"Alright, alright, we'll meet the project's specifications."
Mira glanced at Owen. "Let's split up. You take the experts and go over the
partnership details with Mr. Blake. I'll take the lawyer and go with his wife to handle the title transfer."
To save time, they decided to use a real estate agency just down the street, barely a few blocks from Emberline Fine Dining.
There was no need to drive; the group just walked over.
Paying the broker's fee was worth it for the streamlined process. It saved them a massive headache and hours of red tape.
The moment they walked into the agency, the staff lit up. Seeing a buyer and seller walk in together to finalize a deal was basically free money walking through the door.
Mira got straight to the point. "We're here because neither of us has the time to do this the slow way. We're both incredibly busy.
We need this expedited."
"Don't worry, we'll fast-track everything. We can get the bulk of the paperwork done today, though processing the new deed will take a few days.
You won't have to come back in, though we can hand-deliver it to you when it's ready."
"Sounds good."
From there, it was smooth sailing. The lawyer reviewed everything, and Mira just had to hand over her ID, sign on the dotted line, and wire the funds.
The 1,600-square-foot apartment was in a premium school district and came with a hefty price tag—a cool half a million dollars, paid out in full.
Normally, a place that size in the city would go for much less at this time of year.
But to someone with Mira's current bankroll, it was chump change. The MVX-23 stock she'd bought would easily cover the cost in its sleep.
Besides, Mira knew property values were about to skyrocket. Buying real estate now was a guaranteed win.
Once the bike-sharing project stabilized, she planned to build up a massive real estate portfolio.
Now, they just had to wait for the new deed. The agency promised to have it delivered within the week.
Any bureaucratic hurdles or city council approvals would be handled entirely by the brokers. If they needed another signature, they'd send someone directly to Mira's door.
Formalities out of the way, the group headed back. Mira wondered how Owen's negotiations were going.
But just as they approached her apartment building, they ran right into Lacey Quinn Mercer, Lucas Mercer, and their entourage.
Mira wasn't exactly flying solo. She
was flanked by her lawyer, the
property appraiser, her neighbor and the two massive Iron Wolves bodyguards. It was an intimidating lineup.
Spotting the unwelcome welcoming committee, Mira turned to the
neighbor. "You head on up firsel.ne
need to handle a personal matters
She stood her ground and waited as Lucas and the others closed the distance.
"Mira, where have you been? Lucas and I have been waiting out here forever."
The moment Lacey saw her, she scrambled forward, completely abandoning her usual high-society poise.
Clearly, Mara was on her deathbed.
Before she could even get close, the Iron Wolves stepped in front of her like a brick wall.
"Who do you think you are? Get out of my way! I'm her mother!"
"Never heard of you," one of the guards deadpanned.
"Mira, tell them to move! Mommy missed you so much."
Mira held up a hand. "Stop. Cut the crap and get to the point. I'm busy."
"Mira, how could you turn out like this? She's our mother!"
Lucas stepped up to support Lacey.
"If you don't start talking right now, I'm leaving."
Mira's striking features remained a mask of icy indifference.
"Fine, I'll say it. Your sister is dying. She's really dying, and she
desperately needs a blood transfusion to survive!"
Lacey gasped for air, her face twisted in agony.
"And? What does that have to do with me?"
Lucas couldn't hold back. "She's your biological sister! You're twins! You share the same blood!
Even if she made mistakes in the past, she was just young and naive. You don't have to be mortal enemies!"
"You hit the nail on the head. We are mortal enemies.