Chapter 30
Chapter 30:
After reading the message, the real estate manager began to sweat nervously. He shot a glare at Samuel, thankful that he had hesitated and hadn’t immediately thrown Ashton out. Had he heeded Samuel’s advice and hastily dismissed Ashton, the repercussions could have been severe. Wiping his forehead, the manager’s demeanor transformed. He smacked his forehead, as though a crucial memory had just surfaced, and approached Ashton with a flattering grin.
“My apologies, Mr. Baldwin,” he began, his tone eager. “I was momentarily preoccupied, but it just came to me that we have the ideal property for you. Let me show it to you without delay p>
With that, he swiftly retrieved a premium listing card from the agency’s collection, presenting it to Ashton with a reverential two-handed gesture.
Ashton, initially skeptical, assumed it was just another inferior property. However, the details captured his attention. The listing featured a luxurious private apartment right in the heart of the city. Despite its central location, it boasted a tranquil, garden-like setting, elegant decor, and an ambiance that balanced nobility with comfort. The photographs alone were captivating enough to enchant any prospective buyer.
As Ashton’s interest grew, so did his reservations. The financial toll of his recent divorce had left him nearly penniless. Though confident in his future earning potential, his current liquidity was low.
When he noticed Ashton’s pause, the manager’s anxiety spiked.
“Mr. Baldwin, is there something about the apartment that doesn’t meet your expectations?” he asked, his voice laced with worry.
The stakes were high; displeasing Ashton could mean losing his position.
Ashton met the manager’s gaze and replied cautiously, “The apartment is impressive, but surely the rent for a place in such a prime location would be steep, wouldn’t it p>
Upon realizing that Ashton was merely worried about the rent, the manager let out a sigh of relief.
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He promptly responded, “For this location and its surroundings, a thousand dollars a month is actually quite reasonable. If that’s a bit steep right now, I can let the deposit slide, and you can just handle the rent month by month. How does that sound p>
Ashton, thinking he had misheard, quickly clarified, “A thousand dollars a month p>
Both Ashton and Samuel were astounded by the offer. Given that this was the bustling heart of Inewood, where property values were skyrocketing, the yearly rent for a commercial space here could not even buy you ten square feet! This offer was nearly a giveaway.
Though Ashton had only planned a temporary stay, the combination of the enticing price and the appealing images was hard to resist.
Samuel, who had wanted to continue making things difficult for Ashton, was now overjoyed. “I’ll take it. Get the rental agreement over here, now!” he exclaimed, worried Ashton would claim this incredible bargain first.
Nevertheless, this apartment had been specifically set aside for Ashton, which explained the unusually low rent. The manager was internally frustrated with Samuel’s interference, but years of experience allowed him to think on his feet, and he gave Samuel an apologetic look. “I apologize, sir, but the reason this apartment is priced so low is because there are specific conditions for renting it,” the manager began to explain.
Samuel, cutting him off with a confident wave of his hand, interjected, “Just outline the conditions for me. I’m confident I’ll qualify p>
Pausing briefly, the manager replied, “First off, the tenant needs to be between the ages of 25 and 35 p>
Samuel’s face lit up with a grin—he matched that criterion perfectly!
The manager added, “Next, the tenant has to weigh under 165 pounds p>
Samuel, still smiling, nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, that’s me as well p>
However, the manager’s subsequent condition quickly dashed Samuel’s rising hopes.
“The tenant must not wear glasses or contact lenses.” Samuel’s smile faltered, a look of confusion replacing his earlier excitement. This requirement was peculiarly specific, seemingly aimed directly at him.
As the manager went on, the conditions grew increasingly precise, tailored as though they were designed exclusively for Ashton, from the required height and shoe size to the specific hairstyle.
Despite Samuel’s initial naivety, it didn’t take long for him to perceive the underlying scheme. The manager seemed to be crafting these conditions on the fly, evidently favoring Ashton.
It was almost as though the phrase “reserved for Ashton” was metaphorically plastered across the manager’s forehead!