Chapter 4

In the reception area, Lily was slacking off, watching a show on her phone. When the elevator doors opened, she instinctively said, "Welcome to—"

That was when she saw me, as well as Gary and the security guard behind me.

"S-Soren? What are you doing back here?"

Her gaze fell on my flip-flops.

She continued, "Mr. Hurley said… said you're not allowed in the company…"

"I'm not here for the company."

I smiled, walked past the reception desk, and headed straight for the office area. "I'm here to inspect my property."

…

In the office, everyone was busy—or at least pretending to be busy.

Curtis was standing by the door of Peter's office, holding some files. He was eagerly nodding.

When he saw me, he was stunned for a moment, then started shouting, "Soren? You had the nerve to come back?

"Security! Where the hell is security? How could they let just anyone in?"

His yell drew everyone's attention over to us.

Upon hearing the commotion, Peter emerged from his office. When he saw how I was dressed, he was stunned at first, then let out a cold laugh.

"Well, well, if it isn't our top performer? You just left yesterday, and you're regretting it already? Seeing as you're dressed like that, did you just get back from begging on the streets?

"I'm telling you, it's too late! This company doesn't take trash!"

Peter walked up to me and looked down from above. "But if you're willing to kneel down, pick up the plaque, and clean it off, I might consider giving you a janitor position."

Laughter erupted from the surroundings.

Curtis immediately chimed in. "You're so merciful, Mr. Hurley! Soren, hurry up and thank Mr. Hurley for giving you a chance!"

I ignored their mockery and just turned to look at Gary behind me.

"Mr. Rhodes, the tenants on this floor seem a bit noisy," I said offhandedly.

Gary immediately stepped forward, his expression stern as he addressed Peter. "Mr. Hurley, please watch your language.

"This gentleman is the owner of this building, Mr. Soren Neal."

The entire office fell dead silent, and the expression on Peter's face froze.

"W-What?" He scratched his ear, thinking he'd misheard. "The owner? You're saying he's the owner?

"Gary, are you joking with me? He's just a lowly worker from my company! He's so poor that he can barely pay his rent!"

Gary looked at Peter coldly and took out a copy of the property ownership certificate.

"Mr. Neal owns the full property rights to this office building. I'm entrusted by Mr. Neal to handle leasing matters."

Peter snatched the document. His hands began trembling as he stared at the name and official signature on the paper.

It was real. It couldn't be fake.

His face instantly paled, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

Peter looked up at me. "This… This is impossible… Y-You're the landlord?"

I took a cigarette out of my pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag.

I then blew the smoke right into Peter's face.

"Nothing's impossible about this. I originally wanted to get along with all of you as an ordinary person, but all I got in return was coldness and humiliation.

"I'm done pretending. I'm a billionaire, and I'm laying my cards on the table."

I flicked the ash off my cigarette.

"I'm here to announce that, because the landlord is in a bad mood, the rent for this floor will increase tenfold starting next month. The lease also won't be renewed."

Peter stumbled back, almost losing his balance, especially when he heard that the lease wouldn't be renewed.