Wendy was very shocked. For a moment, she could barely stand.


    Despite his frustration, Zach was still worried about her asthma and overall health. He forced himself to rein in his temper and added, "I''ll cover the damages for the other residents-as long as you stop making a scene."


    "I..."


    Wendy opened her mouth but didn''t know what to say. She could only stare at Zach in stunned silence.


    She wanted to protest and say that she wasn''t being unreasonable, but she couldn''t find a valid reason to defend herself. She considered taking full responsibility to win back Zach''s favor, but the thought of the debt actuallynding on her shoulders terrified her.


    Unsure and conflicted, she could only retreat, her eyes red as she yed the victim.


    The property management team, eager to settle the matter, quickly stepped in.


    "We''ll distribute thepensation to each affected resident ordingly. Here''s a breakdown of the losses... Will you be paying in cash or card?"


    They had even brought out a POS machine, ready to process the payment on the spot.


    The other residents stared intently at the contract in the manager''s hand.


    Crestview Bay was prime real estate, with every square foot worth a fortune. With the smoke damage, repair costs, and other lossesbined, the total was nearly ten million dors.


    Zach gripped the pen, but his hand hovered over the paper, unmoving.


    This was a ten-million-dor bill. If his family found out... But if he didn''t pay, they would still find out anyway.


    After a moment of hesitation, Zach gritted his teeth and swiped his card to pay the


    sum.


    Soon, several million dors left his ount. It felt like his heart was bleeding. However, the other residents breathed a sigh of relief.


    The streamer was the first to leave, saying, "It''s fine as long as he''s willing to cover my penalty... I thought this gold digger could only grab some cash. I didn''t expect her to actually find a fool who''s willing to pay. Now, that''s entertainment."


    "Hmph! She''s selling herself just because she has a pretty face. At least I can earn my own money. I don''t have to stoop that low."


    The socialite who had just spoken dclosely behind, and the


    Wendy under their breath.


    other residents also mu


    Wendy''s face turned pale after hearing them gossiping about herself.


    Meanwhile, Hugh received a call from Chandler.


    "The charity g is in a few days.


    Mr. Foster Senior wanted it donen et


    properly and had the project


    He needs you toe bet


    and review it."


    When Neat personally arranged


    something, it was always urgentet


    Besides, it also happened to be the where he and Serena would


    2ounce their engagement.


    Hugh shot Serena a lingering nce.


    She had overheard the conversation, so she waved him off.


    "It''s fine here. I''ll grab a bite outside and head hometer. Don''t worry. Our penthouse didn''t suffer much damage."


    "Alright. Stay safe." Hugh nodded and turned to leave, but before he did, he


    reminded Serena to pick up Snuggy.


    Serena nodded, feeling a bit surprised.


    Hugh had given Snuggy a bath before and then he had wanted her to name it. It


    seemed like he had a soft spot for the cat.


    She looked away, intending to grab a meal at a nearby restaurant.


    Just as she took a step forward, Zach blocked her path.


    "Is there something else?"


    "If you haven''t eaten yet, let me treat you. Consider it an apology for Wendy''s mistakes today—to make amends to the victim."


    Zach''s eyes were bloodshot with anger.


    Snuggy? Our penthouse?


    It was as if, without him knowing, Serena and Hugh''s rtionship had taken a dramatic turn.


    Zach didn''t want to keep missing out, nor did he want to watch Serena and Hugh grow closer.