While asking, she was already tallying up if her planned budget would be enough.
Randell responded with a grin, assuring her, “Don’t worry. It fits our budget perfectly. The building might only be seven floors, but it’s in a fantastic spot, and there’s plenty of room inside. When I went there, I just happened to run into the owner who needed to lease it out quickly because of money troubles. I managed to talk him down to a better price, so the rent’s not as steep as you’d think. You’ll see the place is a steal. I didn’t hesitate to secure it.”
Before long, they reached the city center. Ariana looked out the car window at the BRD building, a familiar sight, and felt a wave of discomfort. She couldn’t help but look worried.
Melon, pressing his face against the car window, pointed at the building and said excitedly, “Mommy, we’re back! Look how big that building is!”
Without a word, Ariana softly stroked her son’s hair, her mind filled with the nagging thought that this couldn’t be where she thought it was.
Then, Randell, sitting in the front, chimed in with enthusiasm, “See that building next to BRD? That’s where we’ve rented.”
Ariana’s gaze followed his direction. She saw the building next to BRD. Compared to the towering presence of BRD, it seemed like a small hill next to a giant mountain.
As they neared BRD, Ariana observed the diminishing distance between the buildings, her heart sinking. Could their rented place truly be situated right next to BRD? She was on the verge of instructing her assistant to turn around and explore alternative options when the car entered BRD’s underground parking lot.
Randell said, “The parking garage at the Global Building is presently undergoing renovation, so for the time being, we’ll need to park here. However, the former landlord had inked a one-year agreement with BRD’s property management, allocating half of the parking spaces on the second basement level to the Global Building.”
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Ariana sighed inwardly. Despite her reservations, it appeared they were already committed to this. Randell had also arranged a meeting with the landlord. At this point, she couldn’t easily reverse the decision.
As the car entered BRD’s underground parking lot, Ariana couldn’t shake off a sense of unease, silently hoping she wouldn’t encounter Holden, at least mot today. She hadn’t yet reconciled her own emotions, and she didn’t know how to face Holden now.
The elevator within the underground parking garage provided direct access to BRD, with passage to the neighboring building requiring traversal through BRD’s ground-floor lobby.
Ariana’s nerves heightened as soon as she emerged from the underground parking garage. Hastening through BRD’s ground-floor lobby, she tightly gripped her son’s hand, dreading the possibility of encountering Holden. She silently pledged that even if such a meeting occurred, she would feign ignorance.
Only upon reaching the Global Building did Ariana feel a sense of relief. Yet, simultaneously, a hint of irritation lingered within her.
If it weren’t for Holden’s presence, she would have found this location quite appealing. However, now, because of him, she felt reluctant to consider renting the place. Moreover, she could have walked through BRD’s lobby with dignity, but instead, she felt as though she were sneaking around, afraid of being spotted by Holden.
These thoughts left Ariana feeling frustrated. Even before entering the Global Building, she informed Randell, “I think this location might not be very convenient. Let’s explore some other options later.”
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“What?” Randell was caught off guard. He hadn’t anticipated Ariana’s dissatisfaction with the location. In theory, it boasted an excellent position. Being adjacent to BRD could offer numerous opportunities and resources.
Observing Ariana’s dissatisfaction, Randell hesitated for a moment before explaining, “But because the landlord was eager to rent out the space, I’ve already prepaid one-third of the rent.”
“Why did you pay the rent so promptly?” Ariana asked, surprised.
Randell said, “The lease for this building spans a minimum of five years, and the landlord insisted on a lump-sum payment. Despite the discount, given the prime city location, the sum remains substantial… The landlord indicated that without the prepayment, he wouldn’t reserve the property for us.”
As Randell explained, he started to realize his impulsive actions and offered an apology, saying, “I’m sorry. I believed we were securing a favorable deal and acted too hastily.”
Given the circumstances, Ariana found herself at a loss for words.
She sighed inwardly, choosing not to blame Randell. “It’s alright. Since it’s already set, let’s focus on the present issue. We can revisit this topic later when the landlord comes.”
Before long, the landlord arrived, a middle-aged man with a receding hairline, clad in slippers and a loose white tank top.