Chapter 48 Rent Suddenly Increases to Three Million Dollars
When I rushed over in a panic, Chris was directing the renovation crew to pack up and leave.
I quickly tried to stop them. "Wait, hold on. We've already signed the lease contract. How can you just decide not to rent anymore? The contract clearly states the terms for breach."
Chris looked uncomfortable. "Ms. Brown, I told you on the phone—I'm willing to pay the penalty according to the contract, but I really can't rent the place anymore. The government just issued a document saying property values in this area are skyrocketing. Prices are going up to nearly three million dollars. The rent you're paying is nothing compared to that. Even paying the penalty is worth it for me."
Anxiety crept into my expression. "These are circumstances beyond our control. If you do this, what's the point of us signing a contract in the first place?"
"That's why I'll pay the penalty according to the contract. I'm not trying to dodge it. Ms. Brown, you're an educated person—please understand our position. If I really rent to you at the contract price, we'll lose a fortune. Besides, all the landlords in this area have agreed to do the same thing—pay the penalties. That way we can at least minimize our losses." Chris's brow furrowed deeply.
My breathing grew heavy, and my head started to throb. "The renovation is already halfway done. This is going to cause us huge problems. You know we're opening a law firm."
"I know, I know. I'm paying the penalty according to the contract, and I'm refunding your renovation deposit and rent deposit too. You won't lose a penny financially, okay? I'm doing everything I should, right?"
I felt completely exhausted, repeatedly telling myself not to get angry as my heart pounded rapidly in my chest.
"What good does any of that do? Do you know how much we've invested in opening this law firm? Everything was almost ready—we just needed the space. Everyone's waiting for the renovation to finish so we can start working. You suddenly say you're not renting anymore. What's the point of refunding the money? We don't care about the money. This affects us too much—it's a fatal blow to us."
No matter what I said, Chris maintained his attitude of "I'll pay whatever I need to pay" and had no interest in continuing the conversation.
Left with no choice, and not wanting all our hard work over these months to go to waste, I tried to negotiate with Chris. "How about this—first tell me what your ideal rent would be now."
Chris answered reluctantly, "Three million dollars a year. But I know you won't agree to that, so I'm willing to pay the penalty."
Three million dollars. I was shocked. I never imagined property values would suddenly jump this high.
I couldn't believe it. "Three million dollars?"
"Yes. The government is turning this area into a tourist attraction, so rents are shooting up. You're a local from Harmony City—you know our city is famous for its nightlife and entertainment. Once this new tourist area is established, we'll only make more and more money. So there's no way I can keep renting to you. You definitely won't accept the rent, so we might as well talk this through nicely and not make things ugly."
To verify Chris wasn't lying, I quickly searched online. Sure enough, it was just as he said—this area was being planned as a tourist attraction, and many landlords and developers were eagerly preparing to make a killing.
I rubbed my forehead, feeling anxious and confused, my chest heavy as if pressed down by something.
"How about this—the first year we keep the original price, and I'll discuss it with headquarters. Starting the second year, we'll go with market rate. Would that work?"
Chris refused decisively. "Of course not. Would I lose nearly two million dollars in one year? There's no need for me to do that much, since we're just landlord and tenant after all."
Unable to calm down, I called Zachary.
Zachary was equally shocked when he heard the news. "What? How is this possible? This is ridiculous."
"I know it seems unreasonable, but can you please check with headquarters as soon as possible?"
Zachary's voice also carried urgency. "It's impossible. No need to ask—headquarters won't be short that amount of money, but they won't agree to it either."
At that moment, I felt like I was reaching my breaking point.
"Let me go talk to headquarters right now and explain the situation. Wait for my call."
"Okay."
Time seemed to mock me. Though only half a minute had passed, it felt endless and agonizing.
Just then, a white Porsche came speeding from a distance and stopped in front of us. Lila got out of the car.
"Why are you here?"
"I heard about this area being planned as a tourist attraction, so I came to check it out. What's going on?" Lila looked at the renovation crew packing up, her face full of suspicion.
Over these past few months, Lila and I had only communicated online a few times and hadn't met in person again, so we weren't very close.
I had no choice but to tell her what happened. Lila immediately started arguing with Chris. "You terrible landlord! Is this how you do business?"
Seeing Lila's bad attitude, Chris's expression also turned ugly. "You're not the one who signed the contract with me. What's with your attitude? Besides, I'll compensate according to the contract terms. If you don't like it, go ahead and sue!"
"I am a lawyer, and we will sue! Just you wait!"
I frowned. Lila wasn't here to help—she was making things worse. I lowered my voice and snapped, "Lila, stop it."
"This guy is being like this, why should we be nice? Why are you being such a pushover?" Lila looked at me with displeasure.
My expression was serious as I suppressed my anger. "You're making things worse right now. This isn't helping at all."
"Then what do you suggest? How much is the rent?"
"Three million dollars."
Lila was stunned. "What? Three million dollars? That's highway robbery!"
The gloom on my face intensified, my brow furrowed tightly. "Exactly. So this isn't easy to handle. Stay out of it."
I had a feeling that Lila's involvement would only make things worse.
"What do you mean by that? I came here to help, and you're telling me to stay out of it? If you're so capable, why don't you just pay the rent yourself?"
Just then, Zachary called back. I had no interest in arguing with Lila and quickly answered. "Hello, Zachary. How did it go?"
Zachary's voice was heavy. "Just as I thought—headquarters won't agree. And from what I can tell, they're reconsidering whether to open the branch office at all."
My face turned awful, my expression panicked and lost.
Thinking about how all my expectations and efforts over these past months were about to turn to nothing, I felt like I couldn't breathe. A painful, desolate feeling pierced through my soul.
While I was on the phone, Chris's phone also rang. I saw him say a few words, then his expression turned somewhat fearful.
"I... I was just following what everyone else was doing. It wasn't intentional..."