Renovations would take time, so Eleanor made a swift decision: they were moving.
She couldn’t let her daughter live in a house with safety hazards. It was time to find somewhere safer and more comfortable.
With her financial situation, she didn’t need to worry about affording a new place.
That very morning, Eleanor started browsing real estate listings on her phone. One property immediately caught her eye: a luxury condo in Cloudcrest Manor—the same upscale development where Xavier lived.
Cloudcrest Manor was the most exclusive residential community in the old town district, right beside the best schools. The neighborhood boasted top-notch security and beautifully landscaped grounds. Scanning the listings, Eleanor saw a spacious duplex apartment had just gone up for sale.
After a moment’s thought, she reached out to the owners.
The sellers were a young couple preparing to move abroad. Eager to sell, they’d priced the apartment below market value. Since Eleanor was pressed for time, she scheduled a viewing that very afternoon.
The owners personally showed her around. The airy duplex was flooded with natural light, decorated in a sleek, modern style with subtle touches of luxury. The master bedroom featured a walk-in closet and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, while the children’s room was designed to be cozy and eco-friendly.
“The renovations were finished less than two years ago,” the wife explained. “We never even got a chance to move in! But my husband’s job is relocating us, so we have to let it go.”
Eleanor was delighted. This place matched her idea of a perfect home. Without hesitation, she made an offer.
Money wasn’t an issue, and the owners were already giving her a good deal, so Eleanor quickly signed the paperwork and finalized the purchase.
Joslyn began packing up their old place, preparing for the move. Concerned about the condition of their house, Eleanor decided they would stay at a nearby hotel until everything was ready at the new apartment.
The next morning, Eleanor headed to work while Joslyn finished packing. By midday, the moving company would arrive to take everything to their new home.
Eleanor called Ellington for help—her schedule was just too tight. Ellington brought over a team to assist with the move.
By three in the afternoon, all their belongings were in the new apartment. Joslyn worked diligently to unpack and clean, and soon the place felt warm and welcoming.
That evening, Eleanor picked her daughter up from school. As they drove, Eleanor glanced at her in the rearview mirror and said, “Evelyn, I have some good news—we’ve moved.”
Evelyn’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? Mom, where are we living now?”
“We’re moving into the same neighborhood as Mr. Vaughn.”
“Really? So we’ll live in the same place as Vivian? That’s awesome!”
Back at their new home, Evelyn gleefully grabbed Eleanor’s phone and dialed Xavier.
“Hello?” came Xavier’s deep voice.
“Mr. Vaughn, I have great news! We moved into your neighborhood. Can I talk to Vivian?”
“Daddy, we moved!” Evelyn burst out. “Now we live in the same neighborhood as Mr. Vaughn and Vivian!”
There was a brief silence on the other end.
“When did this happen?” Ian finally asked, his tone low.
“Mom said we just moved in today. The new place is beautiful—I really like it,” Evelyn said happily.
“That’s good. I’m glad you’re happy there.”
“Daddy, I wish you could live in our neighborhood too.” Evelyn propped her chin in her hand, sounding wistful.
Ian responded with a soft chuckle. “Would you like it if I lived in the same neighborhood as you and Mom?”
“Of course!” Evelyn sighed, sounding like a miniature adult. At that moment, she heard Eleanor calling her. “Daddy, Mom’s calling me. I have to go. Bye!”
“Bye, sweetheart.”
Ian hung up, leaning back on the sofa in thought for a few moments. Then he picked up his phone and called Gavin. “Find me the latest listings in Cloudcrest Manor.”

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