The Freeloader Calls Me the Leech

He'd also deliberately highlighted the false impression that I was the one being taken in.I subconsciously clenched my fists.It was true that both Rita and I lived here, but this villa belonged to me. After their unexpected passing, they'd left me this villa and enough assets to ensure I'd never have to worry about money for the rest of my life.In fact, it was Rita's parents—my aunt and uncle—who'd suggested she come live with me in the big city. Partly it was so I wouldn't be lonely, and partly because they wanted her to have better opportunities here.I'd agreed to let her move in because of our decades-long family ties. So, how was it that now, after she'd gotten a boyfriend, I'd gone from being the homeowner to some pretty boy she'd taken in?But considering it was Benny's first visit, I decided to spare Rita the embarrassment and didn't say anything.Dinner that night was exceptionally stifling.Benny seemed to realize that Rita truly valued me, so he began trying to mak

As I listened to Jack's rant, the frustration that had been building inside me began to ease a little."Forget it. It's not like he's going to stick around anyway. Rita finally found someone, so let her have her moment. I'll just keep my distance from now on," I said to comfort Jack, but maybe I was also trying to convince myself.Jack was still fired up. "You can't just let it slide. Next time he dares to act up on your turf, shove the property deed right in his face. Let him know who the real owner is."Easy for him to say. But in the end, I still had to consider the nearly two decades of history between Rita and me.Her family was among the few relatives I had left. When my parents were still alive, her family had treated me well enough. So, I didn't want to let things get too ugly.What I expected was that my restraint would give Benny the mistaken impression that I was an easy target.That very evening, he brazenly moved in, dragging several large suitcases behind him.It s

It was the first time I'd ever spoken to Rita that harshly.She froze, staring at me like she didn't even recognize me.After a long, heavy silence, something seemed to click. Her tone softened as she rushed to reassure me."Ruben, don't be mad. I'll talk to Benny, okay?"Later, Benny offered a half-hearted apology.Rita swore up and down that if I just let her stay, she'd take good care of my family's assets and look after everything my parents had left for me.I nodded quietly.Now that she mentioned it, I almost forgot Rita was put in charge of a few of the subsidiaries. That was probably what gave her the nerve to talk to me like that.However, she was no longer entitled to any of it. I would be taking it all back, piece by piece.After the party incident, Benny was furious with me for humiliating him in front of his friends. He didn't dare confront me openly anymore, but that didn't stop him from finding sneaky ways to get back at me. He started encroaching on my space

Benny looked at me with a smug, triumphant expression like he'd already won and was just waiting for me to admit defeat.I could already guess what he was planning.He wanted to parade himself in front of everyone as the man of the house, then publicly pressure me into moving out, all under the guise of looking out for me. So, there'd be no way for me to back out quietly.I felt nothing but cold, steady resolve."Sure," I replied calmly. "I'll be there. And I'll make sure to bring you and Rita a special gift."Benny froze for a second, clearly not expecting me to agree so easily. Then, he let out a mocking laugh and patted me on the cheek before walking off.He probably thought I'd finally given up, that I was ready to roll over.He had no idea what I had in store for him would be a surprise he'd never forget.Before the party, I reached out to a lawyer friend of mine, Jonathan Chambers, to go over the legal side of things. I also dug up the purchase records and certificate of