Chapter 25: the new home

As they stepped out of the vehicles, Peter took on the role of tour guide, gesturing toward the residence with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to your new home, Smith. This villa was fully furnished less than a week ago. It was originally built as a reward for a high-performing family member, but after we signed our contract, I asked my father to transfer it to you instead. He didn’t object."

​They passed through the front gates, where the guards stood at attention. Though they appeared to be ordinary people rather than Chess Players, their immaculate posture and disciplined demeanor made it clear they had undergone rigorous specialized training.

​Wanting to give Smith a proper grand tour, Peter suggested walking through the estate rather than driving up the main driveway. Although Peter referred to the property as a "villa," it spanned nearly 5,000 square feet and resembled a lavish private mansion. Manicured gardens lined the path, leading to a central outdoor fountain that sprayed streams of water into the air.

​Passing a private parking area, Smith noticed three sleek vehicles. Peter pointed them out attentively. "I also requested a few cars for your personal use. The sedan is for everyday travel around the city."

​Though Peter described it as an "ordinary" car, its sleek lines and pristine finish betrayed its high cost. In this era, major cities maintained their own automotive manufacturing hubs, and the Brown family was no exception. While Smith recognized the vehicle as a top-tier model from the family’s own lines, he simply smiled and kept the observation to himself.

​"The second vehicle is a heavy-duty SUV, ideal for long-distance journeys or trips outside the city perimeter," Peter continued. "The third is a luxury limousine reserved for formal banquets and high-profile meetings. I’ve already assigned a professional driver who will be on call for you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."

​After strolling through the expansive front gardens, they approached the mansion’s entrance. Before they even reached the massive double doors, two uniformed doormen pulled them open. Inside, two tidy rows of staff stood ready to greet them. On the right, male servants wore perfectly tailored suits; on the left, female maids wore classic black-and-white uniforms.

​At the head of the receiving line stood an elderly man dressed in a distinct, refined suit complete with formal white gloves. His poised demeanor exuded the classic charm of a veteran head butler.

​"This is Harold," Peter introduced. "He is a senior butler who has served our family for many years. He is exceptionally skilled in estate management, so you can safely entrust the household to him for any request."

​Harold bowed deeply toward Smith. "It is my absolute honor to serve you, Master Smith."

​Startled by the formal bow from a man so much older than himself, Smith quickly composed himself. "Thank you, Harold. Please, carry on with your duties. I’ll let you know if I need anything."

​"Understood, Master," Harold replied smoothly, standing straight once more.

​As Peter and the representatives moved further down the main hallway, Harold took over the tour, gesturing gracefully toward the surrounding architecture.

​"Master, the mansion is divided into two primary levels," Harold explained. "The first floor houses the main living area, formal dining room, commercial kitchen, and twenty self-contained guest suites suitable for visitors or live-in staff."

​They stepped into the central grand hall, which mirrored the open design of a classic hall. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the soaring ceiling, illuminating the sprawling space.

​"As you can see, the main hall is extraordinarily spacious," Harold noted. "It can comfortably host large gatherings, private banquets, or social galas. The open layout overlooks the second-floor gallery above."

​Turning left, Harold led them toward the culinary wing. Through the doors of the commercial-grade kitchen, Smith spotted a team of at least five professional chefs quietly prepping ingredients.

​"Our kitchen is fully equipped with state-of-the-art modern appliances," Harold said. "The culinary staff is available around the clock to prepare any cuisine you desire."

​Adjacent to the kitchen was the formal dining room. At its center stood a long, polished wooden table surrounded by elegant chairs, designed to comfortably seat at least twenty guests with ample space for staff to serve.

​Next, Harold showed them down a quiet side corridor lined with private suites. "These are the main level guest rooms. Each suite is self-contained and fully furnished."

​Harold opened one of the doors to demonstrate. Even for a standard room, the accommodations were lavish. The room featured a kings bed, a comfortable lounge couch, a sleek executive desk, a flat screen television, a large wardrobe, and a private bathroom.

​"All twenty ground-floor suites follow this primary layout, though a few offer slightly larger floor plans," Harold noted before guiding them up the staircase to the second level.

​"The upper floor is reserved for your private residence," Harold explained as they reached the landing. "It contains the master bedroom, your private study, a quiet family lounge, an intimate dining room, and a state-of-the-art entertainment room."

​The second-floor dining area was smaller than the one downstairs, featuring an eight person setting designed for private meals. The nearby entertainment lounge was built like an elite modern arcade, equipped with the latest virtual reality setups, high-end gaming consoles, and immersive displays.

​Further down the hall, the private lounge offered a minimalist aesthetic centered around a deep U-shaped leather sofa facing a massive television screen.

​Finally, Harold opened the double doors to the master bedroom. The suite was tastefully decorated, dominated by a plush king-sized bed, a walk-in wardrobe, and a spa-style bathroom.

​"We didn’t want to purchase clothing without your exact measurements," Harold added politely. "Once you are settled, our tailors will take your sizing and fully stock your wardrobe with custom attire, shoes, and personal necessities."

​Harold then walked over to the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and slid them open, stepping onto a private balcony. Smith followed and looked out over the back estate.

​The view was breathtaking. A sparkling, resort-style swimming pool sat amidst a vast lawn of pristine green turf. Further out, a natural lake reflected the sky, accented by traditional Chinese pavilions floating above the water and vibrant, blooming flower gardens lining the banks. ℯℯ𝘭.

​Satisfied, Smith turned back to the butler. "To be honest, Harold, I’m extremely impressed with this place."

​Harold bowed respectfully. "Your satisfaction is my greatest reward, Master. Please call on me the moment you require anything."

​With the tour complete, Peter stepped forward holding a official property deed. "Now that you’ve seen the estate, all that’s left is your signature. This villa will belong to you permanently under your personal name. Even if our contract expires in the future and you decide not to renew your partnership, this property remains entirely yours."

​Smith looked at the document, immediately seeing through the strategic gesture. He knew this was a clever binding strategy masked as corporate generosity. By giving him a landmark estate within the heart of their private territory, the Brown family ensured that his name and rising reputation would remain permanently linked to their brand. Even if he eventually departed, they could always leverage his former residency for political and commercial prestige.

​Yet, Smith saw no reason to decline. Accepting a free luxury estate only strengthened his current position without placing any actual restrictions on his freedom.

​Without hesitation, Smith signed his name on the deed.

​Seeing Smith sign so decisively, the smile on Peter’s face grew far more genuine. Smith had undoubtedly spotted the underlying strategy, yet his willingness to sign proved he held no resentment toward the Browns’ calculated motives.

​With the paperwork finalized, the visiting representatives bowed one by one, offering their warmest congratulations before taking their leave.