CHAPTER 2
ILAY
The car pulls up to a sleek commercial building in the heart of the business district and I can already see the real estate agent standing outside the entrance, shifting his weight from foot to foot like he cannot decide which leg to trust. His face is flushed red and he keeps adjusting his tie and checking his watch even though I am right on time.
"Wait here," I tell Viktor as I step out of the car.
The agent spots me immediately and his entire body stiffens before he forces a smile so wide it looks painful. He rushes toward me with his hand already extended, and when I shake it his palm is damp with sweat.
"Mr. Ivanovich, it is such an honor, truly an honor, I cannot tell you how excited I am to show you this property today.
" He is talking too fast and his voice is pitched higher than it probably normally is.
"When your assistant called I thought it was a joke at first, I mean not a joke, I just meant that I never expected to, well, what I mean to say is that this is a very exciting opportunity for me and I want you to know that I am fully committed to finding you exactly what you're looking for. "
I stare at him and wait for him to finish rambling.
He swallows hard and gestures toward the building. "Shall we go inside?"
"Lead the way."
He nearly trips over his own feet turning around and I follow him through the glass doors into a massive lobby with high ceilings and marble floors. The space is empty and our footsteps echo as we walk.
"So this building is twelve floors," he begins, pulling out a tablet and scrolling through information he has probably memorized five times over.
"It was recently vacated by an insurance company that relocated to another city.
The entire structure has been updated with modern electrical and plumbing systems within the last three years.
Each floor is approximately eight thousand square feet, which gives you plenty of room for offices, conference rooms, a reception area, whatever you need. "
I look around the lobby, taking in the details. The lighting is good. The space feels open and professional without being cold.
"What is the parking situation?" I ask.
"Excellent question, Mr. Ivanovich, excellent question.
" He swipes on his tablet eagerly. "There is a private underground parking garage with two hundred spaces included with the building.
Reserved spots can be assigned to senior staff, and there is also street parking available for visitors, though I would recommend validating for the garage to make it easier for clients. "
I nod and walk toward the elevators. "Show me the top floor."
"Of course, of course, right this way."
We step into the elevator and he presses the button for the twelfth floor. He is standing as far from me as possible while still being in the same small space, and I can see him sneaking glances at me through the reflection in the metal doors.
"If you don't mind me asking," he says carefully, "what type of business are you looking to establish here? Just so I can better tailor my suggestions to your needs."
"A law firm."
His eyebrows shoot up. "Oh, I didn't realize you were an attorney, Mr. Ivanovich."
"I'm not. It's for my wife."
"Your wife." He blinks a few times like he is processing this information. "That's very generous of you, sir. Very generous indeed.
The elevator doors open and we step out onto the twelfth floor.
The entire space is open with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the city skyline.
Sunlight pours in and I can already picture it.
Iris's corner office right there by the windows.
A conference room with a long glass table. Her name on the door in gold lettering.
"The view is the main selling point of this floor," the agent says, stating the obvious. "Many executives prefer the top floor for privacy and prestige. Your wife would have the best office in the building up here."
I walk over to the windows and look out at the city. She would love this. She would stand right here in the mornings with her coffee and look at this view and feel like she has made it. Like everything she worked for has finally paid off.
"What is the asking price?" I ask without turning around
He clears his throat. "The current owner is asking forty-two million, but I believe there is room for negotiation given the current market conditions and the fact that the building has been vacant for several months now."
"I'll take it.
Silence behind me
I turn around and the agent is staring at me with his mouth slightly open. "I'm sorry, did you say you'll take it?"
"Yes. Full asking price. I want the paperwork ready by the end of the week."
He looks like he might faint. "Mr. Ivanovich, don't you want to see the other properties I have lined up? I have three more buildings that might suit your needs and they're all in excellent locations and I really think you should consider your options before making such a significant—"
"I've seen enough. This is the one."
He closes his mouth and nods rapidly, his face somehow getting even redder than before. "Of course, sir. Of course. I will have everything prepared immediately. End of the week, you said? I can do that. I can absolutely do that. Should I send the documents to your office or would you prefer—"
"Send them to my assistant. She will handle the details.”
"Your assistant, yes, perfect, I will do that right away." He fumbles with his tablet, nearly dropping it. "Mr. Ivanovich, I just want to say, this is truly, I mean, your wife is a very lucky woman."
I look at him evenly. "I'm the lucky one."
He blinks at me like he does not know what to do with that information.
"I have another appointment," I say, already walking toward the elevator. "We'll be in touch."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. It was an absolute pleasure, truly an honor, I look forward to—"
The elevator doors close on his rambling and I pull out my phone to check the time. The event planner is next, and I have very specific instructions for her.