Instead, she was absolutely thrilled today.


    Just the thought of hitting the mallter and spending however she fancied had her buzzing with excitement. After leaving the police station, she immediately called Blossom.


    Blossom and the kids were already on their way to the mall, and they agreed to meet up at the main entrance. The n was to shop for clothes at the mall first and then hit the market for some holiday shopping. This year, Professor Folly and his wife couldn''t make it back from their archaeological dig abroad, leaving Blossom solo. It just so happened she''d be joining them for the New Year celebrations.


    Half an hourter, they all met up at the entrance of the mall. As soon as Blossom saw Elysia, she teased, "Look at you, all smiles. Hit the jackpot, did you?"


    "Yep! Big time! Today, I''m buying whatever I want, all on me!"


    Blossom looked skeptical, "Really rolling in it, huh?"


    Elysia shed her tinum card, "Please, call me Lady Moneybags!"


    "No way, some random guy gave that to you?"


    Elysia red at her, "Cut it out. For today, he''s not some random guy, he''s Mr. Bradford."


    As for whether he stays ''some random guy'' or bes ''Mr. Bradford'' permanently, that''ll depend on how he ys his cards. No dough, he''s just some dude; but with cash in hand, he''s Mr. Bradford!


    Blossom''s envy was almost tangible, "Lady Moneybags, I bow down to thee."


    "Yeah, yeah, got it, got it. Today, cling to me, and whatever you want, I''ll buy. Sky''s the limit!"


    After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the little ones came running over from the square.


    "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!"


    Their adorable voices immediately drew the attention of passersby. Being New Year''s Eve, the streets were bustling with folks out and about, getting theirst-minute shopping done. Hearing themotion, many turned to look towards Elysia. With a face blooming like a peach, she grinned from ear to ear, lovingly patting one and pinching another.


    "Don''t worry, he''ll definitely make it out today. Come on, mommy''s gonna buy you some new clothes."


    The kids, already confident that Tarquin would be fine, were over the moon. Off they went into the mall, with Lady Moneybags Elysia leading her little lords on a spending spree! Everywhere they went, they were the envy of all,


    "Good heavens, those little munchkins are too cute, I could kidnap them all!" "So adorable, I wonder what color of sack they''d prefer!" "Goodness, suddenly my life feels iplete, I need a munchkin!" "I need four!" "..."


    Elysia couldn''t have been prouder, wealthy, beautiful, with kids, and sans a man! To her friends, she was nothing short of royalty!


    After a morning of wild shopping, they were all exhausted yet exhrated. Having finished their spree, Elysia and the kids headed back to Future Community, while Blossom took a detour to her parents'' ce to hang up some holiday decorations. Uncertain about Tarquin''s release time, Elysia and the kids didn''t join Blossom.


    Once back at Future Community, Emmett was busy getting Elliot and Evan ready with makeup for the evening''s New Year''s Eve dinner. Elysia copsed onto the couch, pulling a ssic slouch. Watching the kids buzzing around full of energy, she couldn''t help but smile contentedly, though inwardly she joked about her own stamina: Man, I''m getting old, a day of shopping nearly did me in!


    Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be Tarquin, she quickly instructed the kids to stay in their rooms, doors closed, until they were fully dressed and ready. Then she went to answer, "Coming,ing, who is it?"


    No response. Elysia frowned. If it had been Tarquin, he would''ve answered by now. Instead of opening the door right away, Elysia peeped through the peephole. The sight of the person outside made her heart skip a beat, nearly screaming in shock, her expressionpletely changing!