Rich People Problems-Kwan 2017 (WWT)

“I’ve heard that it’s one of the most elegant houses in Hong Kong,” Astrid said.
They stepped out of the car and entered a large courtyard dominated by a reflecting
pool. Here the walls of the main villa were made entirely of glass, allowing for a seamless
transition between the inside and outdoors. Entering the house, Astrid was once again
taken aback by the spectacular ocean views from every vantage point in the house.
In the great hall, an immense window perfectly framed a tiny island just beyond the
coastline, and stepping into the living room, a wall of windows opened onto the terrace,
where an infinity pool ran along the entire side of the house, its horizon line melding into
the South China Sea.
As Charlie came around the corner to greet them, Isabel graciously offered, “Charlie,
you’ve outdone yourself. You finally have your dream house by the sea.”
“I’m glad you approve, Izzie. We’re still quite a way from being done and we’ve just
received the first big pieces of furniture, but here, let me show you Chloe and Delphine’s
private wing.”
After giving Isabel a tour of her daughters’ rooms, the three of them entered the dining
room, where an immense vintage George Nakashima dining table had just been delivered.
Standing around the free-form structure that resembled an immense piece of driftwood,
Charlie looked at Astrid. “What do you think? Is it too Pacific Northwest?”
Astrid considered the piece for several moments. “I love it—it goes great under the
Lindsey Adelman chandelier.”
“Phew, I’m so relieved!” Charlie said with a chuckle.
Isabel stared up at the bronze light fixture that resembled blown-glass bubbles budding
from the stems of an intricate tree branch, saying nothing. In her former life as Mrs.
Charles Wu, she would have vetoed all of this, but now as the three of them headed for
the front door, she simply said, “I do think Chloe and Delphine will love it here.”
“Well, you will always be welcome,” Astrid said, her heart soaring that Isabel was being
so agreeable about everything. It had been such an unexpectedly lovely day. As they
stepped outside into the courtyard, Astrid’s phone pinged, and she saw four text messages
suddenly pop up:
LUDIVINE DOLAN: I went to pick up Cassian after school but found out that his father already got him.
….
FELICITY LEONG: WHERE ARE YOU? WHAT TIME YOU GETTING BACK TONIGHT? COME STRAIGHT TO
TYERSALL PK! SO MUCH HAPPENING WITH THE HOUSE! WE NEED YOU!
….
OLIVER T’SIEN: Aren’t you friends with Prince Alois of Liechtenstein? And that Poet Prince Fazza of Dubai? Can you
connect us? Call me, will explain.
….
LUDIVINE DOLAN: Just spoke to Mr. Teo and asked if he needed me to help with Cassian but he wants me to take the
rest of the day off. No idea what’s happening.
Astrid put her phone back into her purse, suddenly feeling a bit sick to her stomach.
Why the hell did she have to go back to Singapore?