Chapter 6 A Mansion For Rent

• Late into the night, Emmanuel returned to the clinic to find Freddie staring at a contract, completely lost in thought.
• “Boss. You're back.”
• Freddie promptly approached with that contract in hand. “Eleanor's job arrangement has been settled. She'll be joining Bellridge Group, which specializes in the production of cosmetics. They're a reputable firm in Summerbank, but they haven't quite decided what position to place her in. I don't think that it'll be too bad, but...”
• “But?” Emmanuel lighted up a cigarette as he sat on the couch.
• “Bellridge Group is throwing in an invitation for you to become vice-chairman and is requesting that I transfer forty percent of the shares to you. That'll grant you great executive powers within the organization. They really hope that you'd agree to join them.”
• Freddie passed the contract along and continued, “While I understand that they probably want you in the group as some form of insurance, I'll still recommend that you take up the position. By doing that, you'll be able to have more chances to interact with Eleanor. That could be of tremendous help toward fostering a relationship with her.”
• Yes. A very astute analysis.
• Not only had Eleanor's life been turned upside down throughout the years, but at the same time, she had to get through some very dark days.
• That sort of prolonged torment had manifested into an irrepressible rage over time. It burned itself so deeply into her psyche to the extent that she was unable to free herself from it.
• Thus, it would have been ridiculous to expect that he would be able to dispel the hatred she held toward him by doling out a little money.
• If Emmanuel was able to work alongside Eleanor at the same place, he ought to be able to make amends to her on a day-to-day basis. That might, perhaps, gradually ease her antagonism toward him. Overall, it would seem like a fine choice.
• After some consideration, however, he handed the contract back to Freddie.
• “We can discuss this tomorrow. Right now, I need you to help me put that mansion in Pollerton up for rent at a low rate.”
• “What?” Freddie was stunned. “It's a place you've bought for Eleanor and Eva.”
• “It was a mistake.” Aside from the sense of contrite that was evident in his eyes, Emmanuel was expressionless.
• “Previously, I thought that Eleanor would be able to forgive me as long as I am able to provide her with a life of luxuries, but haven't you realized it? Her hatred toward me isn't something that could be resolved by the provision of material things. By gifting her this mansion, I would only be wounding her further, so I might as well just have it rented out.”
• “Yeah. I understand.” The sympathetic Freddie nodded intently.
• If a woman cannot be satisfied materially, then one would have to adopt an emotional approach instead to try to soften the animosity that had been built up over the years through everyday experiences. Perhaps, nothing over the top would be needed. A simple form of companionship will suffice. The true value of life is in its ordinariness, so, sometimes, that may be all women ask for.
• Very quickly, Freddie had the photos of the mansion uploaded to Craigslist, a classified ads website.
• Initially, he was under the impression that it could take some time before it drew interest from potential renters.
• To his surprise, a girl called enthusiastically with inquiries about the mansion's status less than five minutes in.
• “Hi, I just saw your posting on Craigslist. May I know if the house is available for rent?”
• “Yes. That is correct,” Freddie replied.
• “Only three thousand a month for such a large mansion? Is this a hoax?”
• “We could meet up to discuss this in person if you happen to be free.”
• Twenty minutes later, a young woman in her twenties arrived outside the doors of the clinic.
• Standing at five foot five, she was wearing an outfit suited for a white-collared environment to go with a lightly but deftly made-up face.
• From the name tag on her chest, one could infer that her name was Juliet Bourn, and that she was employed by Zercher-Haasch Hotel in its financial department.
• “This is indeed the stated address.” Surveying her surroundings, Juliet found no trace of the supposed landlord. “Have I been played?”
• Just as she prepared to ring Freddie, a Rolls-Royce Phantom rolled steadily to a halt beside her.
• When the door opened, Emmanuel alighted wearing his trench coat. He asked her, smilingly, “Might you be Ms. Bourn?”
• Juliet's legs reflexively tensed up as she started to swoon over Emmanuel the second she laid eyes on him.
• Single women simply had no resistance against an outstanding male specimen like Emmanuel, and that was especially the case for Juliet, who was practically dying to marry her way into high society.
• “Yes. I'm Juliet.” She nodded profusely.
• “I could show you around the mansion myself if you're genuinely interested.”
• “Yes. Yes, I am. Let's go right away.”
• No longer able to keep her head on straight, Juliet unhesitantly followed Emmanuel to view the estate.
• He drives a Rolls-Royce, possesses a strong presence, and is well-mannered. That world-weary look in his eyes, especially, implies that he must be a man with some story to tell.
• If such a dreamy man was a conman, she would have gladly allowed herself to be swindled by him.
• Juliet was thrilled to be riding in a Rolls-Royce as she was a country girl who came to seek her fortunes in the big city.
• Being just an accountant in the hotel, I'll never have the chance to travel in such a fine car. This is almost like a dream come true.
• “Wow. The mansion is so huge.”
• When she saw the majestically decorated mansion, Juliet could not wipe that toothy grin off her face.
• “Is such a large place really available for only three thousand a month, Mr. Kirsch?”
• “Yeah. I don't plan on residing here. That's why I wanted to lease it out to others. We could finalize the paperwork right now if you like.”
• “Y-Yes. Yes, of course.”
• Juliet was able to come to a snap decision and had no qualms about signing herself up for a year-long lease.
• This house is simply fantastic. If I don't sign off on it right now, it will definitely be gone by tomorrow.
• There was no way she was going to allow such a splendid mansion to wind up in someone else's hands, so Juliet left the mansion with the contract in hand. While she was still in transit, she excitedly rang up her best friend.
• “Hey, Ellie. Didn't you mention before that you would like to move out of your parent's place? I've just found the perfect spot for both of us. It's spacious, and I mean like, super spacious. You're really going to love this.”
• “How spacious is it, exactly?” Eleanor's voice emanated from the other end, sounding uncertain. “I don't have that big of a budget at the moment.”
• “Oh, come on. It costs only three thousand. If it comes down to it, we'll move in together. Then, we can split the rental down the middle at a-thousand-five each. How does that sound?”
• Juliet was somewhat concerned that Eleanor might turn her down, as even that fee for housing was no small expense for her good friend who had fallen on hard times.
• “Okay, but I want to start moving in tomorrow,” Eleanor stated after some consideration. “I really need to get out of here right now.”
• “Sure thing. See you tomorrow.”
• Eleanor lay in bed holding her sleeping daughter in her arms, and while she gazed at the stars beyond her windows, her eyes blazed with the fires of resentment.
• Her otherwise mundane existence had been completely upended once more, all thanks to Emmanuel.
• Due to her refusal to accept the compensation he offered, her mother, Rosalind, and her father, Vincent Cabot, became upset with her, which led to them giving Eleanor and her child the cold shoulder.
• That was what motivated her to want to move away outright.
• “Sweetie, we'll be moving out tomorrow, so you don't ever have to put up with Grandpa and Grandma again.”
• At that moment, Emmanuel's silhouette manifested inside Eleanor's head as she clenched her fists tightly. “Rest assured that Mommy is just as capable of giving you what others can. So long as we continue to stick together, nothing can keep us down.”