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CHAPTER

"Madam Elliot, the land will be yours.", a burly man standing beside Cecilia said.

She smiled at him and said, "Thank you, Mr. Nao."

"Though I'm curious for the sudden interest of Madam Elliot on Valley Garden."

Cecilia looked at him, unsure of how to reply so she simply shrugged and repeated what her niece told her, "Maybe I like the view."

Mr. Nao smiled and nodded his head, he scanned through the papers regarding the land of Valley Garden, he stopped frowning when he saw the name of Willow Elliot instead of the name of older woman.

"Willow Elliot.", he whispered but Cecilia heard him.

"Yes, it'll be a gift to my niece."

Mr. Nao nodded again in understanding, he had never seen Willow Elliot before, like others only her name was what known to the world. The daughter of the Elliot family was an unknown face, perfectly hidden all this time.

.......................

"Young Miss, Madam Elliot sent this."

Willow looked at the approaching figure of Secretary Paul through the door of her office, today he had an unusual glint in his eyes. She took the documents from him, and looked through the content, a conniving smile etched her lips.

"The land is finally yours, Young Miss. What shall be your next step?"

She leaned back on her chair, closing her her eyes she left a blissful sigh.

"A place filled with memories of your lover. The lover that your heart still yearns for. What would you do with the place?"

Understanding her meaning he simply answered, "Preserve it in it's present condition."

Opening her eyes, she looked at Secretary Paul, "The luscious green land of Valley Garden, requires some maintenance and some renovation, or...", her eyes glinted dangerously, as plan formed in her mind, "The Valley Garden will come to cease and a mall will stand instead."

Secretary Paul was surprised for a second, he didn't expect the Young Miss to take such decision. The Valley Garden was a beautiful place, an eye catching sight in their city. It would be pity if it will fall to such a fate but he wasn't going to question his Young Miss. For him, her orders were the ultimate command.

Looking at his hesitation, she smiled, "Spread the news, the whole city should be aware."

"Young Miss, wouldn't we face opposition from the public. The business might be hampered. The released of the Swan Edition is nearing too."

She chuckled at the concern of Secretary Paul and said in a serious note, "The rich women will be enough for the Swan Edition, they don't care much about nature. And nobody knows that I now own the Valley Garden."

"Alright, Young Miss, the words shall be spread.", he bowed and left.

After few hours of the announcement of the fate of Valley Garden, the news channel were already covering the news.

"Secretary Pual."

"Yes, Young Miss."

The two were watching the coverage of the news, the Valley Garden in focus.

"Closed the gates of Valley Garden, don't allow anyone to enter."

Secretary Paul bowed and started making arrangements. Her own phones were flooded with calls and messages of her Aunt, but she ignored it waiting for the right time.

...............

She stood infront of the big oak tree, the tree stood withstanding every emotions for 80 glorious years. A pair of kids running around the old tree, a melodious laugh mixing with the happy laughters of the kids surfaced in her mind. A woman dressed in a light blue dress chased them, animatedly making noises.

The warm eyes shining bright under the sunlight, as she catches the kids, the shrieks of the kids ringing through the air. She could still feel the warmth of her mother. The smile that gives her courage when the dark sky hovers over her.

The chatterings broke her out of her reverie, she looked at the surrounding. Several plans for the Valley Garden were laid out as her employees discussed intently. She didn't interfere leaving it to the experts, Valley Garden held memories for her too, that she don't intend to visit, the memories that led to self loathing.

"Young Miss.", Secretary Paul continued, "Young Master Jade has graced his presence."

She wasn't sure if it was suitable time to meet Nathaniel Jade, she was expecting his visit. But the Valley Garden had soured her mood.

"Let him in."

After a minute or so, confident, heavy strides approached her. It stopped few steps beside her.

"Miss Elliot.", a deep, velvety voice pronounced.

She turned and squinted at the male infront of her. A grey suit fitted his lean sturdy body, even though wearing a sunglass, she could feel his cold eyes directed to her, his pink lips in a firm line. His dark hair neat and short, styled slickly. His over 6 feet body stood tall in an imposing manner, in front of her 5 feet 8 inches.

"Greetings."

"Let me cut to the chase, Miss Elliot. I heard about the venture you planned for Valley Garden."

"And let me guess, you are one of the opposers of that venture?"

"I would like to offer you a deal for the Valley Garden."

"What do you offer?"

"Whatever you asked for."

She chuckled, "The amount of profit that my 'venture" will provide, I don't think you could offer that, Mr. Jade."

"Tell your numbers."

"Hmm.", she looked over his shoulder, her employees still discussing, she then saw Mr. Jade's Secretary who was standing behind him, was trying to crane his neck to spy on the plan discreetly, "Secretary Paul.", she motioned him with her eyes.

"I don't want money from you, Mr. Jade."

"Then what is it that you want?"

"You."

She could tell he was taken aback, even his Secretary had a surprised look as they both stared at her. She flatly blinked at him.

"What do you mean?", he asked cautiously.

"You want the Valley Garden?", she asked with a warm smile.

He didn't replied to her.

"I'll give it to you. You can have the whole Valley Garden.", she outstretched her right arm, gesturing to the area.

"But I have only one condition."

"What that would be, Miss Elliot?"

"Are you sure you could pay?", she knew the man would pay great amount to protect what he holds dear.

"Anything."

"I want the title of Mrs. Jade, your wife and you'll have the Valley Garden.", she smiled at him, "So let's get married, Mr. Jade."

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