Chapter 6 Mr. Reed, I'll Buy You a House

Elizabeth had them sit on the living room sofa, watching Hugo and the others pack their belongings. Hugo glanced at Elizabeth, said nothing, and went into the bedroom with Jennie and Tina to pack. As soon as they entered the bedroom, Amber followed them in.

Amber looked around the shabby bedroom with a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. But she quickly masked her expression and said softly, "Dad, are you really moving out? Your monthly salary isn’t much, and you have a family to support. Where will you live if you move? Why not just listen to grandma?"

Hugo turned to look at her without a word.

Seeing that he didn't respond, Amber turned to Tina, "Tina, dad has spent so much to find you over the years. Now that you're back, are you willing to let him be homeless?"

Tina’s eyes lifted slightly, a mocking smile playing on her cool cheeks. "Isn’t marrying Mr. Farrell a good option? At least your future would be secure. If it were me, I certainly wouldn’t let dad have a fallout with his own family over me," Amber said, talking to herself.

The corners of Tina’s mouth curled up, and she crossed her arms, looking at Amber with interest, "If you’re so understanding, why don’t you marry into the family? The Reed family has raised you for so many years, don’t you think it’s time for you to contribute?"

Amber’s face changed color and she cursed Tina inwardly, but she maintained a smile on her face, "What a pity it’s Tina who is engaged to Mr. Farrell!"

Tina’s smile deepened. For some reason, Amber felt a sudden panic and quickly said, "Since you’re so determined, I won’t say more. Dad, grandma said if you don’t pack up within an hour, she’ll have someone throw your things out!"

"I know," Hugo said, not wanting to prolong the conversation.

After Amber left, Hugo looked at the clutter in the house and worried, "We’ll never pack all this in an hour. Maybe I should call someone to help?"

Jennie nodded, "Yeah, that would be faster."

Watching them busily packing, Tina felt a softness deep in her heart. Aside from her mother and master, only they had ever protected her like this.

Tina pursed her lips and slowly said, "Just take what we need. I still have some money on me. We’ll find a place that is ready-to-move-in, and we can get the rest of what we need once we’re there."

"How can we do that?" Jennie immediately objected. "You just got back, we can’t use your money. Ensford might not be as big as other cities, but real estate is expensive. A small two-bedroom house costs over a million. Don’t worry about the house, we’ll rent something for now and get through this tough time."

"Right, Tina, keep the money you’ve earned for yourself. Don’t worry about the family," Hugo added, feeling reassured.

"The money for the house..."

Tina wanted to say that she had enough money to buy a house, but Hugo interrupted, "But Tina is right. Let’s just take our clothes and documents. We can rent a furnished place."

"Okay then!" Tina didn’t argue and went to pack her things. She had few possessions: a couple of sets of clothes, a computer, and a cellphone. She packed quickly.

Once finished, she glanced at the neighboring room where Hugo and Jennie were and then took her phone out, sending a message.

In the living room, Elizabeth was waiting for Hugo's family to bow to her, but to her surprise, they came out carrying their luggage. Each held a suitcase, leaving everything else behind, and walked out the door.

Elizabeth stood up abruptly, her face turning an ashen color with anger, "Fine! You think you’re doing well, but I want to see how you can survive in Ensford without my orders."

Hugo just glanced back at her without a word and walked away.

After leaving the complex, Hugo looked at the bustling streets and sighed, "Let's find a motel to tide us over for today. I’ll go look for a house."

Tina nodded and followed them to a nearby motel to settle in.

Three hours later, Hugo came back disheartened.

Jennie rushed over, "How did it go? Did you find a house?"

Hugo shook his head, "I found two or three suitable ones, and the price was acceptable, but when it came time to sign the contract, they refused after seeing my ID. I asked why and found out my mother had spread the word that renting to me would mean opposing the Reed family."

Elizabeth had some clout in Ensford.

With her word out, naturally, no one was willing to rent to him.

Hugo, frustrated, hit the table, "My mother is driving me into a corner!"

Jennie didn't expect Elizabeth to be so ruthless and didn't know what to say.

Tina handed Hugo a glass of water, "Drink some water first, don't worry, someone will rent to us."

Hugo sighed, "That's all we can do now, I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

After resting a while, Hugo, not wanting to give up, decided to go out again to look for a house. Just as he was getting up, someone knocked on the door.

He got up to open the door and was surprised, "Levi?"

Wasn't this their real estate agent? How did he find them here?

"Good day, Mr. Reed!" Levi greeted with a smile, "I saw the address you left in your information was this place, so I came over."

Hugo was puzzled; he didn't remember leaving any information. But he didn't ask, instead saying, "Did you come to see me for something?"

"Yes, there's a fully-furnished house available on Pinkwater Ally, four bedrooms and two living rooms, at a monthly rent of five hundred dollars. It seems perfect for you. I was wondering what you think."

Hugo and Jennie's eyes widened in shock.

Pinkwater Ally? A four-bedroom?

My goodness!

That was one of the best neighborhoods in Ensford, other than the villa areas. The residents there were all wealthy.

A small two-bedroom in that area cost five million dollars, let alone a four-bedroom one, which would be in the tens of millions.

Jennie was the first to snap out of it, pulling Hugo aside, "How could such a good thing happen to us? Could it be a trap set by your mother?"

Hearing her concerns, Levi explained, "Mrs. Reed, you've misunderstood. The owner is relocating abroad and wants someone tidy to look after the house. He reviewed your family’s information and was very satisfied, which is why he's offered this price. If you don't rent it, I'll have to..."