At ten o'clock the next morning, the Cobb family set off for the Hortons'. By about eleven, they arrived at the
Horton residence.
The security guard had already been informed, so when they arrived, their car was allowed to drive straight in,
heading for the parking lot.
Lewis and the others were already waiting for them by the lot.
Ryan Cobb and Ellie Cobb looked around, taking in the surroundings.
This estate was one Lewis had bought when he cto Clance, and though it had only been half a year, it was
already well-maintained.
There were elegant pavilions, and the garden was picturesque, making the place feel as though it had a deep
history.
Gavin couldn't help but comment, "The greenery here is really well done. Looks like they've had professionals
take care of it."
Hearing this, Selena suddenly felt a bit of pride swell inside her. She smiled and said, "Yes, my dad loved this
kind of thing. The person who tends the plants has been working with him for years. He's very particular about
it."
Gavin was surprised. "You had someone specifically to take care of the plants?"
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Though the Cobb family was wealthy, they kept a low profile. Their household staff was minimal, and they
certainly didn't hire someone for a single task. Even their plants were tended by a service that cby
periodically.
Ryan was well aware of how other wealthy families operated, but Gavin had less exposure, so he found it a bit
shocking.
Selena nodded. "When Grandma was still around, she loved this one creamy soup, and only one chef could make
it the way she liked. So we kept him on just to make that dish for her once a week."
Gavin couldn't help but exclaim, "That's quite extravagant."
Selena, clearly proud, nodded again. "Yes, well, the Hortons have the means. Little things like this aren't even a
drop in the bucket. Gavin, see that pond over there? It's filled with koi fish. Do you know how much those fish
cost? One of them can go for tens of thousands."
Gavin was stunned. "That whole pond must be worth a fortune."
Selena smirked. "Not too much. Just over a million or so. And see that old tree? My uncle paid millions to have it
brought here just to give the place a bit more character."
"Millions for a tree? That's ridiculous."
As they wandered off, Ellie rolled her eyes from where she stood. She jabbed Ryan in the side. "Hey, look at her,
showing off like that. You'd think the Hortons were her real family. She's just trying to make herself look good in
front of Gavin. Why doesn't she ctry that with me? I'd shut her down so fast."
Ryan, twirling the prayer beads on his wrist, scolded her lightly. "Enough. Don't talk about people behind their
backs."
Ellie stuck out her tongue before turning to Keira, whom she had been clinging to. "Keera, | brought you a pearl
necklace. Let's wear them together!"
Keira smiled softly. "Thanks."
"Oh, con, don't be so polite! After everything you did for me, I'd still be getting strung along by that jerk
Darien if it weren't for you!" Ellie still felt a twinge of disbelief when she thought back on the last three years
she'd wasted on that guy.
Darien hadn't left much of a mark on her heart, but it was like he had occupied a space, leaving it empty once he
was gone.
Ellie shook her head to clear those thoughts. "Anyway, my favorite dish is fish. Are we having that for lunch?"
Keira glanced at the housekeeper. "Add fish to the lunch menu."
The housekeeper smiled and went off to relay the request to the kitchen.
Ryan couldn't help but interject, "Ms. Olsen, you don't have to indulge her so much."
Keira just smiled in response.
But Lewis was the one who replied, "It's no trouble at all. Adding a dish is nothing. My wife doesn't mind."
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My wife.
Ryan paused for a moment, glancing at Lewis. "So, Mr. Horton, you and Ms. Olsen are already married? | thought
it was just an engagement."
Lewis nodded. "Legally, we're already married."
"Wow!" Ellie exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "You've already tied the knot? When's the wedding?"
Lewis smiled, acknowledging her curiosity. "When the tcomes, we'll make sure you and your brother get
invitations."
They'd actually been married for three years already, ever since Oceanion. But Ellie didn't need to know that.
Ellie didn't care what her brother thought—she was just thrilled. "Can | be one of the bridesmaids?"
"What are you thinking?" Erin strode over, munching on pistachios. "I'm her cousin, so obviously I'll be the
bridesmaid!"
Ellie shot back, "Who says you can only have one bridesmaid?"
Erin laughed. "Even so, you'd have to get in line. You've got Miss Allen and Miss Gill ahead of you! Oh, and don't
forget, her sister-in-law is her best friend. If she weren't already married, you wouldn't stand a chance."
"oun
Just as the two were about to start bickering like a pair of schoolkids, a group of people entered from the front
door. The Olsen brothers had arrived.