The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17

“Mia, I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept it,” Alex said firmly, setting down his fork.” You’ve already done too much for me. I can’t just live in your apartment rent-free.”

“Who said anything about rent-free?” Mia raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing on her lips. “I’m a businesswoman, Alex. I don’t give handouts.”

“But you said—”

“I said the apartment is vacant. I didn’t say you could live there for free.” Mia leaned back in her chair, her expression turning more serious. “You’ll pay rent, just like any other tenant. Fair market value.”

Alex’s face fell slightly. “Mia, I’m a firefighter. My salary is decent, but an apartment in the city center? I probably can’t afford that. Those places go for three, four thousand a month minimum.”

“True,” Mia admitted. “Which is why I have a solution. The apartment has two bedrooms. You’ll rent just one of them. I’ll find another tenant for the second bedroom, and you’ll split the rent between you. That way, it’s affordable for both of you.”

Alex considered this, his brow furrowed. “Split rent… that might actually work. But are you sure? Finding a reliable roommate can be tricky.”

“I’ll handle the vetting process,” Mia assured him. “I know how to screen tenants. You won’t have to worry about ending up with some crazy person.”

Alex hesitated, clearly wrestling with the decision. Part of him wanted to maintain his independence, to not rely on anyone’s charity-especially not from someone he’d just met. But another part of him knew he was running out of options. The motel was eating into his savings, and finding an affordable apartment in this city was nearly impossible.

“Okay,” he said finally. “But I pay my share on time, every month. No special treatment, no discounts. I want this to be a legitimate rental arrangement.”

“Deal.” Mia extended her hand across the table, and they shook on it. “You can move in today if you want. The place is fully furnished, utilities are included in the rent. All you need to bring are your personal belongings.”

“Today?” Alex blinked in surprise.

“Why wait? You’re living in a motel right now, aren’t you? The apartment is just sitting empty. Might as well put it to use.” Mia pulled out her phone and tapped the screen a few times. “I’ll send you the address. It’s about fifteen minutes from here.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Alex admitted, feeling overwhelmed by her generosity despite her insistence on charging rent. “Thank you, Mia. Really.”

“Stop thanking me. You saved my life, remember” Mia’s smile was warm, genuine. “This is

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CHAPTER 17

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just business. Good business, but business nonetheless.”

After they finished their meal-which was indeed comped by the restaurant manager-Mia drove Alex back to the motel to collect his belongings.

It didn’t take long; his entire life fit into one duffel bag and a small box of personal items he’d grabbed from the apartment he’d shared with Lisa.

As Alex loaded his meager possessions into the trunk of Mia’s Ferrari, she watched him with a thoughtful expression.

There was something about this man that drew her in.

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