Royce let out a soft chuckle. Of all times to tell her it wouldn't work, they had to call her at such a critical moment!
Julia hung up the phone. "I need to go home right now! We'll discuss our matter later. Until we reach an agreement, I hope you don't spread my photos around. Otherwise, I'll sue you. We'll both go down together if it comes to that!"
With that, Julia headed for the door but stopped halfway and came back. She quickly scribbled her phone number on a piece of paper. "Here's my number. We'll be in touch. Now, give me yours."
Royce glanced at the string of numbers and then dialed it on his phone to verify its authenticity. Julia saw her phone screen light up with the incoming call and nodded. "Alright, I'm leaving now!"
She hurried out the door and didn't come back this time.
Royce sighed. "What's the rush? You'll still end up in my bed tonight."
Prism City Villa District
Speaking of this villa district, it was quite well-known in Zenith City. When it was first being developed, the real estate company had marketed it as a 'villa garden within the city,' which caught a lot of attention.
Prism City was conveniently located, situated in the outer ring area. It had easy access to the highway for trips out of town and a direct expressway to the city center.
The villas were built in a Western style, making them a unique sight in the city.
However, after the villas were built and many were sold, rumors started spreading about the place being haunted. Several families reported strange occurrences, and some elderly folks claimed the area used to be a graveyard. The haunting stories grew more intense, and gradually, people who had moved in started moving out. Prospective buyers lost interest as well.
The villa complex had slowly fallen into disrepair, resembling a ghost town. Initially, when Julia heard she had to live there, she was totally against it. First, she didn't have enough money to rent a place, and second, she needed to make sure her brother knew she was married, which meant she had to live outside.
So, she reluctantly moved in. But after a year of living there without anything strange happening, she gradually forgot about her initial reluctance.
As soon as she walked through the door, Julia saw Zoey, the young maid her husband had arranged for her, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, munching on sunflower seeds with the TV blaring loudly. It seemed like Zoey was more the lady of the house than a maid.
Julia sat down next to her. "You mentioned on the phone..."
"Yes, yes, aren't you thrilled? You've been alone for a year, and now finally, your dry spell is over," Zoey interrupted, spitting out sunflower seed shells with a look of disdain.
"Why is he suddenly coming back?" Julia asked, annoyed by Zoey's arrogance. At first, she was infuriated by Zoey's lazy attitude, acting more like the mistress of the house than a maid. But Julia knew Zoey was just a local girl who claimed she used to serve the master well, living comfortably before coming here to suffer.
Julia couldn't be bothered to argue with her, especially since she didn't come back often. They each lived their own lives, so she let it slide.
"How should I know? This is Mr. Butler's house. He can come back whenever he wants! Did you really think this place was yours?" Zoey spat out another sunflower seed shell and glanced at Julia.
"Let me make one thing clear," Zoey said, her tone turning serious. "I've been doing my best to serve you here. Don't you dare take that for granted."
Zoey's voice was high-pitched and shrill, making anyone who heard it get goosebumps. "Diligent and devoted?" Julia sneered. "Tell me, have you ever cooked a meal for me?"
Zoey rolled her eyes and let out a cold snort. "And how would I know when you're coming back or not? Don't forget, I have dirt on you too!"
"Oh really? What dirt?" Julia asked, genuinely curious.
Zoey let out a cold laugh. "You only sleep here two nights a week. Where do you go the rest of the time? As a married woman, staying out all night, I wonder what Mr. Butler would think about that."
Julia chuckled. Zoey was acting all high and mighty, but Julia couldn't be bothered to argue with her. She turned and headed upstairs.
"Hey, just a reminder," Zoey called after her. "Be careful around Mr. Butler. He has a bad temper, and if you accidentally make him angry, it might come back to bite me."
Julia paused for a moment, then continued up the stairs. Sitting in her bedroom, she felt uneasy. What could that old man be coming back for? He had ignored her for a year, and now suddenly he wanted to return?
Could it be that he wanted... her body?
The thought made Julia feel disgusted. The image of that bald, sixty-something-year-old man pressing down on her made her skin crawl. But she couldn't refuse him. After all, they were legally married. If he wanted to touch her, it was within his rights.
What should she do?
By the time evening rolled around, there was still no sign of the old man returning.
Instead, Julia was greeted with a dinner prepared by Zoey.
It was the first time Zoey had ever cooked dinner for her, and the taste was quite mediocre. Julia barely ate a few bites.
"Did my husband mention what time he'd be back on the phone?" Julia asked.
Zoey, munching on her food, replied, "Mr. Butler is always swamped with work. There's no telling when he'll be back. Why are you in such a hurry?"
Not wanting to continue the conversation with Zoey, Julia went straight upstairs.
She waited until 10 PM. Having not slept well the previous night, she was already feeling sleepy by 9 PM. She yawned and checked the time.
Don't old people usually go to bed early? It's so late already; he probably won't come.
She took a quick shower and went straight to bed.
At 10:30 PM, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of Villa 18 in Prism City.
Royce Butler stepped out of the car, the sapphire earring in his left ear gleaming under the moonlight.
Just as he was about to step into the house, he paused, removed the earring, and handed it to Dorian.
"President Butler, should I wait here for you, or...?" Dorian asked, considering the possibility that Royce might stay the night here.
"Wait here for me," Royce said curtly before heading inside.
As soon as Royce stepped through the door, Zoey darted over like a flash. She had been eagerly waiting for his return, full of energy.
"Sir, you're back! Would you like something to eat? Can I make you something?" Zoey asked, her face beaming with a fawning smile.
Back when she worked in Royce Butler's crystal garden, she was just a lowly maid who cleaned the outside, rarely getting a chance to see Royce himself.
Royce glanced down at her, his eyebrows knitting together. "No need. Where is Mrs. Butler?"