Chapter 16 - The Unexpected Visitor
A year had passed since the terrifying night of the estate breach, and life at the Mercer residence had settled into a rhythm of serene, domestic bliss mixed with high-society philanthropy. Mave was managing the estate's massive charitable initiatives, while Rowan successfully ran his global legitimate corporations with an iron yet fair hand.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, as Mave was arranging white orchids in the grand foyer, the security intercom chimed softly.
"Mrs. Mercer," the head of security announced, his tone laced with polite surprise. "You have a visitor at the main gate. A woman claiming to be an old acquaintance from your past. Her name is Khloe."
Mave’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief. She dropped her pruning shears onto the marble table and hurried toward the security gates herself.
Moments later, a battered, vintage Volkswagen Beetle rolled up the grand driveway, coughing out a small cloud of smoke that looked entirely out of place among the pristine luxury cars. The door swung open, and Khloe stepped out, wearing neon pink sunglasses and a bewildered grin, staring up at the sprawling architecture of the estate with her jaw hanging wide open.
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"Holy mother of God, Mave!" Khloe shrieked, running forward to grab her in a tight hug. "Is this really your house? Did you marry a royal prince or a literal kingpin? I thought you were working at a fancy bakery, not living in Versailles!"
Mave laughed, tears of genuine joy welling in her eyes as she hugged her old friend back. "Oh, Khloe! I've missed you so much. Come inside right now and let me explain everything—starting from that fifty-dollar bar bet that completely ruined my life and then saved it."
