Chapter 101 He Still Has to Think About How to Trick Thalia
Elizabeth kept quiet, not wanting to talk to Chase. She was fresh out of ideas, and even if she had any, she wouldn't share them with him.
The atmosphere in the car was tense. Chase needed Elizabeth tonight, and he didn't want her showing up at the Brown villa in a bad mood. He tried to smooth things over, "Look, whether we have other options or not, we gotta give it a shot. Hayden's inheritance isn't just pocket change or a few million—it's billions. If we don't fight for it, Thalia's gonna take it all. The company's already in her hands; we can't afford to lose, right?"
"Think about our son's future, studying abroad. That costs money."
"Do you want our son to struggle financially with us?"
"If Thalia gets the money, we're left with nothing."
Elizabeth understood Chase's motives perfectly. Listening to his self-important speech, she couldn't help but find it amusing.
"Are you seriously doing this for our son?"
Chase's eyes narrowed. "Of course, everything I do is for him."
Elizabeth silently cursed him, thinking, "Men are such liars."
"Mr. Smith, we're here."
The car stopped at the villa's entrance. Chase got out and stared at the villa's gate, stunned.
Elizabeth was also taken aback by the sight of the villa. Rumor had it that William spared no expense for his parents, buying land near Emerald City University and building them a luxurious villa.
She had heard the term "luxurious villa" before but never knew just how luxurious it could be. Seeing it today, she realized it was truly extraordinary.
The neighborhood was filled with high-rise apartments on either side, with the only standalone villa in the middle, built by the lake with plenty of space between buildings.
The ground was even elevated, giving it a regal feel.
"So, the rumors about William are true."
He was more than just a lawyer; he was like a businessman with wealth rivaling nations. His lawyer identity was just a facade.
Elizabeth and Chase took a while to find their way up.
Inside the house, William and Vaughn were playing chess in the study, while Amara and Harper were chatting about gossip.
When the doorbell rang in the courtyard, Amara and Harper in the living room paused.
"Harper, there's a Mr. Smith at the door saying he's here to visit."
Harper glanced at Amara. "Your friend?"
"I don't know anyone named Smith. Could it be someone from Thalia's family?"
Amara had recently only interacted with Thalia, who had the surname Smith.
Harper, still puzzled, headed to the courtyard.
She was taken aback when she saw Chase.
Before she could ask, Chase spoke up, "Are you Mrs. Brown? Hi, I'm Chase from the Smith family in Emerald City."
Amara was surprised. Thalia's brother? Here to see William about the lawsuit?
Amara quickly turned and went upstairs to find William.
In the study, William and Vaughn were playing chess. When Amara burst in, Vaughn's chess piece slipped from his hand in surprise.
"Amara..." Vaughn said in a low voice.
"Dad, we have guests."
"Debt collectors?" William took a sip of his coffee.
"No..."
"Then why are you so worked up?"
Amara sighed in frustration. "Can you let me finish?"
William gestured for her to continue. Amara said, "Thalia's brother is at the door."
William's eyes narrowed. How foolish, coming to disturb his parents' rest?
Amara watched William put down his coffee cup and head downstairs. As soon as he entered the living room, he heard Chase flattering Harper, making her feel almost like an eighteen-year-old girl.
Being a scholar, Harper wasn't accustomed to the deceit and flattery of the business world. Seeing William come down, she breathed a sigh of relief and stood up to greet him, "William's here, you can talk."
"I'll go prepare some refreshments."
William noticed people still moving things into the house and raised his hand to stop them. He looked at Chase with a half-smile, "Mr. Smith, what's the meaning of this?"
William was dressed casually today, not in his usual suit and tie. He wore a polo shirt and casual pants, looking more relaxed and approachable.
"I thought I'd come to visit Mr. Brown."
"No..." William stopped himself mid-sentence as Finn hurried in and whispered in his ear: "Ms. Smith is at the neighborhood entrance."
William's eyes darkened as he glanced at Chase.
How considerate, saving him the trouble of dealing with Thalia.
Chase felt a shiver when he met William's gaze.
Was this inappropriate?
Soon, Harper returned with refreshments. Chase glanced at Elizabeth, who quickly put on a bright smile and approached Harper, "Mrs. Brown, let me help you."
"Mr. Smith, are you here about the inheritance lawsuit?"
"Mr. Brown is perceptive."
William took a sip of his coffee, his tone casual, "Mr. Smith, don't you know that rumors say I've already agreed to Thalia's case?"
"People say a lot of things; I don't take it seriously. Besides, knowing Thalia, if Mr. Brown had really agreed to her case, she wouldn't be so quiet right now."
William raised an eyebrow, noting that Chase seemed to understand Thalia well.
"Mr. Brown, why not consider my side? Whatever Thalia offers you, I can match and even exceed."
Exceed?
William took a sip of his coffee, hiding his thoughts.
Amara watched silently, thinking Chase didn't understand. William wasn't interested in Thalia's offer; he was interested in Thalia herself.
"For example? Mr. Smith, you wouldn't try to send me women who look like Thalia again, would you?"
Amara was shocked. What? How did she not know about this? Brian was in big trouble.
Chase saw Amara's surprise and chuckled, "Misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding."
"I wouldn't do anything Mr. Brown dislikes."
"Surprising that Mr. Smith is so obedient," William thought, "Too bad, he likes Thalia's defiance."
"Mr. Brown deserves it."
...
Thalia's car stopped at the villa entrance, seeing Chase's car parked openly.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, she could see Chase and William chatting in the living room.
Thalia felt a surge of anger.
She stepped forward to rush inside.
"Ms. Smith, Mr. Smith said everything should follow the order of arrival."