C5 Fredia Do You Mind Having a Little Sister?

As the two were lost in their own thoughts, Mollie made a fashionably late entrance. Today, she had shed her usual white coat for a youthful, casual outfit that turned heads, particularly due to her striking figure.

"Hey Howard, where are you planning to move?" Mollie's eyes darted between the two before landing on a Rolls-Royce Cullinan parked before them, her expression immediately tightening with concern.

"Don't worry, Mollie, it's my ride," Howard said with a chuckle, trying to ease her excitement.

"Your car?" Mollie's eyes went wide. "Isn't this a custom job? It's got to be worth at least ten million! How on earth did you manage that?"

Mollie, who had been keeping a close eye on Howard ever since Fredia showed interest in him, had thoroughly researched his background. She knew his family was average—not wealthy, but not poor either—just comfortably middle-class. And Howard, despite being an academic ace, had an unremarkable history. So where did this luxury car come from?

"Young Master, Claus has arrived to take you home," announced a silver-haired butler with stern black-rimmed glasses, stepping out from the driver's seat. He efficiently stowed Howard's luggage in the back and then gave a graceful bow. "Miss Liu, Miss Xia, welcome. It's a pleasure to invite you to the Young Master's estate. Please, take a seat in the car. Should you require anything, feel free to ask. I am Claus, the Young Master's personal butler."

"Thank you," they responded.

Though surprised, Fredia and Mollie were unfazed. They climbed into the spacious backseat, their minds swirling with curiosity. The custom interior offered ample room and comfort, free from any sense of confinement.

Howard took his place in the front passenger seat.

"Claus, let's head home," Howard instructed, once everyone was securely buckled in.

His estate was a bit of a drive from the school, but not excessively so.

A quick half-hour on the highway, and they would be there.

Nestled against a scenic area, the estate lay in a small valley behind the picturesque landscape, boasting superb terrain and environment. Conveniently located at the entrance to the city's ring road, the only downside was the absence of a nearby commercial district. Any shopping required a drive to the commercial hub at the scenic area's main entrance.

Villa.

The Ocean View Villa.

Upon exiting the car, Mollie was utterly astounded. Gazing at the opulent surroundings, she felt her head spin. "Howard, are you really this wealthy?"

"Howard, you're incredible!" Fredia exclaimed with joy. He truly lived up to the man she admired.

Haha!

"Come on, this is my first time here too. Let's check out the villa first, then we can figure out what fun we'll have," Howard said with a chuckle, clearly pleased with the estate.

"This estate must have been built ages ago. It would take billions to purchase, especially here in Todmorden where land is gold. You'd need serious clout to get it, even with the cash!"

Mollie gave Howard a complex look. The better he seemed, the more uneasy she felt. Her bestie was just friends with Howard, but could she handle a man who was both patient and astute?

"Mollie, if you're worried, you're welcome to stay here too. I've got plenty of villas. Besides the main one, there are over a dozen others you can pick from."

Howard, catching the shifts in Mollie's expression, guessed her concerns and extended the invitation.

"You're offering to take care of me?" Mollie feigned shock, but inside, she was tempted by Howard's offer. After a brief pause, she sidled up to Fredia and asked, "Fredia, would you mind if I became your sister?"

What was she implying?

Fredia cocked her head, eyeing Mollie. She might play the cool, cute type, but she was no fool. Mollie's gaze held a hint of danger—she was after her younger friend!

"Exactly, I'll be the younger one," Mollie declared boldly, hands on her hips, radiating confidence that nearly dazzled Howard. This woman was audaciously fearless!

"Cut it out, no more jokes. That's not our style. Plus, I'm not his girlfriend yet. If you want to pursue him, go right ahead."

The sourness was so intense, it felt like her teeth might just soften and fall out.

Howard, playing the role of host, swiftly stepped in to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Okay, okay, let's all head over to the villa for a look. And Mollie, no more picking on Senior Sister, okay? She's delicate, like a snow rabbit—she won't hold up to your teasing!"

For some inexplicable reason, I felt a twinge of annoyance.

Mollie's lips quirked as she rubbed her belly. "Unknowingly, I've been force-fed another serving of PDA."