Becoming Her Landlord

Elliot

The moment I drove away from Susan’s apartment, I couldn’t shake the tension in my chest. The way she looked at me, as if she were caught between wanting to trust me and wanting to push me away, stayed imprinted in my mind.

She was proud...too proud, maybe...but I could respect that. What I couldn’t respect was letting her struggle when I had the power to do something about it.

By the time I got back to my penthouse, I already had a plan brewing in my mind. It wasn’t enough to offer her a loan or help her pay the rent; she would never accept that outright. No, I needed to approach this strategically.

I loosened my tie as I stepped into my office and dialed Gerald’s number. It was late, but I knew he’d answer. Gerald was dependable that way.

“Elliot,” he greeted after the second ring. “Is everything alright?”

“Depends on how fast you can get me some information,” I said, sinking into the chair at my desk.

“I’m listening.”

I glanced at the notes I’d scribbled earlier, then continued. “Susan’s apartment. I need to know who owns the building. I want everything...names, numbers, purchase history. And I need it as soon as possible.”

There was a brief pause on the line before Gerald spoke again. “You’re serious about this?”

“Do I sound like I’m joking?” I replied, keeping my tone even.

He let out a low whistle. “Alright, I’ll get on it. Anything else I should know?”

“No,” I said, tapping my pen against the desk. “Just keep this between us. I don’t want Susan finding out about any of this.”

“Understood,” Gerald replied. “Give me a few hours.”

I hung up and leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling.

Buying the building wasn’t just about solving Susan’s rent issue...it was about control. If I owned the property, I could ensure she’d never have to worry about being evicted or dealing with some sleazy landlord. She wouldn’t even need to know I was involved.

It was perfect.

The next morning, Gerald called me with everything I needed.

“Got it,” he said, sounding pleased with himself. “The building is owned by a small real estate firm. Looks like it’s one of their smaller properties...they probably wouldn’t even notice if it changed hands.”

“Good,” I said, a slow smile spreading across my face. “Put me in touch with whoever I need to talk to. I want this deal closed by the end of today.”

“You’re not wasting any time, are you?” Gerald chuckled.

“Time isn’t something I have a lot of,” I replied. “Just make it happen.”

Before the day ended, the papers were signed, the money was transferred, and the deal was done.

I was officially the owner of Susan’s apartment building.

I sat in my office, staring at the contract with a sense of satisfaction. Not only was this a win for me personally, but it also put me in a unique position. I wasn’t just Susan’s boss or her biggest client anymore...I was also her landlord.

Of course, she couldn’t know that. If she did, she’d likely pack up and move out of sheer principle.

Gerald had ensured everything was handled discreetly. The previous owner’s company was keeping their name on the paperwork for appearances, and I was operating through a shell company. As far as anyone knew, nothing had changed.

But I knew.

And it felt like a victory.

It wasn’t just about helping Susan anymore...it was about staying close to her in every possible way. Making sure she was safe, secure, and supported, whether she realized it or not.

When I thought back to the look of exhaustion in her eyes the night before, I felt a renewed sense of determination.

Day fifteen was a success. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment to see how it all played out.