The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

His quiet strength, his refusal to accept charity, his determination to do things the right way even when life had knocked him down.

And he was handsome-she couldn’t deny that. Not in the polished, artificial way Ben was, but in a rugged, authentic way.

The kind of man who looked like he’d actually lived life rather than just posed for it.

He saved my life, Mia thought, watching Alex carefully arrange his crutches in the back seat. He carried me out of a burning building when I was too drunk to save myself. He didn’t even know who I was, didn’t expect anything in return. He just… did it. Because that’s who he is.

She felt something flutter in her chest-something she hadn’t felt since her husband had died two years ago. Interest. Attraction. Maybe even the beginning of something more.

Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself firmly. He just left his wife. He’s going through a divorce. The last thing he needs is you developing feelings for him.

But as Alex settled into the passenger seat and gave her a grateful smile, Mia couldn’t quite suppress the warmth that spread through her.

The apartment was located in one of the most prestigious buildings in the city center-all glass and steel, with a doorman and a lobby that looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel.

Alex felt distinctly out of place as they rode the elevator to the twenty-third floor.

“Here we are,” Mia announced, unlocking the door to apartment 2304. “Home sweet home.”

Alex stepped inside and stopped dead in his tracks.

The apartment was stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city skyline.

The living room was spacious and elegantly decorated with modern furniture in neutral tones. The kitchen was all stainless steel and granite countertops. Everything was pristine, perfect.

“This is… wow,” Alex breathed. “Mia, are you sure about this? This place must be worth a fortune.”

“It’s just sitting empty,” Mia said with a shrug, though she seemed pleased by his reaction. ” Your room is the second door on the right. It has its own bathroom, so you’ll have privacy. The other bedroom-your future roommate’s room is on the left. You’ll share the common areas, obviously.”

Alex walked down the hallway and pushed open the door to his room. It was large, with the same floor-to-ceiling windows, a queen-sized bed, a desk, and a spacious closet. The attached bathroom was modern and clean.

“This is incredible,” Alex said, setting his duffel bag on the bed. “I feel like I’m living in a

1/3

CHAPTER 18

+25 Bonus

hotel.”

“Better than a motel, right?” Mia leaned against the doorframe, watching him with an amused expression.

“Definitely better.” Alex turned to face her. “When will the other tenant be moving in? Your advertisement said they’d be here soon?”

“Oh, right. Your roommate.” Mia glanced at her watch. “Should be here any minute, actually. Let me go check if they’ve arrived yet.”

She disappeared down the hallway, and Alex heard the apartment door open and close. He took the opportunity to unpack his few belongings, hanging his clothes in the closet and setting his toiletries in the bathroom. Everything felt surreal-just this morning he’d been alone in a dingy motel, and now he was living in what looked like a luxury penthouse.

A knock on the front door interrupted his thoughts. Alex left his room and walked down the hallway, assuming Mia had forgotten her keys or something.

He opened the door-and found Mia standing there with a mischievous smile on her face, holding a small overnight bag.

“Uh… Mia? What are you doing?” Alex asked, confused. “I thought you were checking on the other tenant?”

“I am the other tenant,” Mia said cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with amusement at his shocked expression.

Alex’s jaw dropped. “You… what?”

“I’m your roommate, Alex.” Mia pushed past him into the apartment, setting her bag down in the living room. “Surprise!”

“But… but you said you were finding someone to share the rent with me!”

“I did. Me.” Mia turned to face him, clearly enjoying his bewilderment. “I own the apartment, remember? I can live here if I want to.”

“But you have a mansion! You’re rich! Why would you want to live here as a roommate?”

Mia’s playful expression softened slightly. “Because my mansion is huge and empty and lonely. Because I’ve been rattling around in that big house by myself for two years husband died. And because…” She paused, meeting his eyes directly. “Because you’re interesting, Alex Carter. And I think we could be good friends.”

since my

Alex stood there, completely dumbfounded, as Mia walked past him toward the second bedroom with her overnight bag, leaving him standing in the hallway trying to process what had just happened.

His roommate was Mia Vinda Richardson.

2/3