, ready for a confrontation.
But I didn't give her the satisfaction.
Instead, I surveyed the spacious
l
apartment, about 200 square meters, decorated simply yet attentively. It had floor-to-ceiling windows, a comfy couch, and a small coffee table that resembled a scene from a painting I once made.
The morning sun streamed through the glass, soothing the impatience in my heart.
This house, in the best part of
Seabreeze City, with a perfect view of the bustling CBD, the office. building of the Wagner Group, and the rolling sea waves, was my dream home.
Ivan mentioned it was Conrad's gift to me, showing he did care. But that care seemed misplaced.
After inspecting the living room and
other areas, the bedroom, and thePublished by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
open kitchen, all styled like my painting, I remained silent, making the atmosphere even more tense for Haley and Ivan.
Haley said, "Felicia, you've heard it. This house is mine now. Please leave. I need my rest."
I turned to her, recalling the bedding she chose the day before. "Has Conrad stayed over?"
Haley pressed her lips together, and I smiled faintly, "Let me be more direct then. Have you two had sex?" "Felicia, do you have to talk like that?" Haley's face went white as she put on a show of being dignified. "Not yet?" I looked down at her stomach, "Oh, right, that would be awkward for you right now."