"Claire, do you think I should just move out?"
Real estate in Cabinda was astronomically expensive, but the Hastings family was wealthy.
Buying an apartment wasn't an issue, and renting was even easier.
With a few years of school left, renting made sense, and if she stayed in Cabinda after graduation, she could buy.
"If you want to move, just do it. You don't vibe with your roommates anyway."
"Get out before the toxic environment drains you completely."
Claire's advice was entirely practical.
Priscilla used to be vibrant, but the constant friction with her roommates was taking a toll.
Though she studied at the library all day, she still had to sleep in the dorm.
If her roommates deliberately kept her awake, she was defenseless.
After all, the room wasn't solely hers, and complaining to the RA was useless.
"I think I'll look for places nearby."
Priscilla didn't care about the cost, only the environment.
Claire suggested she look into the Eastside Enclave.
Priscilla's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's brilliant! The security is tight, the grounds are gorgeous, and the neighbors are decent. I wonder if there are any open rentals."
"Or I could just buy a unit! If I don't stay after graduation, I can rent it out and build a nest egg."
"You should check if your parents will let you buy property here first," Claire advised gently.
Priscilla waved it off. "They already promised to buy me a place if I stay in Cabinda." "My cousin got the same deal."
"We both have the same budget. If it goes over, my parents will cover the difference, or I can take out a small mortgage."
The Hastings family treated their kids equally; there was no favoritism.
She and her cousin were the only ones in their generation.
Naturally, they were provided for.
"What's your budget?" Claire asked, genuinely curious.
"A million dollars," Priscilla grinned.
Priscilla knew Claire's maternal family was loaded, so this was pocket change to her.
"Honestly, it's just our trust fund for adulthood."
"We can use it for a house, a car, or a startup."
"Since I'm going to be a doctor, a house is the smartest move. At least I'll have my own space."
"And a steady commute."
Suddenly, Claire remembered a crucial detail. "Even if you have the cash you can buy property herë. without a Cabinda residency permit."
Priscilla's jaw dropped.
She had completely forgotten about the strict residency laws.
It wasn't about the money; it was about the paperwork.
"Wait, how did you get your apartment?"
"My residency is tied to my mom's she's a Cabinda local." Claire even worried about it; her
veľ
grandfather had arranged "dn't
transfer directly through Pandora.
Transferring to a major city was better than staying registered in a small town. Pandora hadn't fought it.
Whether Claire's paperwork was in The James Village or not, she was still the Clan Successor That unchangeable.
Was
Leaving the village registry just meant giving up a tiny rural stipend.
But Claire didn't care about the money anyway.
The clan elders had insisted on giving her the money regardless.