Chapter 145: The Diamond Haven The transition from the chaotic scene of mass housing to the more private and exclusive estate was like moving from one world to another.
As their car left the tumultuous surroundings behind and ventured onto a private road, the change in scenery became increasingly apparent.
Xin, Xiaxia, and Evelyn sat in the car, their faces reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and worry as the landscape transformed around them.
Xiaxia muttered in a daze, "I had no idea there was a private road like this."
Michael offered an answer. "It’s a privilege I have due to my position and connections. This road isn’t accessible to the public, and it offers a more direct route to Area 0."
Xin wasn’t surprised at all.
The rich would have the kind of convenience that money could buy.
What’s the point of money if they can’t buy convenience, right?
. The drive continued, and the minutes passed in serene silence. With no traffic to contend with, they made swift progress along the exclusive road.
The lush trees that lined the pathway offered a stark contrast to the scenes of chaos and destruction they had left behind.
As the car continued to navigate the winding road, Xin couldn’t help but be captivated by the transformation. The atmosphere became increasingly tranquil, and the air seemed to grow fresher with every passing mile.
Finally, after a short thirty-minute drive that felt like a journey to another world, they arrived in Area 0.
It was a residential area that exuded luxury and exclusivity. The streets were immaculately maintained, and the houses were nothing short of grandiose.
Xiaxia couldn’t hide her amazement as she looked around. "This is incredible. I never imagined we’d end up in a place like this."
Evelyn was more used to it because of her job with Michael, while Xin was more reserved with his words and emotions.
"It’s a sanctuary of privacy and security. You and the kids will be safe here," Michael said.
Xin knew that Michael was working hard to please them, and he was thankful at him for all the help he gave them.
The car pulled up to an impressive, gated entrance that was manned by a security team.
After a brief exchange with the guards, they were allowed entry, and the gates swung open with a smooth, silent grace.
As they drove deeper into Area 0, they marveled at the pristine streets, the well-tended gardens, and the stunning architecture of the residences.
It was a world of opulence and privilege, a stark contrast to the chaos they had experienced earlier in the night.
The car continued through the exclusive residential area of Area 0. The surroundings grew even more magnificent.
The houses became grander, the lawns more meticulously landscaped, and the overall sense of affluence more pronounced.
The journey culminated at a building of breathtaking architecture, towering over the rest of the residences in its lavishness.
Xiaxia and Evelyn exchanged wide-eyed glances as they pulled up to the entrance of the magnificent structure.
The Diamond Palace, as it was aptly named, stood as a testament to extravagance. Its pristine exterior shimmered in the soft glow of the building’s well-placed lighting.
As they stepped out of the car, Michael gestured for them to follow him into the lobby of the Diamond Palace.
The interior was no less stunning than the exterior, adorned with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings that exuded elegance and sophistication.
Xiaxia couldn’t help but murmur in amazement as he took in the surroundings. "This place is incredible."
Xin gave her the briefest of glances. "Try not to appear so happy that our unit got burned down."
Xiaxia’s smile fell, and she knocked Xin’s head with her knuckles. "What’s wrong with admiring a beautiful place? And who’s happy? My phone and headgear are in there."
Xiaxia’s face turned depressed. "Now, what am I going to do? My phone contained years and years of culminated images and videos. My life is practically in there."
". . ." Xin didn’t comment. His headgear and phone were also lift behind in the fire.
"You don’t have to worry about your things," Michael assured them. "I’m sure my men would have retrieved them by now. The important thing is, you’re all safe."
"I . . . I guess so . . ." Xiaxia muttered under her breath.
Michael then led them to a private elevator, and as they ascended, Xiaxia couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer.
"Is it really alright for us to stay here?"
Michael turned to her with a small smile. "Of course."
Michael pushed the button to the penthouse, and Xiaxia and Evelyn’s eyes widened.
"The penthouse?" both of them asked at the same time.
"Sir, is it really alright to stay in that room?" Evelyn was beginning to get worried. She was expecting a normal unit, but she would have known better.
Michael faced them and, with a casual voice, said, "You don’t have to worry about anything. I own the place."
Xiaxia’s eyes popped. "Y-you . . . you own this entire building?"
Michael only nodded.
Of course, you do. Xin mused to himself with the lack of better words to describe the situation.
When the elevator doors opened on the penthouse floor, Xin, Xiaxia, and Evelyn stepped into a world of luxury that exceeded their wildest expectations.
The penthouse was a sprawling expanse of modern design and lavish furnishings, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Evelyn was nearly speechless as she took in the surroundings. "This . . . this is too much, boss."
Michael waved off her concerns. "Nonsense. Consider it a temporary haven while things get sorted out. You and the kids deserve the best."
While Evelyn and Xiaxia eagerly explored their luxurious surroundings, Xin maintained an impassive, stony expression.
He couldn’t believe the hints and suggestive words Michael had been dropping, and he found it baffling that Evelyn and Xiaxia appeared completely oblivious to them.
Inwardly, Xin couldn’t blame them for their lack of suspicion. The idea of someone like Michael Fey harboring romantic feelings for his mother seemed too far-fetched, like something out of a fairy tale or a romance novel.
Both Evelyn and Xiaxia, instead of overthinking Michael’s words and actions, simply dismissed them as gestures of kindness from a generous and caring boss.
It was easier to accept this narrative than to entertain the notion of a romantic interest from someone as wealthy and influential as Michael Fey.