“Move out today?” Martha's eyes lit up. “You mean it? As soon as we pay, you'll pack your things and leave before nightfall?”“Yes. Transfer the three million to my account, and I'll hand over the house today.”“Great! It's settled!” Martha clapped her hands and turned to Tamsin. “Did you hear that? Burl can move in tonight! Sian will be so happy!”Tamsin grabbed her mother's arm and lowered her voice.“Mom, wait. Don't transfer the money to him. Send it to my account first. I'll handle the deal with him, and the house will be transferred directly to my name.”She was still trying to take control of everything.“No way,” I said. “The money goes into my account. Otherwise, I'll call Desmond and cancel the deal. No money, no deed.”Tamsin glared at me. “Calder, why are you making such a fuss? We're still legally married. What's the difference if the money goes through me?”“I don't trust you. Pay me directly, or forget the whole thing.”Martha's face changed. She quickly pulled out her

I signed the contract, paid the required amount, and took the keys. With the villa secured, I could finally start preparing for the apocalypse, but I had no time to waste. Just then, a chime rang inside my head.[Territory Established: Blackwood Ridge Homestead.][New Task: Complete stockpiling and base fortification within five days.][Reward: Stockpiled supplies will be converted into permanent combat power.][Newcomer Bonus: +10 Combat Power, +10 Intelligence, +10 Luck, +10 Charm.]A wave of heat spread through my body, and the soreness in my back disappeared. My eyesight sharpened, allowing me to pick out even the smallest movements among the trees outside.The system was giving me a head start. If I wanted to survive the apocalypse, I had to make good use of it.I took out my phone and called Apex Contracting. A man answered after a few rings, sounding like he was in the middle of something.“Luke speaking. What do you need?”“I need a crew at Blackwood Ridge Homestead,” I said.

Tamsin could feel the people around them staring. If she let Calder keep talking, everyone would believe his side of the story, and her reputation would be ruined. She forced a smile and stepped toward him, pretending to be hurt.“Calder, how can you call us bloodsuckers? We're only borrowing some money, and we're family, after all. When Burl gets married, he'll remember your kindness.”“My kindness?” I laughed. “I'm not your family's bank, and I have no intention of paying for Burl's wedding. If you have nothing else to say, meet me at the registry office so we can finish the divorce.”I walked toward the gate, but Tamsin hurried after me and blocked my way. She had never expected me to become so cold toward her, and no matter how hard she tried to read my expression, she couldn't find any sign of the man who used to give in whenever she acted upset.“Fine! Keep your money if that's what you want,” she said, raising her voice. “But you have to give me the jade pendant!”I stopped and

Calder took out his black bank card and paid the $180,000 bill without hesitation. The payment terminal beeped, and the receipt printed a moment later.Garrick’s smile vanished. Philippa stared at Calder, unable to hide her surprise.“Pack the clothes that fit President Anderson and send them to her,” Calder told the sales assistant. “Everything else goes to Depot Nine on Fourth Street. The delivery address is on the receipt.”“Yes, Mr. Reid. We’ll take care of it immediately.”Calder turned to Laurel. “Consider the clothes a small thank-you for your help back in college.”Laurel glanced at the expensive coats, then smiled. “You haven’t changed, Calder. We should catch up properly sometime.”“Of course.”Calder left without giving Garrick or Philippa another look. He had more important things to do than waste time arguing with people who would soon regret underestimating him.After leaving the shopping district, he took a taxi to the old antiquities quarter. There, between several nar

Tamsin flinched at her mother's words, her stomach twisting with anger.“Sleep with him? Mom, do you even care about my dignity? I'm your daughter!”“Dignity won't buy your brother a house or a car!” Martha snapped. “Besides, have you forgotten about Calder's mother's jade pendant? He agreed to give it to you, didn't he? That was his mother's most precious keepsake. If he really wanted nothing to do with you, why would he hand it over?”Tamsin fell silent. She had been so focused on the money and the trouble with Garrick that she hadn't considered this possibility.“Think about it,” Martha continued. “Calder is just throwing a tantrum because we pushed him too far. He still has feelings for you, or he wouldn't be willing to give you something so important. Put your pride aside and talk to him nicely. Once you win him back, his money and that villa will be within our reach again.”Tamsin bit her lip. The thought of lowering herself to beg Calder made her furious, but she couldn't ignor