Chapter 3 - The Arrogant Landlord
Julian sprinted into the lavish, marble-floored lobby of Vance Real Estate Holdings. He was gasping for air, his grey hoodie soaked in sweat, his heart pounding in his ears.
He rode the elevator to the top floor and burst into the corner office.
Sitting behind a massive mahogany desk was Richard Vance. He was a wealthy, arrogant man in his thirties, wearing a sharp, custom-tailored gray suit and a heavy gold watch. Richard was a man who inherited his empire, a man who despised the poor, and a man who took absolute pleasure in crushing vulnerable people.
Julian unzipped his black backpack with shaking hands. He pulled out the thick envelope of cash and slammed it onto Richard’s polished desk.
"I have it," Julian panted, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "It's all here. Fourteen hundred dollars."
Richard casually checked his gold watch. He didn't even look at the cash. He leaned back in his expensive leather chair and smiled a cold, malicious smile.
"You're fifteen minutes late, kid," Richard sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.
"I'm sorry, sir," Julian begged, his voice cracking with sheer desperation. "I was running as fast as I could! But a lady collapsed on the sidewalk. She was having a heart attack. I had to stay with her until the ambulance came! I couldn't leave her there to die!"
Richard let out a harsh, mocking laugh.
"A sick old lady?" Richard scoffed, rolling his eyes. "That is the most pathetic, unoriginal excuse I have ever heard. Did a dog eat your homework, too?"
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"I'm not lying!" Julian cried, tears spilling down his cheeks. "Please, Mr. Vance! My mom is sick! We need this apartment!"
👉 What ruthless action will the landlord take against the desperate 10-year-old?
