Chapter 12: Rentt
Adam gave a nod. He already knew the details of Mrs. Gold’s bank account. When he first moved in, he had discovered them preserved in a text message on his phone. He pulled out his new phone.
Holding it gave him a weird feeling of power. He launched his banking app. He started the transfer. In one transaction, he sent the whole year’s rent. The sum was $120,000. The action was straightforward, but the numbers seemed unreal. A couple of screen taps.
Mrs. Gold’s phone rang with a notification a moment later. It was in her apron pocket. She frowned suspiciously as she took it out. She glanced at the screen. As she read the confirmation message from her bank, her eyes grew wide.
She had the money in her account. One hundred twenty thousand dollars in total. She raised her gaze to Adam. Her stern face softened slightly. She simply shook her head slowly, as though she was unable to understand.
"Just stay here quietly," she said. Her voice was much less severe now. "I don’t need anything more from you."
Her words made Adam smile. A tremendous weight was lifted off his shoulders. Tension was physically released. His greatest and most pressing concern was gone. For a whole year, he had a home.
Mr. Gold approached Adam. His expression was one of genuine curiosity. He appeared fascinated by Adam’s unexpected turn of events than by the money. He inquired, "What kind of company are you working for now?" He spoke in a gentle tone. "You used to work at a hotel, correct? That is what I recall."
Adam smiled remorsefully. It was a reflex of nerves. He was unable to respond to that question. He could not reveal to them that he tapped a screen to earn the money. "I actually have some work to do right now," he stated.
He completely sidestepped the question. "I am heading to my room to finish the tasks that need to be carried out next week." He quickly turned away after making the evasive excuse. He made his way back to the main entrance of the building. He did not turn around.
Mrs. Gold watched him leave. He was still acting oddly. He’s justification was feeble. She became a little suspicious. However, her suspicion was insignificant in comparison to the substantial amount of money that was currently in her bank account. For a full year, her rent had been paid. That was all she really cared about. She returned her attention to her garden.
Adam felt good as he climbed the apartment building’s main staircase. Although the exchange had been awkward, the outcome was flawless. He was light. He was safe. Then he noticed two individuals entering through the front gate.
It was Sophia.
She was with her first-floor friend. Monty was the friend’s name. Sophia was grinning as she and Monty strolled. Her friend had said something that made her laugh. She appeared content. She exuded beauty and relaxed.