Chapter 9

Running into Amelia Johnson here surprised Damien Taylor. “I didn’t expect to see you in this neighborhood, Miss Johnson. Do you live around here?” “My friend lives here,” Amelia answered with a light smile. “I was just heading to the supermarket.” “I’m going there myself,” Damien replied. “What a coincidence. Shall we go together, then?” It was mostly a polite gesture—after all, she barely knew him, and shopping together might feel a bit awkward. “Sure,” Damien said calmly, though there was a faint warmth in his eyes. Amelia found Damien surprisingly approachable—not at all like the cold, distant man rumors made him out to be. Earlier that day, she had looked him up online out of curiosity. Among the business articles, she stumbled upon a few gossip pieces—including speculation that Damien might prefer men. No wonder he didn’t make a move last night, she thought. Maybe he really isn’t interested in women. But then again, a man like Damien—at the top of the social ladder—could have anyone he wanted. Even if he did like women, she doubted he’d take notice of someone like her. After picking up some snacks, they walked back toward the villas. When Damien continued alongside her, Amelia tilted her head slightly. “Which villa is yours, Mr. Taylor?” “Right next to your friend’s,” he replied. “You knew my friend lives in Number Sixteen?” Amelia looked surprised. “There are only two villas on this lane. It wasn’t hard to guess,” Damien said mildly. Amelia nodded, not thinking too much of it. As soon as she entered her friend’s villa, Damien made a quick call. “Check if Villa Fifteen at Taylor Residence is still on the market.” Two minutes later, his assistant called back. “Second Young Master, it’s still available.” “I’ll take it. Bring me the keys within ten minutes.” The keys arrived quickly—but it wasn’t his assistant who delivered them. It was Liam Taylor, his younger brother. “You already have a place here. Why buy another?” Liam grinned teasingly. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to keep someone here?” Damien shot him a sidelong glance. “What gave it away?” “Wait—seriously?!” Liam’s eyes went wide. Damien didn’t answer. He simply unlocked the door to the fully furnished villa. Liam followed eagerly. “Bro, you have to tell me! The whole family’s waiting for good news!” Damien didn’t look at him. “Replace all the furniture. I want it styled like the old house.” “Who is she?!” Liam’s face lit up with gossip. “Start now,” was all Damien said. “Is she pretty? Nice figure?” Liam was practically bouncing with curiosity. So many society girls had tried to get close to Damien, with no success. He couldn’t wait to meet the one who’d actually caught his brother’s eye. Damien’s expression didn’t change. “If you’re not doing it, leave.” “No perks, no work,” Liam bargained with a sly smile. Damien raised a brow. “What do you want?” “That black ‘Feather’ sports car of yours.” Liam’s eyes gleamed. Damien gave him a look that clearly said, Don’t push it. “Come on, bro, you don’t even race. That car’s wasted on you. Give it to me—I’ll make it shine.” Liam turned on the puppy-dog eyes. “Take any of the others. Not that one.” Damien didn’t care much for cars, but the Feather was different. ------------------------------ Next door, at Villa Sixteen— Amelia tore open a bag of chips and flopped onto the sofa, flipping through channels. “You know Damien Taylor, right?” Emily, mid-sip of milk, gave her a puzzled look. “Of course. Why?” “He lives next door. Did you know that?” Emily shook her head. “No way. That place has been empty.” “It’s his. He just doesn’t stay often.” Emily frowned. “How do you know?” “I ran into him at the gate. We even went grocery shopping together.” Emily reached over and felt her forehead. “Are you feeling okay? It’s broad daylight—sounds like you’re dreaming.” “You might not believe it, but yesterday we—” Just then, the doorbell chimed clearly.