Chapter 18 The New Owner of Emerald Peak Farm
The issue with the photos was quickly resolved.
"It was someone from Luna's side who secretly followed you and took the pictures while Randy was bothering you." Lawrence said.
Hazel wasn't surprised at all when she received Lawrence's call outside.
That day at the villa, Luna had clearly panicked the moment Hazel mentioned checking the surveillance footage.
Such a clumsy tactic, Hazel had guessed it right away.
"Yeah, I figured it had something to do with her." Hazel said.
Her voice was calm, and Lawrence was silent for a moment on the other end of the line. "Don't worry, I'll handle this for you."
Coincidentally, the company was currently dealing with some internal corruption and bribery issues, and some people were about to face the consequences.
"Okay, I trust you, honey." Hazel replied sweetly. She just needed Lawrence to know the truth.
If this caused any misunderstanding with Lawrence, it would hinder her plans, which wouldn't be worth it.
After hanging up, Hazel glanced at the scenery outside the car window, the trees on both sides quickly receding.
The lawyer had contacted her, and the two properties Gerald had transferred to her were now fully processed.
She planned to check out the Emerald Peak Farm first.
Lawrence had been going to the office early these past few days, and she didn't want to stay alone at the Johnson Mansion.
Who knew if she might run into Luna again.
Jason was driving in the front. Lawrence had assigned him to Hazel's side recently.
He was both her bodyguard and driver.
Emerald Peak was named after a forest of maple trees. In the fall, the entire mountain turned red, resembling a fairyland, making it a popular spot for people from Rosewood City to visit.
Gerald's farm was quite large, more like a resort than a farm.
It had hot springs, specialty restaurants, and a resort village.
Hazel entered the farm, carefully observing the surroundings. The staff, seeing her well-dressed and clearly wealthy, didn't neglect her.
"Miss, do you have a reservation?" One of the staff members approached and asked.
"Who's in charge here? Have them come see me." Hazel didn't waste any words.
The farm was now under her name, but this was her first visit.
She couldn't be sure if Gerald might do something out of spite, so she came to get a clear understanding of the place.
Seeing Hazel immediately asking for the person in charge, the staff member was slightly taken aback. "Do you have any business with our manager?"
The staff member's eyes showed some suspicion. Hazel coldly glanced over, "I told you to get them, just do it."
Her gentle tone carried a subtle pressure, making the staff member hesitant to meet her gaze. "Please wait a moment, I'll go get them."
With that, the staff member went inside.
Hazel and Jason waited outside for a few minutes before someone came out.
The person, dressed in a work uniform, stopped in front of Hazel, looking her up and down. "Are you looking for me?"
Glancing at the name tag on the person's chest, Hazel slightly smiled. "I'm Hazel, Gerald from the Johnson Family didn't tell you?"
The person was momentarily stunned, their expression changing. "You're Mrs. Johnson?"
Hazel didn't speak, just nodded.
"Emerald Peak Farm's new owner is Mrs. Johnson. Didn't Mr. Johnson inform you?" Jason stepped forward, his sharp gaze like a blade on the manager.
The manager wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly forced a smile. "Yes, Mr. Johnson mentioned it. He said the farm has been transferred to Mrs. Johnson. Please, come in."
Hazel didn't like being called Mrs. Johnson. This place was hers now. "Just call me Ms. Anderson from now on."
The manager nodded, assuming she didn't want too many people to know her identity. But he couldn't help but wonder if a woman like Hazel could manage the farm well.
The doubt flashed through his mind as he led Hazel to the office. "Ms. Anderson, we offer food, lodging, and entertainment here. Let me introduce you to the place."
After making tea for Hazel, the manager began to introduce the farm. But before he could start, Hazel casually mentioned the details of Emerald Peak Farm.
The manager was stunned, his mouth agape in surprise. "Ms. Anderson, you already know?"
Hazel nodded, "I've done my research. I want to hear about the deeper aspects, not just the surface."
If the manager was competent, he could continue managing the farm, and she could be the behind-the-scenes owner. Most of her focus would be on the fragrance company, and she wouldn't visit the farm often.
Seeing Hazel's composed yet sharp demeanor, the manager's initial disdain lessened. He immediately took her to see the farm's internal documents and accounts, giving Hazel a general understanding of the finances.
Hazel stayed at the farm until the afternoon before leaving.
On the way back, Hazel suddenly asked Jason, "Jason, what do you think of the farm here?"
Jason, driving, responded, "The environment is nice."
"And?" Hazel pressed, knowing he was a man of few words.
Jason thought for a few seconds, "The food is good too. Ms. Anderson, maybe you should talk to Mr. Johnson. He has many capable managers."
Hazel glanced at the rearview mirror and then smiled. "Jason, is it really okay for you to throw your boss under the bus like this?"
Jason's grip on the steering wheel tightened, "I'm not. I'm just giving a suggestion."
He had been with Hazel these past few days and had learned a bit about her temperament.
Hazel propped her chin on her hand, nodding. It was something to consider. She had just married into the Johnson Family, and Lawrence was the closest person to her now. As for her own people, she would have to cultivate them slowly.
"Are we heading straight back to the Johnson Mansion?" Jason asked, and Hazel nodded. By the time she got home, Lawrence should be off work.
Thinking of this, Hazel sent Lawrence a message, not expecting an immediate reply.
Hazel texted: [Honey, are you working late tonight?]
Lawrence replied: [No, are you back?]
Before Hazel could reply, Lawrence called. Answering the call, Hazel sweetly called Lawrence "honey," making Jason, who was driving, shiver and suspect he had goosebumps. He quickly raised the partition between the front and back seats, blocking out the sound.
Hazel silently gave Jason a thumbs up and told Lawrence about the Emerald Peak Farm.
"Tell me, what do you want me to do?" Lawrence immediately guessed Hazel's thoughts over the phone. Hazel didn't hide anything, sharing her concerns. She thought Lawrence might need to consider it, but he agreed right away. "I'll send someone to help manage the farm. If you can't handle the commercial street, I'll take care of that too."