Chapter 2

"Ms. Vance, how do you want to handle this...?"

I rubbed my temples. "I got it. I’ll deal with her."

After hanging up, I sent Audrey a text: [Tomorrow morning at 10 AM. Let's talk face-to-face in the hallway.]

She replied instantly: [Be there. Don't play any games.]

I stared at the last four words, almost cracking my new phone screen.

The next morning, I didn't bring anyone with me.

I stood outside my door, waiting for her alone.

Her door opened. Audrey stepped out wearing a crisp white dress and gold-rimmed glasses. She looked sophisticated, but she carried an undeniable air of arrogance.

Standing right behind her was the lawyer who had threatened me on the phone yesterday.

"Ms. Vance, where is your lawyer?" Audrey pushed her glasses up, her eyes scanning me with judgment.

"I don't need a lawyer to deal with you," I said, staying put at my doorway.

The lawyer stepped forward and handed me a thick folder.

"Ms. Vance, these are the official demands of my client, Ms. Audrey Sterling."

"First, you will compensate Ms. Sterling $15,000 for emotional distress, lost wages, and inspection fees."

"Second, you will completely renovate your apartment according to this checklist. The estimated cost is around $20,000."

"Third, you will sign this 'Good Neighbor Agreement' and strictly follow the designated quiet hours and appliance usage rules."

"That’s $35,000 total, plus long-term compliance with our rules. Sign here if you agree."

I took the list and skimmed through it.

"Install soundproof mats across the entire floor."

"Replace all windows with triple-glazed acoustic glass."

"Relocate the AC unit to the rooftop with a noise-muffling cover."

"Kitchen use is restricted to 7-8 AM and 6-7 PM."

"No dishwashers or washing machines to be run after 10 PM."

I let out a sharp laugh and slapped the paper against the wall.

"Audrey, do you honestly think I’m some kind of pushover?"

Audrey took a slow step toward me, looking down her nose at me.

"Ms. Vance, I’m simply enforcing the rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes. In this society, rules are everything."

She tapped her temple. "And I happen to know the rules better than anyone. I know exactly how to use them."

She smiled, a smug expression of intellectual superiority that she didn't bother to hide.

"I forgot to mention, I graduated from Yale Law. I specialized in Tort Law and Property Disputes."

"No lawyer you hire can save you from this."

"Just pay up and do the renovations. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a court judgment and a ruined credit score."

The lawyer chimed in right on cue.

"Ms. Vance, Ms. Sterling’s report is backed by solid evidence. If we go to trial, you will lose."

Watching the two of them tag-team me was actually starting to get amusing.

Just then, Audrey’s phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID, and her arrogant demeanor instantly melted into a sweet, childlike voice.

"Hey, Mom."

"Yeah, I’m talking to the neighbor right now. Honestly, she's a bit slow, but it's fine. I already had my lawyer send the letter."

"Don't worry, she can't beat me. She’ll have her place fully renovated to my standards in no time, and she's going to pay us for it."

"Once you and Dad move in, you’ll have absolute peace and quiet."

She hung up and looked at me triumphantly.

"Did you hear that? I’m doing all of this for my parents."

"So yes, I know I'm in the right."