Chapter 6 - THE FINAL CORNERBy 2:00 PM, Victor Vanceâthe arrogant landlord who had started it allâwas in a state of absolute, blind panic.
He was inside his private penthouse suite in downtown Chicago, frantically throwing wads of cash, diamonds, and forged passports into a leather duffel bag.
He had tried to call his attorney, Julian, but Julianâs phone went straight to voicemail. He had tried to reach his niece, Victoria, but her line was completely disconnected. His corporate credit cards had been declined at the local helipad. He knew the net was closing in.
"Damn them all!" Victor screamed, zipping up the bag. "I have $500,000 in cash in this bag. I'll get across the border to Mexico, and from there to Dubai. They'll never find me!"
He grabbed his coat and rushed toward his private elevator.
When the heavy steel doors slid open, Victor froze.
Standing inside the elevator was Arthur Vale, flanked by two towering private security officers, and Marcus holding a heavy leather briefcase.
"Going somewhere, Victor?" Arthur asked pleasantly.
Victor backed away in terror, dropping his duffel bag onto the hardwood floor of his foyer. "How... how did you get up here?! This is private property! I'll have you shot for trespassing!"
"This building was owned by Vance Realty Group," Arthur said, stepping out of the elevator and walking into the penthouse. "However, at 1:15 PM today, following the emergency bankruptcy filing triggered by the federal seizure of your accounts, Vale Financial bought the mortgage on this entire building from the holding bank."
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Arthur looked around the sprawling, multi-million-dollar penthouse with an expression of mild distaste.
"Which means, Victor," Arthur continued, smiling tightly, "I am now your landlord. And as of sixty seconds ago, I am evicting you."
