Stranger in His House

Avery was taken to Boulevard Villa—and the moment she stepped in, her jaw nearly dropped.

It was gorgeous.

The kind of luxury that didn’t just whisper money—it screamed it, with warmth. Unlike the usual cold, modern palaces she’d seen in magazines, this place actually felt like someone lived in it. Someone with taste. Expensive taste.

She was still taking it all in when she spotted the line of maids standing at attention, waiting to greet her. It was awkward, honestly. All this formality… for what? This wasn’t a wedding. There was no love here. Nothing to celebrate.

Still, she nodded politely.

The head maid stepped forward with a warm smile. “Miss Avery, welcome. I’m Mrs. Kimberly Bennett, chief of staff here—and the in-house chef.”

Avery smiled softly. “Can I just call you Aunt Kim?”

The woman chuckled. “Of course, dear. That sounds nicer.”

Lawrence had clearly called ahead. Aunt Kim had been told everything and was prepared—with staff, amenities, and enough domestic energy to handle a small royal court.

Aunt Kim led her upstairs to what she called the master’s bedroom—but Avery was not ready for how massive and beautiful it was. Deep coffee-brown and sleek black decor. Spacious. Minimal. Everything screamed masculine energy and control.

Not a hint of softness anywhere.

Aunt Kim gave her a quick rundown—where the controls were, what not to touch, the emergency call buttons—then stepped out, closing the door gently behind her.

Avery exhaled, turning slowly as she took in the room again. This was a far cry from her girlish pink-and-blue room back at the Sinclair house, with butterfly stickers and silly photo frames on the walls. She cringed a little. Yikes. What was I thinking?

After unpacking her things and organizing the wardrobe, she stretched with a yawn. That’s when it hit her.

She hadn’t eaten all day.

Her stomach let out a loud, unholy growl, and she actually flinched.

“Okay, okay,” she muttered to herself. “Food. Bath. Food.”

She stripped off her clothes, wrapped herself in one of the fluffy white towels, and headed to the bathroom—already picturing a steamy shower followed by something warm and savory.

The bathroom?

Insane.

Glass panels, spotless tiles, subtle lighting—everything was immaculate. Not a single smudge or streak. Even the folded towels looked like they belonged in a five-star hotel.

This man must be a clean freak. Like, scary-level clean freak.

Another stomach growl echoed through the room, making her sigh. She didn’t waste any more time.

---

Downstairs…

Evander’s luxury car pulled into the driveway and came to a smooth stop. He stepped out, tall and sharp, effortlessly radiating power in his suit and rolled-up sleeves.

He walked in—and immediately noticed something was off.

Too many maids.

And there was smell—something delicious wafting from the kitchen. Food? Real, actual homemade food?

He didn’t say a word. Didn’t ask. Just walked past like nothing surprised him, poured himself a drink at the side bar, and leaned against the counter.

Aunt Kim, pushing a cart loaded with what looked like a banquet, froze when she spotted him.

“Mr. Conrad—you’re back!” she said quickly. “Welcome!”

He gave a polite nod. “Hmm.”

Then, with a small frown, he glanced at the lineup of extra staff. “Why are there so many workers here? Has something happened?”

Aunt Kim’s smile turned nervous. “Oh, no! Nothing like that, sir. Your grandfather... he, uh... thought we could use extra help, so he sent over more staff from the old mansion.”

She laughed nervously. Not her best lie, and she knew it. But what else was she supposed to say?

Evander didn’t question it out loud, but the way his brow creased said he knew something was off.

Still, he let it slide.

He set down his now-empty glass and turned away, already heading upstairs to his room.

Here's some wallpapers for my wonderful readers.

Please like & comment 🥰

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***