Chapter 13 She Got Rich!
After dinner, Hazel and Lawrence headed out together.
Jason had been assigned to follow Hazel, and they both got out of the car at a newly built commercial area.
"Mrs. Johnson, what brings you here?" Jason asked, puzzled.
Victory Square was a new commercial center with incomplete facilities. What was Hazel doing here?
"Just checking things out," Hazel replied casually.
In front of an office building, Hazel made a phone call and waited a few minutes. A man in a suit came running over.
"Are you Ms. Anderson? I'm Asher Wright. Sorry for the delay," he said, slightly out of breath.
Hazel shook her head. "No worries. Show me the office spaces we talked about yesterday."
The agent nodded and led Hazel and Jason into the building.
Jason followed, curious about Hazel's intentions but kept his thoughts to himself.
After viewing several spaces, Hazel finally decided on one and signed the contract before leaving.
"Are you going to tell Mr. Johnson about today?" Hazel asked Jason as they stepped outside.
Jason, who worked for Lawrence, was there to protect her but would surely report her activities to Lawrence.
"Even if I don't, Mr. Johnson will find out," Jason replied bluntly.
Hazel paused, realizing he had a point.
After wandering around the area, Hazel bought a bunch of things and deposited the money Jeremy and the others had given her into her card.
With the money Jeremy had given her, plus her savings over the years, she was quite well-off.
Jason, carrying all the bags, accompanied Hazel all morning, his face gradually turning grim.
Looking at Hazel, still full of energy, Jason felt faint.
'Shopping with a woman is the most exhausting thing in the world.' Jason thought.
When they returned to the Johnson Mansion home in the afternoon, Jason was laden with bags. They ran into Toby, who was momentarily stunned by the sight.
"Mrs. Johnson, if you want to shop, you can let me know. I can arrange for the stores to come to you," Toby offered.
Hazel shook her head. "No, thanks. I prefer shopping myself."
Seeing her insistence, Toby said no more and called two maids to help carry Hazel's purchases upstairs.
After organizing her things, Hazel sent a message to Kelly.
Victory Square was Kelly's recommendation, but since she was out of town, Hazel went to check it out first.
Kelly seemed busy and didn't reply immediately.
Hazel put down her phone to prepare a new fragrance. When she returned, she saw several voice messages from Kelly. After listening to them, she placed the fragrance in a glass cabinet.
She had forgotten to ask Lawrence about the fragrance's effectiveness.
She'd ask him for feedback when he got home to see if it needed improvement.
Just as she thought of this, Lawrence called. Hazel's eyes lit up as she answered.
"Uncle Gerald's big gift is on its way. Go to the first floor and wait. I'll send a lawyer over," Lawrence's deep, magnetic voice reminded Hazel of the matter.
"They're really sending it?" she asked, a bit surprised, thinking they were just bluffing.
She heard Lawrence chuckle on the other end. "They wouldn't dare not send it. It's all for you. Don't you want it?"
Hazel said, "Of course I do. Thanks, honey."
The Johnson Family was wealthy enough that even a small amount of their money could last an ordinary person a lifetime.
Especially since Lawrence had fought for it for her, she definitely wanted it.
"Alright, the lawyer will be there in ten minutes to help you," Lawrence's voice softened, seemingly pleased by Hazel's gratitude.
After hanging up, Hazel freshened up and went downstairs.
Lawrence had thought of everything. Setting aside emotions, he was indeed a competent husband.
Soon, the lawyer Lawrence mentioned arrived.
Gerald also sent their lawyer. Likely to avoid any further demands from Lawrence, they didn't show up themselves, and the transfer contracts were handled by the lawyers.
"Ms. Anderson, here are the transfer contracts for Emerald Peak Farm and Prosperity Boulevard. Please review them," the lawyer said, handing over the documents.
Hazel looked them over, had Lawrence's lawyer check them again, and signed once she was sure there were no tricks.
"Mrs. Johnson, I'll handle the follow-up procedures. Here's my card. Contact me if you need anything," Lawrence's lawyer instructed before leaving.
In the living room, Hazel held the contracts, feeling dazed.
She was suddenly wealthy!
The income from these properties would ensure she never had to worry about money, even if she divorced Lawrence.
Her phone dinged with a message from Lawrence. [Did you sign the contracts?]
Hazel beamed. [Yes, Mr. Johnson. Are these really mine? They won't be taken back, right?]
She added a playful emoji.
After a while, Lawrence replied. [Greedy. Once given, it won't be taken back. Such people are despised.]
A warm feeling filled Hazel's heart, making her a bit emotional.
She had married Lawrence to escape the Anderson family's control, essentially using him.
Yet, Lawrence still provided her with the material security a wife should have.
Even with his disability, Lawrence was still very charming.
Hazel texted: [Is there a dish you like? I'll make it for you.]
Hazel felt an urge to repay him but regretted it the moment she sent the message. Would it seem too opportunistic?
Lawrance replied: [Anything is fine.]
Hazel fell silent.
She shouldn't have asked.
Closing her eyes and then opening them, Hazel put away the contracts and went to the kitchen, where she found Ruby Powell preparing dinner. Ruby was surprised to hear Hazel wanted to cook for Lawrence.
"Is that not allowed?" Hazel asked.
Ruby quickly nodded, "Of course, Mrs. Johnson. What would you like to make?"
Hazel said, "Teach me what Lawrence likes to eat."
Ruby was delighted to hear Hazel wanted to cook for Lawrence.
She had worked for the Johnson Family for over a decade and had seen Mr. Johnson end up in a wheelchair after the car accident.
Now that he was married to Hazel, he had someone who cared for him. She was very pleased.
So, that afternoon, Ruby taught Hazel how to cook with extra care. By the time Lawrence was about to come home, Hazel had managed to make a few decent dishes.
The sound of a car horn outside signaled Lawrence's return.
Lawrence wheeled himself in, just as Hazel emerged from the kitchen, her hair tied back and wearing a pink apron.
Their eyes met, and Hazel paused before smiling. "You're back. Dinner's ready."