Chapter 362: Browsing a House

Michael sat at the kitchen table, his laptop open in front of him. The remnants of breakfast—plates with crumbs of toast and a half-empty cup of coffee—sat to the side, forgotten as he focused on the screen. Bridget had gone to take a shower, leaving Michael with a few quiet moments to himself.

He clicked through a few emails, responding to the most urgent ones before his mind wandered to something he had been considering for a while. A new house. The penthouse was great, but with the success of his company and the way his life was evolving, he felt it was time for a change—a bigger space, a place that felt more permanent.

He opened a new tab and typed "luxury houses for sale in Manila" into the search bar. Within seconds, a list of properties appeared on the screen, each one more impressive than the last. Michael scrolled through the options.

One listing caught his eye: a house in Forbes Park, a gated community known for its affluent residents and high security. Michael clicked on the link, and a series of photos filled the screen. The house was massive, with a modern design that featured clean lines, large windows, and lush greenery surrounding it.

The description boasted of a private pool, a home theater, a gym, and a spacious garden—everything Michael could want in a home.

Forbes Park was one of the most exclusive areas in Manila, home to celebrities, business moguls, and diplomats. The thought of living there intrigued him. It would offer the privacy and security he needed, along with the prestige that came with such a location. Plus, it was close to the heart of the city, making it convenient for work and social engagements.

He clicked through the photos, imagining what it would be like to live there. The house was furnished with elegant, modern furniture that complemented the architecture. The kitchen was sleek and state-of-the-art, perfect for the kind of entertaining Michael envisioned. The living room had high ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling window that offered a breathtaking view of the garden and pool area.

There was even a cozy library with built-in bookshelves and a fireplace—a perfect spot for quiet evenings.

The master bedroom was another highlight. It was spacious, with a large balcony that overlooked the garden. The en-suite bathroom featured a marble bathtub, a rain shower, and double sinks. Everything about the house spoke of luxury and comfort, exactly what Michael was looking for.

"You're in luck," Clara said. "I can arrange a private viewing for you this afternoon. How does 3 PM sound?"

Michael glanced at the time. It was still early, and the timing worked perfectly. "3 PM sounds great. I'll be there."

"Excellent, Mr. Reyes. I'll send you the address and some additional details shortly. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person and showing you the property."

"Oh anyways, who is the nearest celebrity that I might bump into while living there?" Michael asked, half-joking but genuinely curious.

Clara laughed lightly on the other end of the line, clearly accustomed to such questions from potential buyers. "Forbes Park is home to many notable individuals. You might run into some high-profile business leaders, politicians, and a few well-known actors and actresses.

I believe the current residents include a couple of high-ranking government officials, as well as the CEO of one of the country's largest conglomerates. And if you're a fan of local cinema, there's a famous director who lives just a few houses down from the property you're interested in."

"Give me names please," Michael requested.

Clara hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing the confidentiality that comes with her profession. "Well, I can't give away all the details due to privacy concerns, but I can tell you that the famous boxer, Manny Pacquio, owns a house just two streets over. He's been living in Forbes Park for several years now.

There's also Senator Valdez, who's well known for his legislative work in the technology and business sectors. As for the entertainment industry, I'm sure you're familiar with the director Ramon de la Cruz, who's become a staple of Filipino cinema—his home is practically next door."

"Some familiar names huh? Very well, thank you, we will see you in the afternoon."