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As Brian pulled away from the house, a sense of excitement entered my body. If everything went well today, this could be a new beginning for me and Harper. She still hadn’t told me what her decision was, but I was confident that she would stay with me in Atlanta. It would be hard for her, but I felt in my heart she wouldn’t regret it. I would make sure of that.
My senses were on high alert as Brian navigated the bustling streets of Atlanta. The sound of car horns filled the air, blending into a steady buzz. Exhaust fumes mixed with the smell of street food, creating a unique scent that permeated my nostrils. My eyes darted around, taking in the sights of the city, until we finally reached our destination—a building set to be auctioned off.
As Brian parked the Rover at the curb, I let out a small sigh of relief. My attention turned to Davian, who was deep in conversation with a man donning an immaculate black suit. Scanning the area, I spotted Patton nonchalantly leaning against a light pole, engrossed in reading a newspaper. Four more familiar faces caught my eye as I panned the surrounding streets—Zach, Mitch, Tyler, and Stone were all casually surveying the area, pretending to enjoy coffee at a nearby bistro or flipping through magazines at a newsstand.
Brian and Axe stayed in the vehicle as I helped Harper out. Despite arriving early, a small crowd had already started to gather. Taking Harper’s hand in mine, I led her over to Davian. His gaze met mine, and he quickly ended his conversation with a man in the black suit before making his way toward us.
“River, there is someone I would like you to meet,” he said upon reaching us. “He will help secure the purchase of this building if you are still interested after touring the inside.”
I squeezed Harper’s hand tight as we followed Davian toward the patiently waiting man.
“River Stevenson... Perry Adams,” Davian smiled as he gestured toward me and then Perry. “Perry is with Atlanta Trust Bank and will be leading today’s auction.”
Perry’s voice flowed smoothly as he began his pitch. “I understand you may be considering purchasing this building,” he said, a friendly smile playing on his lips. “If you’d like, I can give you a tour of the inside.”
I nodded eagerly, my eyes scanning the impressive height of the building that towered above us. “That would be great,” I replied, craning my neck to take in the full extent of its grandeur. “How many stories does it have?”
“Thirty-six,” Perry remarked confidently. “There is also a spacious parking garage on the first, second, and third floor.”
Despite not having as many floors as the Triage Building, this structure still piqued my interest. With Davian close behind us, Harper and I followed Perry into the towering entrance of the building, eager to explore its inner workings.
When we entered through the sleek glass doors, I could already smell the freshly painted walls. As I looked around, it was clear that this building was never occupied. With thirty-six floors and three parking garage levels, I could see the potential this building offered. Perry led us across the white marble floor to where a line of elevators waited—four in all.
As we stepped inside the elevator, Perry cautioned us on what we would see. “All the floors are completely finished except the upper five. The layout is the same on floors four through thirty. To save time, I’ll only be showing you the thirtieth floor.”
“If it isn’t a problem, I would like to see the unfinished floors as well,” I interjected. “If I agree to purchase this building, I’d like to see what I’m in for.”
“Very well,” Perry reluctantly agreed.
As the elevator doors slid open, we were welcomed onto the thirtieth floor with a tastefully finished space. The walls were adorned with a smooth layer of sandy beige paint, accented by sleek wooden trim that curved in a wave-like pattern halfway up. It exuded a sense of modernity and sophistication, just as Perry had described. He informed me that each floor was divided into two, able to accommodate two separate business offices. It reminded me of the Triage Building, where I had spent many long days working tirelessly.
I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of the floors, eager to see where my new offices would be located and the potential for a new apartment. As we stepped out of the elevator onto an unfinished floor, I was greeted with the sight of an empty canvas. The space was vast and held endless possibilities. There were four more floors just like this one, and my mind raced with images of what I could transform them into. Perhaps one floor could be dedicated to a state-of-the-art gym, complete with a workout area and jogging track. The other floors could serve as the central hub for mail, accounting, and executive business operations. And, of course, there would be a luxurious apartment on one of the floors as well. The potential for greatness filled every corner of my thoughts as I gazed upon the expansive space before me.
~
The auctioneer’s voice boomed through the grand hall, announcing the opening bid at a staggering 80 million. My heart raced as I raised my hand confidently, determined to win this building. With each subsequent bid called out, my hand shot up in the air, competing with others for the coveted property.
But as the numbers climbed higher and higher, my patience began to wear thin. The back and forth between me and one other bidder was driving me insane. Finally, unable to take it any longer, I rose from my seat and yelled out, “Two hundred million!”
Silence fell over the room as all eyes turned to me. It was an aggressive move, far surpassing the last bid of 150 million. But I knew this building was worth every penny, and I wasn’t about to let anyone else snatch it away from me.
As the auctioneer called out, “Going once, twice,” with no further bids, I breathed a sigh of relief. This prized property was mine.
But as I made my way through the crowd after the auction had ended, a man approached me with a scowl on his face. He was the man who continually bid against me.
“Why don’t you go back to Chicago, where you belong?” he spat at me. “We don’t need your kind here in Atlanta.”
“And what kind would that be?” I bristled at his words, not understanding what he meant.
“I know how you work, Stevenson,” he asserted. “You should have been buried right alongside you crooked father.”
I didn’t know this man from Adam, but it was clear he knew me. “I’m sorry. Have we met?”
“I’ll be watching you,” he threatened, before disappearing into the crowd with his cell at his ear.
“Who was that man?” Harper asked, sensing my tension and worry.
“I have no idea,” I replied curtly as I tried to keep my sights on him. “Let’s just get out of here.”
