Chapter 64

On both sides stretched vast, seemingly endless fields of vibrant green. They were clearly not tended by the municipality, as their untamed neatness and lushness made every view feel invigorating. They drove along the asphalt road for five minutes before a white security booth appeared ahead, with a horizontal parking barrier. Next to the booth was a silver metal sign that read: "Private Road, Unauthorized Entry Prohibited." Winnie turned to ask, "Animal protection base?" Van curled his lips into a smile. "Don't worry, I won't sell you!" Winnie pouted in annoyance, muttering softly, "I'm not an animal!" The security guard in the booth wore a black suit, his tall, upright figure resembling a pine tree. He had an earpiece connected to a walkie-talkie. As the car approached, he bowed slightly and remained in that position until the car passed. The parking barrier automatically recognized the vehicle's license plate. Once through the gate, the view opened up to endless greenery. In the distance, the sea rolled, while nearby waves crashed against rocks. Occasionally, a white sand beach appeared, shimmering like a pearl emerging from an oyster shell. Winnie then realized they were driving on a plateau overlooking a cliff. Perhaps they had flattened part of a mountain. Who knew? After another fifteen minutes, with the scent of coconut and the sight of palm trees, they hadn't seen a single person or car. Eventually, they arrived at the second security booth. Behind the booth, there were buildings—low, only two or three stories, but sprawling across a wide area. The white walls had been weathered by the sea breeze, leaving gray marks, indicating that the place had been here for quite some time. Behind the security booth was a small parking lot. Winnie could see about a dozen cars parked there, but they weren't luxury vehicles; they were ordinary sedans or SUVs that an average person could afford. However, the car didn't head toward the booth. Instead, it bypassed a fountain and turned onto another road. At the entrance of this road was another "Private Road" warning sign. There were no guards, but a whole array of cameras hung above the entrance, giving off a strong, cold sense of intimidation. The road was a gently sloping uphill path. All that could be seen ahead was blue sky, white clouds, and a wide avenue, flanked by pine trees that lined the road in a sparse yet orderly fashion, standing tall and straight. It was so quiet; the sound of the sea had faded, and only the distant chirping of birds could be heard as they leisurely flew into the clouds. After about three more minutes of winding, they arrived at the third security booth. This time, it was a black wrought-iron electric gate. After scanning the license plate, the gate slowly opened to both sides. Once inside, the view was still filled with green, but the central path had been transformed into a clean, elegant white road, about 300 ft long. At the end of the road stood a Roman-style triple-tiered fountain. Behind it was a three-story villa, its design unfolding in irregular geometric shapes. The villa was so grand and spacious that it almost overwhelmed the eyes. The white exterior was spotless, looking either newly renovated or meticulously maintained. Every facade had a transparent panoramic glass wall, offering glimpses into different areas of the villa. The second floor featured an outdoor infinity pool about 70 ft long, facing the blue ocean at the edge of the cliff, complementing the stunning view. Winnie blinked, shocked. "You call this a home??" The Maybach came to a smooth stop at the front gate. Eric got out of the car, opened the door for her with a gentlemanly gesture, and bowed slightly, saying, "Miss Loxley, welcome." Winnie was feeling conflicted, momentarily stunned and unsure of what to say. In front of such a house, any words of praise or amazement felt unnecessary. Van stepped out and, seeing she hadn't followed, said coolly, "Let me show you around." Winnie's high heels clicked, and a maid appeared, holding a pair of brand new women's vegetable-tanned leather shoes. "Miss Loxley, may I suggest a more comfortable pair of shoes for walking?" Winnie glanced at Van, who gave a slight nod and said, "I'll wait for you." She followed the maid into the foyer and sat down on a soft bench. The maid gently knelt down. "Let me help you change." The maid gently lifted Winnie's calves and ankles, carefully removing the 3-inch high heels from her feet. Before putting on the new shoes, Winnie asked, "Do you have disposable socks?" "Don't worry, these shoes are brand new and are yours alone," the maid said, slipping the shoes onto Winnie's toes. "They're perfect for going barefoot at home—comfortable, breathable, and made with materials that allow your feet to breathe." Winnie couldn't help but laugh. "You should work at a luxury goods counter as a saleswoman." The maid smiled in return. "Thank you for the compliment. Please stand and try them on. Let me know if they fit."" Winnie stood up and took a few steps, amazed. "Wow. I'm a size 7.5, and it's hard to find shoes that fit just right." The maid said nothing more, standing with her hands clasped in front of her and giving a slight bow. "As long as you're comfortable, that's all that matters. The young master is waiting outside."