Chapter 4Using My Card to Pamper Her Old Flame

I then called the local police station.

"Hello, I'd like to report an incident. Someone changed the locks on a residence under my name and illegally entered it without my permission while I was away. Yes, I have the original copy of the property deed."

After I hung up, my phone buzzed with a text from Winona.

"Ansel, get back here before 8:00 pm tonight and make a toast to Cade as an apology. While you're at it, bring the property deed so we can add my name to the title tomorrow. Otherwise, don't even think about setting foot through that door for the rest of your life."

I read the ultimatum and took a screenshot of it.

At 7:50 pm, I stood in the lobby of Willow Creek Residences. Behind me were two uniformed police officers and Ethan, who had his toolbox with him.

I checked the time on my phone. At 8:00 pm sharp, I led the officers toward the apartment I'd bought with my own money.

From behind the door of Apartment 1201, blaring music and raucous laughter spilled out.

Even from outside, I could make out Prudence's shrill voice. "Winnie, this place is amazing! Over two thousand square feet of open space, and the decor is gorgeous! A cheapskate like Ansel never deserved you! Cade's so much better! He's so handsome and thoughtful."

Winona's smug voice followed. "Eat and drink to your heart's content, everyone! Feel free to open any bottle of wine in the cabinet. From now on, this is Cade's and my home, so drop by any time you like!"

Caeden put on a show of modesty, but he couldn't hide the pride in his voice. "Winnie is too kind. Though the place may not be huge, as long as everyone is happy, this can be our hangout spot from now on."

Outside, the two police officers exchanged a glance and frowned. "Mr. Leyland, who exactly are these people inside?" the lead officer, Mason Gilmour, asked.

"Trespassers," I replied calmly.

The laughter inside continued.

Prudence asked, "Winnie, is Ansel really not coming back? He's the one who bought this place, after all."

Winona let out a derisive snort, her voice loud enough to carry through the security door. "Him? I know that coward better than anyone."

She checked the time. "It's 8:00 pm now. Just watch—Ansel will come crawling back with the property deed any second, begging to come back. If he doesn't get on his knees and apologize to Cade, I absolutely won't be letting him through that door tonight!"

The words had barely left her mouth before I raised my hand and rang the doorbell.

The noise inside went dead for a second, then erupted into a wave of laughter.

"See? What did I just say?" Winona exclaimed, her voice dripping with triumph. "Dogs always know who their owner is. I'll get the door. Have your phones ready, everyone! I want to capture the moment he comes crawling back to me!"

The click of heels sounded behind the door, followed by the turn of the lock.

Winona yanked the door open with her chin held high, her face full of arrogance. "Ansel, you finally—"

Then, her voice died in her throat. The smug grin froze on her face, replaced by sheer terror.