Chapter 19

"Now that you're in the same boat with the thief, you can't back out! It's because of you that my grandma was misled, so you have to take responsibility!" ....... The car sped along, and in less than half an hour, they arrived at their destination. The legendary Clarkson Mansion, shrouded in the night, seemed to be imbued with an added sense of mystery. As dusk fell, the mansion was brightly lit. Behind the mansion was a modest hill, planted with a cherry orchard and a vast field of roses. In front of the mansion, right below an embankment, lay a tranquil lake, its surroundings giving off the scent of water and grass. This embankment extended as far as the eye could see. A row of straight, perfectly aligned copper-carved antique street lamps lent the mansion a dignified air. A narrow, winding pavilion was built atop this embankment, and at the end of the corridor was a lighthouse. Melissa imagined the Clarkson Mansion at sunset, it must have been a breathtaking sight. "Wow! Big brother, it really feels like a dream island here!" Little Alvina clapped her chubby, tender hands, exclaiming excitedly, nearly jumping up from her seat. On hearing this, Alvin also gazed out of the car window. He couldn't help but widen his bright big eyes and said "Look, Alvina, there's a carousel, it's a bit like the one we used to play with when we went to Disneyland!" "Yeah, big brother, I think it's similar too, but this one looks better than the one from Disneyland..." Alvina's voice shook with excitement, her small nose already pressed against the car window, "They also have swings, a tiny train, and a pirate ship..." What Alvin and Alvina saw was just the tip of the iceberg of the Clarkson Mansion; it has a play area specifically designed for children. As the car pulled up to the iron gate of the mansion, two guards simultaneously opened it, bowing respectfully towards the arriving vehicle. What came into view were two orderly rows of statues, and at the center of the premises was a large musical fountain. Behind the fountain was the castle where the elderly Madame Clarkson resided. This opulent view drew countless admirers. "So this is your home? The design style is quite unique, a fusion of retro and cutting-edge concept. It gives people a sense of the vicissitudes of history." Melissa, with her professional eyes, inspected the imposing, serene old castle. Although her major wasn't architecture, design principles were universal in many ways. In Melissa's opinion, the value of this ancient house was immeasurable in terms of money. "Who would have thought you, a bumpkin, would actually have a discerning eye!" Bumpkin??? Upon hearing this description, Melissa looked stunned for a moment, then a spark of rage ignited in her eyes. If looks could kill, Joseph could have died a thousand times over by now. "Who are you calling a bumpkin? That's too rude!" Melissa crossed her arms in anger, suppressing her about-to-explode temper. It was completely uncalled for. After all, she was a minorly famous fashion designer in the foreign industry, right? Why has she been reduced to a bumpkin in the eyes of this hateful man? The car stopped in front of the castle doors, where several servants approached with warm smiles, opening the doors for them. "We've arrived, darlings!" Joseph gently pat the seats in front of him, reminding Alvin and Alvina to get out of the car.