As Patricia approached the mansion, her eyes were immediately drawn to the grand garden that sprawled before her. Meticulously arranged and exquisitely tended, the lush greenery stretched across acres of land, captivating her with its enchanting beauty.

Her astonishment was evident as she took in the sight.

"Is this your house?" she asked in awe.

Derrick nodded with a smile.

"Yeah, I will show you around," he replied, gesturing for her to follow him.

As they strolled along the garden path, Patricia was enveloped in the delightful fragrance of fresh blooms and the gentle hum of nature. The garden seemed to stretch out endlessly, covering vast acres of land adorned with a myriad of colorful flowers, exotic plants, and majestic trees.

In the heart of the garden, a magnificent marble fountain commanded attention. At its center stood a statue of a Greek goddess, gracefully pouring water from a shell held aloft, the gentle cascade creating a soothing melody that harmonized with the tranquility of the surroundings.

Patricia's eyes sparkled with wonder as she took in the breathtaking array of flowers and plants, a sight unlike anything she had experienced in the forest.

Derrick couldn't help but smile at her reaction, finding joy in her genuine appreciation of the garden's beauty.

"Did you enjoy the garden?" he asked, watching her closely.

"Absolutely!" Patricia exclaimed. "It's like stepping into a paradise. And those roses! I've never seen so many colors in one place."

They wandered into a charming rose garden, where hundreds of roses bloomed in shades of pink, red, and white. The air was filled with their sweet fragrance, wrapping them in a delicate embrace of scent and color.

At one end of the garden, a maze of hedges and topiary formed intricate patterns, inviting exploration and adventure. Meanwhile, at the opposite end, a meticulously groomed lawn stretched out, adorned with vibrant flower beds that added splashes of color to the landscape.

A stunning pergola draped with cascading vines and blooming flowers offered a serene retreat, providing shade and a tranquil ambiance for relaxation amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Patricia was captivated by the splendor of the estate, momentarily lost in a reverie of longing for a life free from the struggles of poverty and hardship. However, she quickly snapped back to reality, questioning why the inspector had brought her to his home.

"You must be wondering why I brought you here!" he remarked, seemingly attuned to her thoughts.

Patricia couldn't help but wonder if he was reading her mind. The inspector chuckled and admitted, "Kind of," before gesturing toward the garden.

"This place isn't just a symbol of wealth and status," he explained. "It's a space for socializing and camaraderie, where guests can appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the company of friends and... loved ones.

Derrick's gaze shifted as he found himself momentarily captivated by Patricia's sky-blue eyes. Clearing his throat, he continued speaking.

"The garden is meticulously tended to, with gardeners dedicated to maintaining the health and vibrancy of the plants," he explained. "They work tirelessly to tend to the shrubs, trim the hedges, and prune the trees to create intricate shapes and designs. However, there is a shortage of employees...

Patricia caught on to Derrick's plan:

"Do you want me to work here as a gardener?" she inquired.

"Not just you," Derrick replied. "Your father used to be a gardener, correct? I want to recruit him and your mother as well. They must have considerable experience with plants and trees."

"But my father is..." Patricia began, her voice trailing off.

"Disabled, I know," Derrick interjected. "That's precisely why this job is perfect for him. He won't have to engage in strenuous labor, only tend to the young plants that require extra care."

Patricia expressed her concern, "It's impossible for him to commute to town every day. You know how far our house is!"

Derrick smiled reassuringly, "Who said he must come every day? Follow me."

Derrick led Patricia to a small house behind the mansion. Though modest compared to the grandeur of the mansion, it was spacious and luxurious in Patricia's eyes.

"If your father accepts, your whole family can live in this house," Derrick explained.

"All my family... here?" Patricia's voice trembled with uncertainty.

Derrick sensed her doubt and hesitancy, so he continued persuading her, "You know, there's a doctor's cabin nearby, and the school isn't far either. Your siblings can continue their education without transportation issues. Plus, with Patrick still in prison, you won't have to rush into town every morning to check on him. You'll be close by and reachable at any moment if anything happens."

Those words sparked a serious consideration in Patricia's mind. The offer was undeniably enticing.

Stepping inside the house, she felt a surge of conflicting emotions – excitement mingled with nervousness. The interior exuded warmth, with marble floors bathed in a soft glow of light. Fine paintings adorned the walls, complemented by intricate tapestries, while the air was perfumed with the scent of fresh flowers.

"Could we truly call this place home?" Patricia pondered. "It seems so comfortable. No more cramped sleeping arrangements. Father could access medical care whenever necessary, and Peter, Paul, and Parker could attend school regularly. But what about Patrick? Would he be willing to accept such an offer?"

"I don't believe Patrick would turn down an opportunity that benefits his family," Derrick interjected, offering his perspective."

Patricia took a step back, her expression reflecting confusion.

"Are you seriously reading my mind?" she questioned, half in jest.

"I wish I could," Derrick replied with a chuckle. "What do you say? Will you accept my offer?"

"I need to speak with my parents first, and I must find a way to talk to Patrick. This isn't a decision I can make alone," Patricia responded firmly.

"Understandable," Derrick acknowledged. "You can discuss it with your parents, but reaching Patrick might prove difficult."

"I can't decide without consulting him," Patricia insisted.

"Don't worry, leave that to me. I'll speak to him," Derrick assured her.

Patricia returned home, her mind consumed by Derrick's proposal. It appeared to be an ideal solution, meeting all her family's needs. Yet, thoughts of Patrick weighed heavily on her mind.

"I doubt Patrick would accept anything from the inspector. He doesn't trust him, and he certainly wouldn't want to live in his house," she reflected. "But Patrick is currently in prison, and we have no idea when the princess will release him. Perhaps moving to town temporarily until he returns would be the best course of action. Once he's back, we can resume our normal lives. That's the most prudent decision for my family's well-being."