Chapter 216 - 214: Public Disclosure

As the Lunar New Year approached, heavy snow fell over Lorcain. The property management at Hearthstone Villas began decorating the community and even prepared exquisite gifts for all the homeowners.

The city’s main roads were also hung with Chinese knots and red lanterns, filling the air with the festive atmosphere of the approaching Spring Festival.

And yet, the atmosphere in the Lane family’s home was somber.

Mrs. Lane had been in tears for days. The closer it got to New Year’s Eve, the more miserable and melancholic she grew. She could barely eat or drink, all because her son had gone abroad before the new year.

Tonight, once again, she put down her chopsticks after only a couple of bites.

The end of the year was a busy time for the Lane Group, and Walter Lane was already exhausted when he came home each day. He really couldn’t bear to face his wife’s sorrowful expression anymore.

’It’s been days. Are we really going to spend the whole new year’s holiday with her crying into her food?’

"That’s enough. Stop sighing," Walter Lane said, his patience worn thin and his face clouded with displeasure. "Our son went abroad. He didn’t die. What’s with all this?"

It would have been better if he hadn’t said anything. At the mention of their son, Mrs. Lane immediately started wiping her tears. "And isn’t it all your fault? Even if he had to go abroad, did you have to be in such a rush? Couldn’t you have waited to send him off until after the new year?"

"The new year is just around the corner. The thought of Shawn celebrating the holidays all by himself abroad... my heart just aches terribly."

Walter Lane sighed. "Was I the one who insisted on sending him away? Wasn’t it his own decision? In the state he was in, staying in Lorcain would only have made him more miserable. A new environment will help him get back on his feet sooner. Besides, I’ve already talked to Bowman. He’s going to invite Shawn to his home for the holiday, so he won’t be alone."

As he spoke, he pulled out a couple of tissues and handed them to his wife. "You know, you spoil him too much. That’s why he’s become so fragile, completely unable to handle any hardship. Let him be on his own abroad to temper his character. My son, Walter Lane’s son, is no weakling."

"Once he’s in better spirits, you can go visit him if you miss him. It’s just a plane ticket away, isn’t it?"

"You’re really okay with him being all alone?" Mrs. Lane chided her husband, her anger still simmering. "He’s so far away. What are we going to do if something happens to him?"

"He’s twenty years old. It’s time he learned to be independent. How else is he supposed to take over my position someday?"

Seeing he couldn’t get through to his wife, and knowing she was still reeling from their son’s sudden departure and needed time to come to terms with it, he decided not to press the issue.

Just as he was about to stand up, his phone, which he’d placed to one side, suddenly rang. Walter Lane visibly froze for a moment when he saw the caller ID, then quickly answered it.

It was a call from an employee at the Land Administration Bureau.

"Chairman Lane? This is Marshall from the Land Administration Bureau."

"Hello, Marshall. Has the public information been released?"

Walter Lane had been stewing for three months over who exactly had outbid the Lane Group for that plot of land. Now, the time had come. The buyer’s request for anonymity had expired, and their identity was about to be released to the public.

"That’s right. I wanted to call and give you the news right away."

"Who’s the buyer?"

"The buyer’s name is... Cecilia Sterling."

"What did you say the name was?"

Walter Lane was so startled that his voice rose instinctively, causing Mrs. Lane to look over in surprise.

"Cecilia Sterling."

In that instant, goosebumps erupted on the back of Walter Lane’s neck and shot straight up to the crown of his head.

’Cecilia Sterling?’

’How could it possibly be Cecilia Sterling?’

’Impossible. It has to be a coincidence—someone with the same name.’

"Marshall, do you have any more detailed information?"

"Ah, no, that’s all. Disclosing the landowner’s identity to the public is purely for oversight purposes. The only information made available is the name. We don’t have the authority to view any more detailed information ourselves."

Walter Lane quickly regained his composure, thanked Marshall, and hung up.

"What is it?" Mrs. Lane asked, leaning forward with concern when she saw his grave expression.

Walter Lane let out a soft sigh but didn’t explain. ’She’s just a wealthy socialite; she doesn’t understand business matters. Plus, she’s impulsive and hot-headed. If she heard this was related to Cecilia Sterling, she would probably do something rash again.’

’The main problem is, even I’m not sure if this Cecilia Sterling is really my son’s ex-girlfriend.’

’If it really is her, then this whole situation is just too theatrical.’

「That day」

At Genesis Fashion Park in the Sunstone District, Cecilia Sterling didn’t drive her Cullinan into the underground garage. Instead, she parked in an empty space on the side of the road across from it.

This was Cecilia Sterling’s first time setting foot on the property since she had won the auction. A casual glance revealed several mid-rise office buildings within the park. The wear and tear of the years was evident, and the buildings had a retro aesthetic that felt out of step with the current era—all outdated architectural styles.

But there was no denying its excellent location in the very heart of the Sunstone District. While the district couldn’t yet compare to Lorcain’s other core metropolitan areas, Cecilia knew the government would soon prioritize it for major development.

’The value of this land will be realized very soon!’

Inside the property management office of Genesis Park, Cecilia Sterling, wrapped in a heavy coat and carrying her purse, pushed open the door. A blast of heat washed over her; the heating was on full blast. Despite this, only a few employees were present in the entire office.

However, the ones who were there all had their heads down, looking diligent and busy.

"Hello, miss. Are you looking for someone, or are you here for business?"

A staff member from reception came forward to ask.

Cecilia Sterling glanced at the man and stated calmly, "I’m looking for your manager."

"Manager?" the young man repeated, taken aback. "Which manager are you looking for?"

"The one in charge."

As she spoke, Cecilia Sterling had already walked over to a guest sofa and taken a seat. Seeing this, the employee hurriedly said, "I’m sorry, miss, but the general manager isn’t here."

Cecilia didn’t press the matter, simply nodding. "That’s fine. In that case, who’s in charge at the moment?"

The young man studied Cecilia for a moment. Although he was still unclear about her intentions, she was young and didn’t seem like she was there to cause trouble. He asked her to wait, then turned to find someone.

A moment later, a middle-aged woman in a professional suit approached Cecilia. "Hello, miss. How can I help you?"

Cecilia looked up at the woman and noted the name on her badge: Elvira Underwood.

"Hello. I’m the new owner of Genesis Park," Cecilia said, getting straight to the point. "Which makes me your new boss."

’Her name had been publicly disclosed, so the park’s management must already be aware of it.’

"Y-You’re Miss Cecilia Sterling?"

Cecilia offered a small smile and nodded.

Elvira Underwood’s expression was a mixture of shock and delight. "Oh my goodness, you’re finally here!" she exclaimed. "We all knew the park had been sold at auction and have been waiting for the new owner to arrive and give us our instructions. I can’t believe it’s already been three months, and you’re only just showing up now!"