Chapter 496 Maple Grove Villas
Thalia's coffee spilled onto the table.
In just a second or two, she frantically set it upright and grabbed a nearby towel to wipe it up.
Seeing this, Bella didn't seem surprised and refilled Thalia's coffee.
"It's normal for you to be shocked by something that violates ethics and morality, Ms. Smith." She smiled faintly, as if gradually accepting her fate after struggling.
"I had already accepted my fate, but when I happened to learn Mr. Brown's name, I knew I still had a chance."
"Then you should go find William," Thalia said.
"I don't dare. Half of Mr. Brown's blood comes from the Jimenez family. I don't dare bet on the Jimenezes anymore. I'm afraid of dying. I just want to live with dignity, not be gossiped about. When Sean raped me, I was the victim, but because he married me, everyone praised him, saying he was a responsible good man."
"We've been married for two years. During these two years, he knew my heart wasn't with him and that I wanted to escape all the time, so he repeatedly raped me within our marriage, trying to get me pregnant, trying to drag another innocent child into this mess with me, trying to tie me down."
'Bastard!' Thalia cursed in her mind.
She thought Bella would continue describing her ordeal, but unexpectedly, she stopped after briefly explaining the cause.
When she stopped talking, she looked at Thalia and said, "Ms. Smith, if you need any help, I'll do my best."
Thalia thought for a moment, her slender fingertips lightly tapping on the table, her tone calm and emotionless.
She called the waiter over and asked for an A4 paper and a pen, then wrote down the names of the Jimenezes on it.
She turned the paper around to face Bella. "Since you're sincere about switching sides, we should show some sincerity too. Among these people, who do you want to see die first? I'll go by the order you mark."
Thalia watched her pick up the pen, thinking the first person would definitely be Sean, but unexpectedly, she chose Eileen.
Sean was second.
"I don't want them to die. I want them to live forever, to live in pieces."
Thalia nodded. "I understand. Death would be too easy for them."
Of the four people in the Jimenez family, three were marked by Bella. Only Michael was left blank.
Thalia thought to herself, as expected, love and lack of love are obvious at a glance.
She was about to say something when a text message came in on her phone.
She picked it up and glanced at it—it was a message from William's side.
"Stay in touch from now on. I'll take you back today."
"Christmas is coming, and there are many events in Emerald City. Let me send you a big gift first as a token of my loyalty." Thalia handed her the invitation in her hand.
Bella looked at it.
[The Celestia Group Year-End Appreciation Banquet.]
When she returned to the Jimenez Mansion, she had just finished showering and was sitting at her vanity drying her hair when she heard the bedroom door being pushed open.
"Grandma said you went out earlier?"
"I ate too much and went out to walk it off."
Sean looked suspicious and didn't believe her, but had no evidence.
He looked at Bella, seemingly trying to figure out the truth.
The latter looked completely unafraid.
December 10th, 2018, Emerald City was decorated everywhere with lights. The atmosphere of Christmas and Christmas Eve had already begun. In this modern financial metropolis, the one thing never lacking was holiday spirit.
Whether driving past or walking into a mall, you could be surrounded by the festive atmosphere.
"You said the Celestia Group appreciation banquet?"
"Yeah, everyone in the company will attend. I heard Mr. Brown booked a nine-story luxury cruise ship for us to have fun."
In the mall, Selene was picking out a dress, and Sophia, standing beside her, was a bit surprised to hear this. "I'm so jealous. I wish I could go."
"I'll ask my supervisor later if we can bring family members."
Sophia's face lit up. "Really?"
"Of course it's real. What's our relationship? Would I lie to you?" Selene linked arms with Sophia, shaking them affectionately.
The two casually walked into a high-end dress shop and happened to see a long-haired girl with a gentle temperament come out wearing a white off-shoulder dress.
The moment she turned around, both Selene and Sophia stopped in their tracks.
If Thalia's beauty was striking, then this girl's beauty was gentle, like a well-educated woman cultivated in a distinguished family.
"When did Emerald City get such a beauty?"
Selene looked at her and murmured to herself. Sophia shook her head. "Never seen her before."
Sean was also stunned, standing there for several minutes before getting up. "This one. Make one in her size."
"How long will it take?"
"About a week."
Sean nodded, swiped his card, and after Bella changed clothes, he took her hand and left.
"Who were those two just now?"
"Ms. Peterson," the manager greeted Selene, then said, "We really can't disclose customer information, sorry."
A flash of embarrassment crossed Selene's face. "It's fine."
On December 9th, the executive in charge of this appreciation banquet brought several people from the organizing party into Mistwood Hill. Even though it was dark, they were still stunned when they first saw this luxurious estate villa.
Walking from the main gate, through the spacious courtyard, along the bluestone path all the way to the main house.
"Stop the car."
In the evening, when Thalia came back from filming, as John drove into the courtyard, she caught a glimpse of a plaque hanging at the entrance, which had always been empty.
"Maple Grove Villas?"
Thalia naturally saw it but didn't respond. She went inside, and as the warm air hit her, she felt more comfortable. While taking off her scarf, she asked Fallon, "What's with the plaque at the entrance?"
"Mr. Brown gave Mistwood Hill a new name."
"What's the meaning behind it?"
Fallon replied, "Mr. Brown didn't say."
"Forget it. It's too cold. I'm going upstairs to take a bath. Make me a cup of hot mulled wine."
"By the way, where's William?"