Chapter 4

"Didn't you say you were going to add my name to the deed?" Violet asked.

"It's too much of a hassle," I replied. "Besides, after we sell it, the money will still belong to both of us."

She froze. After a long pause, she grabbed her phone and said, "I-I should go inform the tenant…"

I didn't know what she told him, but I couldn't care less.

…

The next day, I received a call from an unknown number.

"Hello, is this Mr. Damian Richardson? My name is Howard Sutton. I'm the tenant of your apartment."

Holding my phone, I grinned.

They took the bait.

"Yes, I am. Is there something I can help you with?" I replied.

"I heard you're selling the apartment. I'm interested in taking it off your hands. Can we meet up and discuss this in person?"

How? Was he going to purchase the apartment with my money?

"Sure. Let's discuss this in person at the apartment."

"See you then."

I hung up and gave William a heads-up. Afterward, I called my mother-in-law, Gretchen Munson.

Gretchen was a stingy and talkative old woman.

"Hey, Gretchen. I'm planning to add Vi's name to the deed for the apartment this weekend. Would you be able to drop by?" I asked.

"That's wonderful! You're finally acting like a real man. It's about time you came to your senses," she replied.

She was right—I had finally come to my senses. It was time to put an end to all of this.

…

I arrived at Riverbank Residences an hour ahead of our scheduled meeting.

When William showed up, he handed me a large envelope containing everything I had prepared over the last few days.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Of course." I glanced at the top floor of the apartment building. "I had been ready a long time ago."

At the appointed time, I walked into the building and sent Violet a text.

"Riverbank Residences, Apartment 2401. Your mother is here as well."

"What's going on…?" her reply read.

"You'll find out when you get here."

Ten minutes later, I stood outside the unit and rang the doorbell.

A young man answered the door. When he saw me, he froze for a moment before breaking into a smile.

"Come on in," said Howard.

I stepped inside and looked around my apartment.

The entire place was covered in marble flooring and decorated with custom-made furniture.

Pictures of Howard and Violet were hanging on the walls. In every single frame, she smiled brightly as she leaned against his shoulders.

"What do you think?" Howard asked.

I nodded with a smile. "It looks great."

The front door abruptly swung open. Subsequently, Violet rushed in, looking out of breath.

When she caught sight of me sitting on the sofa, the color drained from her face.

"Y-You… How did you…" she stammered.

Howard wrapped an arm around her waist and chuckled.

"Relax, Vi. Damian is just here to talk about selling the apartment."

Violet looked as pale as a sheet. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say something, Gretchen had arrived.

"Wow, this place looks fantastic!" Gretchen exclaimed as soon as she walked in.

In the next moment, she caught sight of Violet and Howard, who had his arm wrapped around her waist.

Her expression immediately shifted.

"Who is this?" she asked.

"Mom!" Violet hurriedly pushed Howard away. "He's a colleague from work."

A colleague.

Gretchen glanced at me, but I didn't say a word.

The room fell into an awkward silence. But soon, William walked in.

"And you are?"

"He's my lawyer," I declared.

Violet froze. When she spoke again, her voice had become noticeably strained.

"W-What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.

I met her gaze calmly.

"What do you think?"

Panicking, she stepped forward and grabbed my arm.

"Cut it out, honey," she pleaded. "There are too many people here. Let's go home. I'll explain everything once we get home."

Then, she continued, "This is a private matter. Why would you bring a lawyer into this?"

I chuckled before slowly removing her hands from my arm.

"Are you finally starting to grow anxious? It's too late now," I declared. "I spent a long time putting this whole setup together for you. How can you walk away before it even starts?"

After a brief pause, I added, "The real confrontation is finally about to begin."