"A bit of character?" Francis paused, clearly displeased, and his tone quickly turned sharp. "Listen—if you don't understand something, don't go throwing opinions around.

"The Phelans are the pinnacle of prestige in Gabo Creek. And this estate you're looking at? Do you have any idea how far back it goes? During The Solarian Period, it was the residence of a high-ranking statesman!"

His words dripped with pride as though he was speaking of sacred history.

Andrew replied casually, "The renovation and design definitely have that classic charm. But the layout feels a bit unbalanced, geomancy-wise. And the gardens? A little too flashy, too much Valemonian style. It's missing that Holtrien grace—that quiet, dignified simplicity. It just doesn't flow."

Francis' face darkened. He had not expected Andrew to double down—much less critique his work directly.

The idea of a kid from Jayrodale thinking he knew anything about geomancy or landscape design was laughable.

Francis snapped, "