Zhao Lun's words finally dispelled Penelope's concerns. As long as he wasn't involved, it didn't matter what happened to those unfortunate individuals; they were simply people that others found annoying, and out of sight meant out of mind.
The conversation shifted back to Maria's magical incident, recalling how, since the unfortunate events began, various individuals in the town who had been hostile towards her had also started experiencing their own misfortunes.
"This is truly an awe-inspiring ability, Maria. In the future, don't share it casually with others," Penelope advised.
"Thank you; my brother has already told me that aside from our family, I won't tell anyone else," Maria replied.
Penelope paused for a moment, surprised. "Family? You mean me?"
"Yes, you are my brother's girlfriend. If you marry him in the future, you'll be part of the family," Maria stated matter-of-factly.
Marry him? That was something Penelope had never considered! Wasn't that a bit too quick? She wanted to voice her thoughts but ultimately held back.
As the car continued onward, the atmosphere grew even more relaxed.
When the refreshing breeze turned into hot sunshine, they neared their destination.
Whoosh!—
The convertible made a soft sound as the roof slowly closed, shielding them from the scorching sun.
"Maria, don't stick your head out! Watch out for the trees by the roadside!" Angela warned, pulling Maria back.
The roadside greenery was well-maintained, and they occasionally passed by tall trees. If Maria were to lean out, she could easily get scratched by a branch. Although the branches were still a safe distance away, Angela and the others were vigilant, ensuring she didn't act recklessly.
Maria, though clever, was still a child, and her mischievous nature sometimes led her to make dangerous moves, so Angela and Nicole kept a close eye on her.
As they approached their destination, traffic increased, and they began to see more private vehicles on the road.
These cars were similar to the ones Zhao Lun had seen over the years, with a few new models occasionally appearing.
However, compared to their luxurious RV, these cars were nothing noteworthy. In terms of size, design, and quality, they were from a different era, with a significant gap in comparison.
Wherever their RV went, it turned heads. Car enthusiasts practically craned their necks out of their windows to admire the massive vehicle.
Unfortunately, on the road, they had little time to appreciate such a behemoth.
From her high vantage point, Maria mockingly made faces at the passing cars below, teasing the drivers.
Some of the onlookers, amused by her beauty, smiled and greeted her, whistling in admiration, while others, with shorter tempers, shouted angrily in response. Among them were some who behaved poorly, hurling insults and making lewd gestures.
Maria, witnessing their antics, didn't get angry. Instead, she reached into the car's compartment, pulled out a small slingshot, and loaded it with rubber bullets, promptly firing.
"Whoosh! Whoosh!—"
Two shots fired in quick succession.
"Thwack! Thwack!—"
She hit her targets.
"Ouch!—" The cries of pain echoed as the previously brash individuals received their just desserts. The rubber bullets struck their faces, where the flesh was softest, hitting every mark perfectly.
"Ha ha!—" Maria laughed triumphantly, brandishing her slingshot, silencing those who had previously been so bold. The pain from the rubber bullets was certainly no joke!
"Yikes!" Onlookers gasped, relieved they hadn't provoked the little troublemaker, realizing they could have faced the same fate.
Soon, no one dared to act foolishly anymore. They wisely kept their distance and adhered to traffic rules, driving toward the grand city ahead.
"Cowards!" Maria scoffed at the surrounding vehicles before she too grew bored, rolling up the windows to block out the now-blazing heat.
This was a small interlude. As they approached the international metropolis, the temperature continued to rise. The flow of cars on the road increased, and the air became thick with the scent of exhaust fumes, which was distinctly unpleasant.
"I didn't expect London to clear up from the fog."
At this time of year, London typically experienced frequent rainy weather, and sunny days like this were rare.
"This season is unpredictable; it might be overcast by afternoon."
"Really?"
As they discussed the weather, their vehicle veered off the main road, taking a less busy route. About twenty minutes later, they arrived in a picturesque upscale area, slowing down as they adhered to driving regulations while approaching a luxurious mansion.
"What a beautiful place! Are we going to stay here?" Penelope exclaimed.
This area was indeed stunning. Upon arriving, the noise levels dropped significantly.
The surroundings were lush with well-maintained vegetation. Amidst the bustling city, such a serene place felt exceptionally precious and beautiful, a rare find.
"Yes, we'll be staying here tonight," Zhao Lun confirmed, his gaze sweeping over the area with curiosity.
He knew this was his new home, having never visited before. It was his first time here, and he was intrigued by the place.
"Boss, this is our newly purchased villa. What do you think? Surprised?"
"Hmm, it's quite the surprise! Well done!"
The area was expansive, beautifully landscaped like a park, making it a wonderful spot. Most importantly, this splendid place was part of the mansion, meaning everything here belonged to him, allowing him to enjoy this treasure.
"However, the property taxes here are quite high each year."
"Taxes? That's no problem; we can afford it."
In the world of capital, the wealthy receive preferential treatment because they pay substantial taxes each year, which grants them various benefits.
While this mansion was fantastic, the taxes could be a burden. Generally, wealthy individuals who could afford such large estates often found themselves overwhelmed by the annual property taxes. However, for Zhao Lun and his group, this amount was insignificant; they could easily manage it.
At the entrance of the mansion stood a familiar figure—Aida.
"Hey! Aida!"
"How are you?"
"Aida! Long time no see!"
The occupants of the car greeted her from within, not yet exiting.
As the vehicle drew alongside her, it came to a halt, allowing her to get in before they drove straight into the mansion.