Page 85 of My Damaged Protector

I have to get out of town, and I have to do it now.

“I'm leaving Glazer Ville,” I say to my aunt and her face goes white.

She's not going to be happy about this, but there's no way I'm letting her talk me out of it.

25

IAN

After an unsuccessful attempt todrown myself in alcohol, I drive myself to my aunt's estate. Well, now my estate, and this time, I am let in immediately at first glance.

I guess the news has traveled fast.

As I drive through the length of the property, I allow myself not to focus on how much my truck must stand out. It's old, beat up, and almost all the paint is chipped off, but it's mine, and I'll be damned if I feel ashamed about who I am.

More like who I was.

I've already received at least three messages from Christopher in the past hour. I have two emails from my aunt's bank and one email from the company's interim manager to officially welcome me.

I know the last email is more out of courtesy. Something done in a bid to not get on my bad side, but really, I don't care.

I have no plan to take over the company. I have no idea how to run a real estate company, so no way I am putting myself in a position that'll make me lose more money when I can just keep the guy in charge there and let him continue.

Maybe in the next couple of months, I can review his performance, and if it's not up to par, Christopher can help out.

It crosses my mind to invite him over for dinner tonight, but I'm not sure that's something he'd want.

If he used to be married to my aunt, then that means he lived here.

Is that why she wanted me to stay in her house? Because she can't bear someone who's not family staying there?

A sigh escapes me as I reach the front of the house and park the truck. I walk to the back of the house to find the flower pot where Christopher said I'd find the house key underneath. When I spot it, I lift it up and pick up the single key.

I walk back to the front of the house and insert the key and twist it to unlock the lock. When it clicks, I push it open and remain standing at the entrance as I investigate the house.

It's beautiful at first glance, that's all I can say.

The walls feature a mixture of rose and lilac wallpaper. It's a bit flowery, but it has an edge of appeal to it. An intriguing element.

My eyes go to the floor the moment my legs hit them. Mahogany.

Letting out a whistle, I go exploring the rest of the house.

The house has five bedrooms, one primary, one queen, both upstairs, and three guest rooms.

In each room is a well-equipped bathroom, seating sets, bed, wardrobe, and an exquisite choices of bed sheets and curtains.

By the time I'm done looking around, it's past noon, and there's a knock on the door.

I go to answer, wondering who's it could be. I'm not expecting anyone. No one knows I'm here. My heart is beating fast in my chest from curiosity by the time I open the door only to find three faces I've never seen before.

Who are they?

“Hello,” I say.

They all nod at me. Two females and a guy. One of the women is a bit older, and she's the one who speaks.

“Hello Mr. Peele, good afternoon. We are here to resume our duties at the house now that you're back.”

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