Chapter 220 - 218: Next Year Will Surely Be a Good Year

"I’m happy to be reasonable with reasonable people. But when I’m dealing with someone unreasonable like you, I can be even more unreasonable!"

Cecilia deliberately raised her voice so the gawkers outside could hear her clearly. "To every tenant in this industrial park who’s received a payment reminder: if you don’t pay all your outstanding fees in full by the deadline, you will face the same consequences as this company."

"I’d rather let the entire industrial park sit empty than rent to people who have no integrity and no respect for their agreements!"

No more words were necessary. The action she’d taken, and the fate of Elysian, were proof enough that Cecilia wasn’t joking. If the other companies still dared to withhold payment after this, they couldn’t blame her for what came next.

As she turned and walked out of the office, the people outside all lowered their heads, not daring to meet her gaze.

’That was terrifying. In the past, property management would just issue verbal reminders at most. Even at their sternest, they only threatened eviction. But forceful evictions were illegal, and management wasn’t tough enough to follow through. After a few empty threats, everyone grew more and more audacious.’

’But I can’t believe they actually came to carry out an eviction today. All those burly men marching in... who wouldn’t be scared?’

Cecilia ignored them and said to Holden, "Draft an announcement about the eviction of Elysian. Post it at all prominent entrances and in the elevators tomorrow. Then, email it to all the other tenants with overdue rent."

This was to make an example of them.

Holden nodded eagerly, a look of excitement on his face.

’He finally felt vindicated today. They were the property managers, the landlords, yet they were constantly being ganged up on and bullied by the tenants.’

’Thankfully, the new boss was tough and decisive. Watching her in action was incredibly satisfying.’

After they went downstairs, Cecilia made sure Duane and his men didn’t leave empty-handed. "It’s freezing out," she said. "Don’t argue with me. Just think of it as an early New Year’s bonus for everyone."

"Cecilia, you’re being too generous. I can’t accept this time," Duane quickly refused, making a move as if to send the transfer back. "Last time, you gave us a bit extra for our trouble when we went to Starwood with you, and that was one thing. But today? This was nothing! It was hardly any effort at all."

"Tsk!" Cecilia’s eyes narrowed as she held Duane’s hand in place. "This isn’t about the money. You’re Jeb’s men, and I can’t just use your services without a clear conscience. Besides, it’s the dead of winter and almost the New Year. It wouldn’t be right to have you help me for free."

Duane gave a resigned purse of his lips. Though they’d only met twice, he was starting to get a sense of the kind of person Cecilia was.

"Alright, then. Thanks, Cecilia."

Only then did Cecilia smile, satisfied.

After Duane and his men left, she told Holden, "For now, just let things run their course. The ones who are scared will take the initiative and pay what they owe. As for those who aren’t... I’ll deal with them all when I get back after the New Year."

"Yes, I understand, Boss!" Holden nodded emphatically.

It started to snow heavily again on the way home. The snow had been especially frequent in Lorcain this winter, wrapping the entire city in a blanket of silver.

At home, Lily was packing for their trip back to Veridia the next day.

Saul Thorne was there, too.

When Cecilia got home, Saul Thorne met her at the door, brushing the snowflakes from her coat. "Why so late? Have you eaten dinner?"

Cecilia smiled and shook her head. "Not yet. I ran into a deadbeat and had to deal with it."

"A deadbeat?" Saul’s expression immediately tensed. "What happened?"

Seeing his concern, Cecilia quickly explained, "Not that kind of deadbeat. Someone maliciously refusing to pay their rent—a business deadbeat."

Hearing that, Saul Thorne couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Cecilia was so beautiful; he had been genuinely afraid she’d run into an actual thug.

"I’ll go make you something to eat."

Saul turned and headed for the kitchen. After changing into her slippers, Cecilia walked into the living room and saw a pile of exquisitely wrapped gift boxes next to the sofa.

Lily, sitting on the rug, looked up and grinned at her sister. "Sis, Saul Thorne brought all of these. He said they’re for us to take back to Mom and Auntie."

Cecilia was speechless.

A while back, when their mother had left, Saul had already bought a ton of things for her to take back to Veridia.

’Why did he buy another pile? This is way too much!’

Cecilia felt both happy and a little exasperated. She walked over and sat down on the sofa, remembering to ask her sister, "Did you go take care of your personal income tax today like I asked?"

The production team had already settled the final portion of her sister’s acting fee. Since Lily had accepted the role personally before signing with her company, the payment didn’t go through the corporate accounts. This meant the company couldn’t file the taxes on her behalf; Lily Sterling had to go to the tax bureau and do it herself.

"I did. Don’t worry, Sis. That’s important business; I definitely wouldn’t forget."

Cecilia smiled and nodded. The thought of going home for the New Year tomorrow filled her with a joyful excitement.

Just then, her phone rang. It was Timothy Rowe.

"Cecilia! Vice President Jennings got back to me. They’re accepting our proposal!"

Timothy Rowe’s voice on the other end of the line was filled with unconcealed joy. None of the eight members of his team had gone home; they were all in Lorcain, waiting for the final word.

Cecilia was happy for them, too. "That’s fantastic! You should go sign the contract with them tomorrow. My flight is in the morning, so I won’t be there. Once you’ve signed, all of you should hurry home. You’ll finally be able to properly enjoy the New Year!"

"Okay. I’ll let you know the second the partnership is official."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Seriously, Cecilia. Thank you."

Cecilia laughed softly. "Oh, stop it, you. Go and celebrate with your team. Next year is going to be a great one!"

"You’re right. Next year is going to be a great one!"

*

The next day, the sun shone brightly, making the white snow glitter.

"No more, I can’t."

In the bedroom, Cecilia pushed Saul Thorne away, resting in the crook of his sturdy arm and panting for breath.

Her cheeks were flushed and dewy, and fine beads of sweat made the wisps of hair cling to her forehead, her usual liveliness now tinged with a seductive allure.

Saul Thorne’s breathing was also ragged, his well-defined pectoral muscles rising and falling. His calloused fingers gently stroked Cecilia’s arm as he asked in a low, husky voice, "When will you be back?"

"At least not until after the fifteenth day of the festival."

Cecilia’s voice was softer and more languid than usual. She had no strength left; they had barely slept, their night filled with intermittent activity.

"Do you get time off for the New Year?" Cecilia asked, tilting her head up to look at him.

"No. I actually traded shifts with some guys to move all my days off to be with you these past few days. Once you’re gone, I have to go back to work. I even have to work the shift on New Year’s Eve."

Cecilia stroked his face. "That’s tough."

Saul tilted his head slightly to look at the woman in his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye. "This is nothing. I’ve got energy to spare, as you well know."

Cecilia playfully smacked his solid chest. "Nonsense," she pouted. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."

"Then let me remind you."

With that, he rolled over and pounced on her again.