Jasper frowned slightly.
The staff building of Faith County’s number one high school had only been demolished after 2010 in his past life because it was too old.
So why was it being demolished now?
Jasper could not help but feel that there was more to the situation.
Just then, two familiar voices sounded at the door.
Shockingly, it was Archer and Ronald.
“Mr. Nicholls, you swore that you were going to persuade the old woman. That’s why I let you come here first.
“See, I even got the signatures of the last family on the sixth floor, and you’re telling me you can’t even handle one old woman?”
Ronald sounded displeased.
The important business he referred to moments ago was to sign contracts on behalf of the demolition company.
He thought that Archer would be able to handle this old Tiana woman, but he did not expect Archer to come back empty-handed.
Ronald began to feel impatient when he thought about the pressure the real estate company was giving him.
It was rare that such a profitable piece of business fell at his feet, and Ronald desperately wanted to show his capabilities to the client. That way, all new demolition businesses in Faith County would be given to him.
However, if he could not carry out the first bit of business well, then there was no future to speak of.
Ronald’s expression darkened and he pushed open the room doors.
Ronald snickered when he entered and realized that both Jasper and Wendy were there. “F*cking Hell, why are you everywhere, you stupid f*cker?”
Ronald then turned to Ms. Tiana, who was sitting on the bed, and spat arrogantly, “My name is Ronald, Madam. I’m the person in charge of Robust Demolitions.
“I’m sure my subordinates and your student Archer already told you about the demolition. So, I won’t waste my time. I’ve brought the contract, so sign it and the demolition compensation will be banked into your account in the afternoon.”
“Get out! I will not sign your papers!” Ms. Tiana shouted with newfound strength.
Ronald sneered and spoke, “I already gave you respect, you old woman! I’ve seen old b*tches like you before, you just want to squeeze me of my money, don’t you? Well, I’m telling you, there’s no way in hell I’ll let you scam me of my money!
“Everyone’s already signed it and you’re the only one left. You’re going to sign this paper whether you want to or not. Either you sign it by yourself and I’ll still pay you the demolition fee, or you watch yourself before I kill you!”
Jasper looked at Ronald indifferently as he spoke up, “So you’re going to resort to violence, then?”
Ronald scoffed and replied, “Who are you to join the conversation, you stupid f*cker?
“I’m only letting you be because you’re not worth my time, you brat. Don’t take it for granted. Or do you want to die too?
“Go out and open your ears. Do you even know who I am in Faith County? Who do you think you are? What gave you the right to raise your voice at me? Had this been any other day, I’d have slapped you across the face long ago. F*cking idiot!”
Ronald then pulled out a contract from his briefcase and tossed it on the bed with a sneer. “Be a good student and persuade this old woman to stop being so stubborn.
“Otherwise, by the time the lights go off and she’s too old to run, an old woman might get buried here when my bulldozer comes to wreak the building.”
This was a blatant threat.
Even Ramona, who had been watching everything happen from the outside, was looking at Ronald furiously, much less Jasper and Wendy.
Archer was the only one with a matter-of-fact expression on his face.
“I suggest you sign the papers, Ms. Tiana. You’re already an old woman, what do you even need so much money for anyway?
“It’s not like Ronald isn’t giving you money. Don’t think that just because you’re educated you can base everything on the official statement. Did the official statement consider Ronald’s situation?
“Do you know how many people Ronald has in his demolition company? If he follows the official statements every day, then Ronald and his employees might as well not take home a salary at all!
“So just sign the paper. This is for your sake. Didn’t you say you don’t care about money or fame and only had your students’ best interests in mind? In that case, why are you being so stubborn now? Just take the money for your retirement.”
Ms. Tiana paled in anger as she seethed, “Do you think I’m doing this for myself? I’m doing this for justice and equality! This house is mine! Do you think you can decide how much to pay me for demolition compensation?
“I’m still sponsoring the tuition and living costs of more than ten children in poor families! I’m arguing for their sake!”
When she said this, everyone in the room was stunned.
“Ms. Tiana, you’re sponsoring more than ten students?” Wendy gasped.
Ms. Tiana sighed deeply and turned to Wendy, “In the second drawer by my bedside table is a canvas bag. Take it out.”
Wendy followed and pulled out an old canvas bag.
Ms. Tiana took the bag and pulled out a thick pile of envelopes. There were new and old ones, spanning over at least a decade.
Ms. Tiana took these envelopes and said, “You can read the letters if you don’t believe me. These are all written by children I’ve sponsored, and inside them are their pictures.”
After this, Ms. Tiana sighed deeply and continued, “As you said, I’m already old and I don’t even know how many more days alive I have left. I don’t need so much money, but any extra amount will go to another child in need. These children are too pitiful.
“I don’t even want more, just what the rules say. I just want what I am entitled to, is that too much to ask for?”
At that moment, even Ronald felt his cheeks burn in humiliation, let alone Archer.
Jasper glanced at the letters that were filled with innocent words of gratefulness directed at Ms. Tiana. These words and feelings could not be replicated.
Jasper took a deep breath and turned to Ms. Tiana. “Don’t worry, Ms. Tiana. I’m sure heaven sees everything that’s happening here. If you’re willing to demolish this place, then you will not get a Somer Dollar less than you deserve.
“If you don’t want to demolish the house, then God himself can come down here and he still wouldn’t be able to touch a single brick!”
