Chapter 29
Chapter 29:
After a quick breakfast, Rosalie and Ashton set off in search of a rental property.
With Selena’s health improving, Rosalie yielded to her sister’s persistent requests and allowed her to come along.
They soon pulled up to a real estate agency, with Rosalie behind the wheel.
“You go on in, Ashton. I’ll park the car with Selena,” Rosalie suggested with a warm smile, dropping Ashton off at the front before driving away with her sister.
Ashton raised an eyebrow, sensing Rosalie was keeping something from him, but he chose not to confront her about it.
He entered the agency by himself to start their search.
The on-duty manager quickly brightened up at the sight of a new customer, but his smile waned when he noticed Ashton’s simple clothes.
“Looking for a place?” he asked, his tone lacking enthusiasm.
Despite the manager’s lukewarm welcome, Ashton maintained his manners. “I’m in need of a temporary home for myself. What can you recommend p>
The manager’s hopes for a lucrative deal dimmed even more upon hearing Ashton’s words, assuming he wouldn’t earn much from a seemingly modest solo renter.
He lazily gestured toward a listing on the desk. “This one might suit you,” he suggested half-heartedly. Ashton scrutinized the listing, his brow furrowing.
“This area seems quite out of the way. I’ve heard it’s an older neighborhood with frequent utilities issues and poor transport links. Is that correct p>
With a condescending snicker, the manager retorted, “Given your budget, this is probably the best you’ll do. It’s fine for a temporary stay p>
Despite the manager’s rude behavior, Ashton had to admit he made a valid point. Ashton was only planning on a short-term rental, reasoning he could put up with unsatisfactory conditions temporarily.
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As he mulled over his options, a nearby customer caught wind of the discussion and glanced over, his expression sour.
“Ashton Baldwin!” The man’s voice was thick with anger as he strode toward him.
Ashton shifted his attention toward the voice. It was Samuel, the doctor who had been dismissed recently for interfering with Ashton’s treatment of Selena.
Samuel’s face twisted into a sneer as he approached. “Playing the hero just a few days ago, weren’t you? And now here you are, scrambling for a rental. What a farce!” His eyes narrowed with scorn, and Samuel taunted further, “You saved Selena, yet here you stand, a pitiful sight. Have they figured out you’re nothing but a sham? I always knew you were no good. Only a swindler ends up like this p>
Ashton met Samuel’s gaze with cold detachment, deeming him unworthy of a response.
Their exchange drew the curiosity of the real estate manager, who edged closer.
“You two know each other?” he inquired.
“Indeed, we do! If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be reduced to this miserable state!” Samuel spat bitterly.
Samuel had no doubts that Ashton was a fraud. He speculated that Ashton was probably looking to rent a place only because his fraud had come to light. Why else would someone who saved a member of the Campbell family need to rent?
With a flair for the dramatic, Samuel recounted to the manager tales from two days ago, casting Ashton in the most unfavorable light possible.
Yet, even after his lengthy diatribe, Samuel felt no relief. He leaned closer to the manager, his voice laced with disdain. “People like him shouldn’t even be allowed to use your services. Look at him, so arrogant, turning his nose up at the property you recommended. Just because he’s tricked a few people, he thinks he’s someone important p>
At first, Ashton chose to ignore Samuel’s ridiculous assertions, but the onslaught was relentless and increasingly absurd. Finally losing his patience, Ashton interrupted.
“Isn’t that enough? Sir, please ignore his nonsense p>
The manager already had a poor first impression of Ashton; with Samuel’s persuasive narrative, he thought even more poorly of Ashton, his irritation mounting. He was on the verge of demanding Ashton choose a property quickly or leave when his phone buzzed with a crucial message.
He glanced at the screen and froze—a message from his boss, Rosalie, had arrived.
It read, “Mr. Ashton Baldwin, who just visited, has helped me a great deal. Please extend him every courtesy and offer him the best properties at the most favorable rates. If he is dissatisfied with your service, consider your employment terminated immediately p>