Celestine’s fox–like eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.
Paula yanked her boyfriend Carr behind her, scoffing, “We’ve set our sights on this place. You probably just moved in a few days before us, and already half the furniture is worn out because of you! Either you move out and let us take over the lease for double the rent, or you give up the master bedroom and move into the guest room yourself.”
She really loved this apartment.
It was obvious the furniture here was top–notch.
And yet, this vixen had been enjoying it all to herself for so long.
Just thinking about it made her furious.
Celestine let out a cold laugh, staring at the woman who was acting like she owned the place. “You want to take over the lease? You mean, for five grand?”
“Who are you trying to rip off?” Paula snapped, pointing her finger at her. “Rent here is only five hundred a month! Even double is just a thousand! Careful, or I’ll report you to the landlord, and you’ll be out on the street in no time!”
Carr gave Celestine a lecherous once–over before pulling Paula back. “Hey, we’re all supposed to be roommates. Let’s keep things civil. If you want to stay, just give up the master bedroom. And since you’ve worn out the furniture, you can reimburse us for the damages.”
Paula chimed in, “And take all your junk out of the living room, those ugly paintings, and the pile of dead flowers on the balcony. I don’t care if you toss them or burn them, just get them out of the common areas! Don’t think you can take over the whole apartment.”
The two of them were perfectly in sync, as if they wanted to draw a big line down the middle of the apartment right then and there.
Celestine couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.
She caught Gideon’s eye, noting that even his usually composed, handsome face looked strained with anger.
Celestine tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to step back. She brushed past the two half–witted lovebirds and turned to the realtor.
“Anything you want to add?” she asked.
1/3
20:30
The agent just wanted to rent out the apartment as quickly as possible and claim. the ten–thousand–dollar commission from the owner.
He tried to mediate: “Miss, you’ve lived here a long time, so I get that you’re attached to the place. But their requests aren’t unreasonable, and your five grand is outrageous. If you really won’t compromise, I wouldn’t mind helping the owner find new tenants.”
Great, another dimwit.
“Are you finished?” Celestine’s gaze swept coldly over the three of them.
The couple smirked, clearly feeling triumphant.
The agent’s face stayed blank.
“Alright then.” Celestine’s lips curled into a smile. “Let’s settle up, shall we?”
Her eyes drifted from the three nauseating faces to the interior of the apartment.
“The broken door lock? That’s three thousand.
The stained carpet? Twenty thousand.
The fruit and snacks you ate? Two thousand.
The cups you used? That’ll be a hundred thousand.
The damaged and disorganized furniture, plus cleaning fees–let’s call that fifty grand.”
Celestine listed each item, tallying up all the losses in the room.
The three of them went pale.
“You crazy witch! What nonsense is this? These are shared items! And a hundred grand for cups? Why not just rob us?!” Paula shrieked.
“There’s nothing left to discuss! Call the landlord right now and have her thrown
out!” Carr barked.
The agent’s face hardened/voice full of threat. “Miss, this is extortion. You know we can call the police, right?”
Celestine’s smile didn’t waver. “Sorry, I’m the owner. And if you want to talk about police, maybe we should discuss trespassing. Let’s see how the cops would handle that.”
The words hung in the air, and the room seemed to freeze.
213
20:30
Chapter 241
The realtor shot Celestine a suspicious look. “What’s your name?”
“Celestine.”
He hurriedly dialed the landlord’s number.
Paula sneered, “You? The owner? As if you could afford a place like this! Keep playing pretend–I can’t wait for the real landlord to show up and kick
Celestine just smiled, saying nothing.
you out!”
When the agent finished his call and turned back, his face had completely changed.
