Chapter 152

Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Lucy White stretched lazily.

"Mom, let's go scout locations for the greenhouse today," she said, adjusting her mother's collar.

Grace White's eyes lit up. "Perfect timing. I've been researching some new plant varieties."

The mother-daughter pair drove to the suburbs and quickly found an ideal open plot.

"Plenty of sunlight here, and close to a water source." Lucy crouched to examine the soil between her fingers. "Good quality too."

She mentally calculated her plans—after building the greenhouse, she'd lease a mountain for a farmstay. Then she'd set up an energy-gathering array and move the whole family there.

"Lucy, what about this spot?" Grace pointed to the southeast corner.

Lucy took out her compass and smiled. "Excellent choice, Mom. The energy flow is optimal here."

After finalizing the location, she immediately called Bruce Wu.

"Mr. Wu, I need a favor."

A hearty laugh came through the phone. "No need for formalities, Master Lucy. Just say the word."

Ever since Lucy resolved the Wu family's crisis, Bruce had been eager to repay her.

"I need a professional team to build a greenhouse." She briefly explained her requirements.

"Consider it done!" Bruce thumped his chest audibly. "I'll make sure it's built to perfection!"

Before hanging up, Lucy casually asked, "How are the Parkers these days?"

Bruce chuckled darkly. "Oh, they're quite the spectacle now. Word got out about them stealing their in-laws' fortunes using metaphysical tricks. Every prominent family is demanding answers."

Lucy's lips curved slightly. "They brought this upon themselves."

"By the way, Mr. Wu," she changed subjects smoothly, "I'd like to lease a mountain for a farmstay. Any connections?"

Bruce caught her meaning immediately. "Leave it to me. I'll have an answer by tomorrow."

As night fell, Lucy worked alone in her study.

Her computer screen displayed drone footage—Liam Parker and Lily Green meeting secretly.

She picked up a brush and meticulously sketched Liam's face, down to the exact mole between his brows.

"Time to close the net," she murmured, tucking the portrait into a pre-made straw doll.

Dipping her fingers in a mixture of Hugo Shaw and Penelope Shaw's blood, she traced intricate sigils onto the doll.

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel suite...

Lily nestled against Liam's chest. "You've been distracted lately, darling."

Liam forced a smile. "Just tired from work."

As he leaned in for a kiss, a splitting headache struck.

"Ah!" He shoved Lily away, clutching his skull as he writhed on the bed.

Lily turned pale. "Liam! What's wrong?"

"My...head..." His eyes turned bloodshot as he smashed his forehead against the wall.

Miles away, Lucy slowly inserted a silver needle into the doll's temple.

"Break!"

With her quiet command, Liam suddenly spewed blood across Lily's face.

The terrified woman fumbled for her phone as Liam collapsed unconscious. Then she felt something vital draining from her body.

When Liam's eyes fluttered open, they held only cold disgust.

"I have business." He dressed hastily and stormed out.

Rain pelted the windshield as Liam stomped the accelerator. That ominous feeling demanded he return to the Parker estate immediately.

He blew through a red light.

SCREECH—

The black sedan collided head-on with a dump truck.

Lucy stood by her window, watching a meteor streak across the night sky.

"First," she whispered.