Chapter 167

Harvey declared confidently, "You just mentioned the new development zone. If it's not East Side, where else could it be? Let's turn on the TV and watch the news. I'm sure the media will be calling me, the biggest winner, for interviews any minute now!"

He lounged back, smugly self-satisfied. Leroy, eager as a puppy, rushed to turn on the television, and the Stevens family watched intently, brimming with excitement.

Someone muttered, "Wait... that doesn't look like the East Side!"

"It's not East Side. It looks more like West End."

"Yeah, it's definitely West End—that run-down area with all the cheap land. The city tried to sell it before, but no one was stupid enough to take it," another commented.

The Stevens family quickly realized their mistake. The payments being discussed on television were not for the East Side, but for the West End—the opposite side of town.

Cold sweat broke out on Harvey's forehead, though he tried to maintain his composure. "Ah, West End... I hadn't heard they were developing that area too. Don't worry, everyone. The big news usually comes later; they'll cover East Side after West End."

Irene sighed in relief. "That nearly gave me a heart attack. But you're right, Harvey. They'll announce our East Side payout any minute now."

"Come on, hurry up!" Leroy bounced impatiently. "I need my millions for my Bugatti!"

Christina remained silent, her clenched fists betraying her anxiety. Andrew glanced at them, fighting back laughter at their collective foolishness—especially Harvey, who remained stubbornly in denial.

Francesca, unlike Andrew, couldn't contain her giggle, already anticipating the Stevens family's profound disappointment.

The camera turned to Mark Thatcher, who was surrounded by Jayrodale officials. "Mr. Thatcher," the reporter asked, "why was West End chosen for the new development zone instead of areas like East Side or South City?"

"This decision was made after careful consideration of all factors," Mark explained. "West End has always been the city's priority for redevelopment."

Christina switched off the television, her mind a blank.

Leroy trembled with rage. Turning to Harvey, he shouted, "That money I gave you was everything I had! What the hell happened to East Side? How did it become West End? I want my money back right now!!!"

All pretense of respect vanished.

Chapter 167

Irene looked as if she might faint, struggling to contain her fury as she stared at Harvey. Her face crumpled as she fought back tears. She had invested every penny of her retirement savings, and now it was all gone.