Chapter 33
The rooftop garden of Cedar Manor was renowned throughout Dratora City for its beauty and serenity.
Eliana had taken a leisurely stroll around the loft, sunlight glinting off the glass and casting shadows over the artistic wall lungings.
The light filtered through, highlighting the plants, flowers, and creeping vines around the elegant arches.
It all looked like a dream scene from a movie
Ophelia, the ever–attentive housekeeper, stepped up the stairs and approached Eliana with a respectful smile. “Miss, would you like something to drink?”
Eliana turned slightly. Tee drinks, please. Thomas and the others will be over soon.
“Right away” Ophelia replied and headed back downstairs.
Eliana took another look around the loft, appreciating its charm On her way down, she noticed Lunchie, the tiny puppy, struggling to climb the steps
She paused at the top, watching him.
Lunchie was completely dwarfed by the shadow of Eliana as its round, curious eyes locked onto hers.
Lunchie let out a playful yip.
Eliana chuckled and bent down, grabbing Lunchie gently by the scruff of his neck. “You with your short little legs, these stairs are still too much for you. Maybe in another couple of weeks.”
A short while later. Thomas and the others arrived.
As they entered the apartment, Eliana settled onto the sofa, holding Lunchie, and gave them a playful look. “Drinks are ready, come sit!”
Thomas looked around, eyes widening as he admired the decor. The more I see of this place, the more I like it. I should’ve gotten a unit here back when Cameron did.”
Landon teased him, “Yeah, with what money?”
Eliana, who had placed Lunchie down on the rug, turned toward them with a curious expression. “Does Cameron live here
Adam, standing by the window, pointed across at the opposite building. “He’s just across from you, on the top floor.” Eliana paused, walking to the window to take a closer look.
“He’s in the building across. Well, what a coincidence,” Thomas teased.
Cedar Manor had seven buildings, each with a single rooftop penthouse. The pre–launch buzz around the rooftop gardens. had been intense, with prices soaring for those coveted spots.
Yet, before the official opening, all the penthouse units had been snatched up by private buyers, leaving no chance for the general market.
“You mean… we’re directly facing each other? What a coincidence Eliana murmured.
She glanced at Cameron, only to meet his gaze, which held a playful smile.
12:04 Mon, Dec 2 G
Chapter 21
His gaze was intense, and Eliana felt a flutter in her chest before quickly looking away.
After a short pause, Ophelia entered, setting down cold drinks and a plate of light snacks.
Siming on the couch, Thomas casually suggested. “Why don’t we head over to Cameron’s place? There’s not much to do here. and we can’t jou sit around bored out of our minds.
Landon agreed, nodding enthusiastically. “Yeah, this place is all about the aesthetics–there’s not even a projector here to play games on
Eliana picked up Lunchie without hesitation, her decision made. “Sure, let’s go. I’m curious to see his place too
The group got up and made their way to the door.
Meanwhile, downstairs in Willow’s apartment, the girls were deep in conversation, focusing on Eliana.
Is it true that the penthouse is hers?” one of the girls asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
Impossible. There’s no way she could afford it. She must be faking it,” Willow’s friend replied dismissively.
One of them turned to Willow. “Willow, did your parents buy that apartment for Eliana?”
Willow sighed, trying to mask her discomfort. No, I don’t think so. My parents haven’t considered buying property in Drajóra City. They have plenty of homes in Avragow; there’s no need to invest here.”
“Exactly! If Willow, their real daughter, doesn’t get a place here, why would Eliana, who isn’t even their biological child, get. one? It’s all for show,” the first girl agreed
Forget her, one of the girls said with a dismissive wave. “Willow let’s go down and grab some snacks. You don’t have much here”
Willow shrugged and agreed easily. “Sure, let’s go.”
They waited for the elevator, but to their surprise, it arrived with Eliana, Cameron, and his friends inside.
Eliana gave them a cool glance before looking away.
Meanwhile, Willow and the others were left speechless, staring in shock as the doors closed without them.
The moment the elevator descended, the girls erupted into gossips
“Oh my god!” one of the girls gasped, clutching her phone tightly, “Why was Eliana with Cameron and the others
“T get it now!” another chimed in, lowering her voice with a conspiratorial tone. “There were rumors at school about her dating Landon. That penthouse must belong to him, not her.”
“That has to be it a third girl said with a scoff, crossing her arm Landon’s known for switching girlfriends constantly. Eliana’s probably just another fling. So trashy
I thought those were just rumors, the first girl muttered, her lips curling in disgust, “but it’s all true. How disgusting. I can’t stand women who act like that,”
Willow’s eyes sparkled as a malicious idea took hold. She leaned in, her voice a low whisper. “You shouldn’t say things like that. After all, if she’s been bringing multiple guys home, it wouldn’t be good for her reputation if word got oul,
“I thought she had changed. But it looks like she’s the same even after coming to Dratora City. Back when we were in Avragow, our parents repeatedly warned her to change her flirtatious behavior. But instead of listening, she’s only gotten
2/4
12.05 Mon, Dec
Chapter 33
worse since she moved to Dratera City“
Willow pretended to be worried about Eliana.
The other girls looked stunned at Willow’s suggestion, their eyes wide with surprise,
They exchanged shocked looks, hanging onto every scandalous detail with eager anticipation.
Eliana followed Cameron and the others into his apartment.
The space was filled with high–tech features, every corner showcasing sleek, modern design.
Everything was automated, and even a simple command would summon a tiny robot carrying what was needed.
Lunchie chased the little robot around with uncontainable excitement.
Eliana joined them in the game room, picking up a controller. The massive 5D projector screen enveloped the room in at futuristic glow, fully immersing them in the virtual experience.
It was easy to see why Thomas had said Cameron’s place was far more entertaining–the renovations alone probably cout
close to a million dollars.
It was clear that Cameron viewed the place as a playground rather than a home.
Curious, Eliana looked up and asked, “So, where does Cameron stay most of the time?”
Thomas grinned. ‘Oh, he lives with his family, of course. Haven’t you heard of the Wright estate here in Dratora city?”
The Wright estate in Dratora City is the largest manor in the area, with significant historical value.
The Wrights even sold off a few smaller buildings they didn’t bother to maintain, and those later became popular tourist attractions in Dratora City.
It goes to show just how influential the Wright family is–wealth power, and status, they have it all.
Cameron was born with every advantage.
Eliana thought for a moment, and suddenly, everything clicked into place. “Wait, do you mean the historic manor near Willowdale The Brookstone Manor?”
“Exactly.” Thomas confirmed.
Eliana remembered filming near Brookstone Manor in the previous life.
The antique–style cottages had left a strong impression, especially a cozy lakeside cabin she’d loved.
Thomas continued, “Those cottages were originally part of the Wright estate, but they didn’t want to spend money on the upkeep. Landon’s family took over and fixed them up. They’re planning to use them as a film set soon, but it’s still under
construction.”
Eliana pieced it together, Brookstone Manor belonged to Mitchell Studios, Landon’s family’s company. “I see. The location’s not bad. Why didn’t the Wrights want to keep it?”
Thomas chuckled. “You’ll have to ask Cameron for the details. I have no idea.
