Chapter 12: The Sister, The Resort, and The Man Who Owned Both

Unaware that his “small goal” had completely shattered Brandon Hale’s spirit, Ethan continued the exhausting task of collecting rent.

If he had known how badly it hit Brandon, Ethan would have simply apologized and raised his small goal to ten billion.

Twenty minutes later, Ethan returned to his Koenigsegg carrying another heavy bag of cash.

“Collecting rent is seriously a workout. I don’t know how Victoria manages it — she has to handle ten buildings,” Ethan sighed.

It had been a long day, so he decided to treat himself.

His plan? A big bowl of braised beef noodles, plus an Australian lobster, a whole king crab, and a dozen abalone on the side.

That evening, while Ethan was enjoying his upgraded instant noodles, he suddenly heard a knock at the door.

Not many people knew where he lived.

When he opened the door, he was surprised — it was his stunning next-door neighbor.

Unlike her usual sharp, professional look, Victoria Lang was wearing an elegant purple evening dress that gave her a noble, graceful air.

“Hello, have you seen Baby?” Victoria asked anxiously.

Baby?

Did his gorgeous neighbor already have a child?

Noticing Ethan’s confused expression, she quickly clarified:

“Baby is one of my Ragdoll cats.”

Living alone in a massive villa, Victoria often felt lonely, so she kept two Ragdoll cats — Baby and Beibei.

Just moments ago, the mischievous Baby had slipped out and apparently wandered into Ethan’s property.

“I haven’t seen it — what’s going on?”

After Victoria explained, the two of them searched together and eventually found Baby hiding in the backyard.

“Baby, come here,” Victoria called gently as she approached.

“Meow...”

Baby had no interest in being caught and darted away.

Ethan watched the scene, then stepped in.

“What a beautiful cat,” he remarked. It was his first time seeing a Ragdoll up close — it looked like a fluffy white fairy.

While Victoria distracted Baby, Ethan smoothly scooped the cat up.

Once in Ethan’s arms, the previously naughty Baby instantly became calm and docile.

“Huh? It calmed down right away?” Victoria was amazed. Baby was always a handful with her.

“Maybe good looks attract good looks,” Ethan joked as he handed Baby over.

The moment Baby was back in Victoria’s arms, it started acting playful again.

“Meow ... Meow...”

“You naughty girl. Why can’t you be as well-behaved as Beibei?” Victoria pretended to scold her.

Baby struggled even harder.

“Thank you so much,” Victoria said sincerely.

Worried Baby might escape again, she chatted with Ethan briefly before heading back.

But to Ethan’s surprise, ten minutes later he heard soft meowing.

“Meow ... meow...”

Baby had jumped through the open window and curled up comfortably beside him on the couch.

Another knock came at the door.

It was Victoria again.

Seeing Baby lounging on Ethan’s sofa like she owned the place, Victoria was speechless.

Was someone else’s house really that much better?

“Never mind. Why don’t we let her stay here tonight and see how it goes tomorrow?” Ethan suggested, noticing her helplessness.

“Will she bother you?” Victoria asked softly.

“It’s fine. I live alone too, so it’s no problem,” Ethan replied. The villa was huge — one extra cat wouldn’t make a difference.

“Alright, thank you.”

After half an hour of trying (and failing) to lecture Baby, Victoria reluctantly left.