Rebirth: Cheerleading the Collapse

"That dump? Are you serious? Who'd buy it?" Hannah cackled. "Everyone knows our complex's about to be renovated. Property values are about to skyrocket!"

"Don't come crying when the garage is built and prices soar," Neville sneered. "You won't get it back. And good luck selling. I can make sure no agent touches your listing."

...

Hannah chimed in, dripping with sarcasm, "What, you think selling a house is a game?"

I ignored them, my fingers moving across my phone screen. "Funny thing. I happen to know someone interested in buying my place. And look, I've got his number right here."

Neville and Hannah stared at me like I was delusional. Hannah laughed out loud. "Go on, make your call. Let's see how long you can keep up this charade."

She didn't believe someone like me, who couldn't even afford $50,000, could know anyone of importance.

Under their skeptical gazes, I dialed the number and put the call on speaker. A calm, steady voice answered, tinged with surprise, "Sherry?"

Neville froze, his eyes wide as he stared at my phone.

"Mr. Hill, it's me," I answered evenly. "I'm looking to sell my apartment. Room 1401, Unit 1, Building #8 at Blue Bay Peninsula. You mentioned you were interested before. Are you still?"

Joshua Hill's voice lit up with a warm laugh. "Of course. I've been waiting for this call forever. Why stay in that rundown place? I've wanted to get you and Ansel out of there for ages. Well, market price plus 20%. How is that? I'll have my legal team draft the contract now and be at your place in an hour. Full payment."

The residents stood dumbfounded, exchanging stunned glances.

Everyone in Arorpoint knew him as the chairman of Hill Real Estate, a man whose influence could shake the city's property market with a single move.

And here I was, casually negotiating a sale with him. Given his tone, it was clear we were close.

Hannah's face drained of color, her body trembling. Neville gripped the table for support, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Mom, is that Joshua?" Ansel asked excitedly. "Are we really moving? That's awesome!"

I ruffled his hair, then fixed my gaze on Neville and Hannah. "Do I still need to pay that $50,000? Can I sell my apartment now?"

I paused, letting the words sink in. "Now the school upgrade and property values don't concern me anymore, do they?"

I pushed through the stunned crowd and pulled open the conference room door.

Neville's head snapped up, and he roared, "You can't sell it!"