Chapter 174
Chris stared at Michael, whose expression was dead serious. The color drained from Chris‘ face, and his knees nearly gave out beneath him.
“I haven’t forgotten, Mr. Ferguson. That’s not what I meant.”
“Haven’t forgotten? Then why don’t you tell us the rules of Maple Grove Residences, especially in front of Cyrus!” Michael’s smile disappeared completely as he finished speaking.
Cyrus clenched his jaw, glaring coldly at Michael.
Chris, feeling the weight of Michael’s anger, was on edge. “It’s… it’s first come, first served, unless the initial buyer backs out. Only then can it be offered to the next customer.”
“Exactly. So you do know the rules.”
Michael’s smile was all teeth, no warmth. “Trying to challenge my authority, are you? I must be getting soft if someone like you thinks they can cross me.”
“!!!”
Chris felt as if all his strength had left him. He turned pale and dropped to his knees.
“Mr. Ferguson, it was my mistake. I got greedy and tried to cut a deal for Mr. Gordon. Please, I’m begging you, let me off the hook.” Chris slapped himself hard across the face.
Michael was notorious in the business world, known for his ruthless reputation. Getting on his bad side often meant you wouldn’t live to tell the tale.
Michael looked down at Chris with disdain, as if he were nothing more than an ant.
“You’re begging the wrong person. The only ones you’ve wronged are our valued customers.”
Chris dared not struggle any further and turned to Nancy, pleading desperately.
“Miss Lena, I overstepped. You were the first to reserve at Maple Grove Residences. This place is yours. Please I’m begging you, ask Mr. Ferguson to forgive me. I know I was wrong.”
Nancy watched the scene unfold with a blank expression, about to speak when a warm hand clasped her icy fingertips.
Judson interrupted with disgust, “You brought this on yourself, and now you want to guilt–trip us? Have some
shame.”
Nancy’s eyes widened. She couldn’t deny that Judson’s words resonated with her.
Michael waved a hand dismissively to his staff, saying, “Judson’s right. Get him out of here. How did I end up with such an embarrassment?”
Chris tried to speak again, but within seconds, two burly security guards seized him and dragged him out forcefully.
The bustling lobby fell silent instantly.
Michael turned his attention to Cyrus, with a cheeky grin. “Mr. Gordon, I apologize for the wasted trip with Miss Sarah. Turns out Miss Lena beat you to the punch. Don’t worry; I’ll cover your gas money.”
“Someone, show them out!”
Michael’s words were clearly meant to provoke, and Cyrus‘ face darkened. He knew full well what Michael was doing.
Cyrus clenched his fists. “Mr. Ferguson, aren’t you worried that Nancy won’t have enough to purchase the villa? Last I checked, Maple Grove Residences doesn’t allow payment plans.”
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Chapter 12
Nancy furrowed her brow. “Whether I can afford the villa is my business, not yours.”
“Exactly! She’s got me on her side,” Lenard sneered. “It’s just a villa, Cyrus. Don’t underestimate us. No wonder she didn’t choose you.”
If it weren’t for Nancy dropping out of Lena’s Studio for him, he wouldn’t be in this ridiculous position. Even Michael looked displeased at Cyrus‘ words, especially after glancing at Judson’s dour expression. “Cyrus, why do you assume Miss Lena can’t afford it? Do you really think you’re rolling in dough?”
Cyrus‘ face fell. “Michael, just because my reservation is after Nancy’s doesn’t mean I’m not a potential buyer.” “Sure, you’re a customer, but you’re not my spouse,” Michael retorted sharply.
Cyrus was speechless.
Michael chuckled derisively. “Who do you think you are, trying to throw your weight around here? Now that you want the villa and I won’t sell it to you, you thought Chris could pull strings for you. You think I can’t do the same for Lena?”
