"Grace, the transfer is complete. This is the new property deed. The Property Management Bureau is closing for the holidays tomorrow. Good thing we managed to finish the paperwork on the last day."

The next day, Andrew Aldridge took Grace Winslow to the Property Management Bureau to pick up the property deed.

Grace Winslow looked at the property deed in her hand, feeling a wave of emotion.

She had her eye on Grandma Forrest’s house from the very beginning, but unfortunately, she didn’t have enough money at the time, so she didn’t buy it.

She never expected that after all the twists and turns, she would end up buying the house after all.

Tucking the property deed into her bag, Grace Winslow paid the agent’s fee. "Thanks. Let me know if any good storefronts become available. I’ll take a look after the New Year, and if one is suitable, I’ll buy it."

Houses and shops were cheap at the moment, so Grace Winslow poured all her money into buying them.

’In the future, they would appreciate in value. The assets in her hands would be worth at least a hundred million.’

’Just one courtyard house alone would become priceless.’

"Oh, right! There actually is one. I think Big Boss York showed you a street-facing commercial property before, right? The seller’s asking price was high back then. But recently, it seems something happened with their family, and they’re looking to sell it cheap—only eighteen thousand. The shop is pretty nice. Great location, and it’s a small three-story building with a rather large yard in the back. Before, they were dead set on thirty thousand and wouldn’t sell for a penny less."

Andrew Aldridge nodded. He had suddenly remembered something and quickly told Grace Winslow.

"Oh? Then let’s go take a look. We still have some time today. If it’s suitable, I’ll just go ahead and buy it."

Grace Winslow’s eyes lit up.

She had indeed gone with Sean York to see that street-facing property before. The price was just too high; back then, they were asking for over thirty thousand and absolutely refused to budge.

She hadn’t expected it to be so much cheaper now.

Andrew Aldridge nodded and took Grace Winslow over on his bicycle.

The shop’s interior still had no renovations. Most of the things had been moved out, leaving it empty. Although the location was good, it was an old shop. It looked like it had been vandalized at some point, and just buying it would mean spending a lot of money on repairs. That was why it hadn’t sold yet.

Andrew Aldridge led Grace Winslow inside. A middle-aged man in his early forties was sitting in the shop, a worried frown on his face.

When he saw someone come in, he glanced over, then stood up with a hopeful expression. "Abbott, have you found a buyer for me?"

"I really am in a hurry for the money. Eighteen thousand. As long as they can pay in one lump sum, I’ll sell it immediately."

Andrew Aldridge exchanged a look with Grace Winslow. He then began, sounding a bit troubled, "Boss Ford, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but eighteen thousand really is no small sum. Shops in this area usually sell for around eight to twelve thousand. Your price is just too high."

"Besides, your shop has been vandalized in many places. Whoever buys it will have to spend a lot on repairs."

"I do have a client who wants to buy it—this young lady here—but your price of eighteen thousand is still a bit steep. How about you lower it a little?"

Hearing Andrew Aldridge’s words, Henry glanced at Grace Winslow. He could tell from her clothes that she wasn’t short on cash. He pondered for a moment before speaking, "It’s really hard to lower this price. My location is the best of the best! The foot traffic here is considerable. You won’t lose money no matter what. If I weren’t desperate for cash, I wouldn’t be selling it at such a low price."

"Miss, why don’t you make me a counter-offer? If the price is right, I’ll sell."

Grace Winslow first exchanged a look with Andrew Aldridge, then walked a lap around the shop.

The shop had to be at least a hundred years old. A lot of the wood had rotted, and there were signs of termite damage. The yard in the back was indeed large, with two extra rooms that were likely used as break rooms, plus a bathroom.

She thought for a moment before speaking. "Sixteen thousand. If that’s acceptable to you, we can complete the transaction and start the paperwork right away."

Henry hesitated and shook his head. "No, that’s too low. How about sixteen thousand eight hundred? If you agree to that, I won’t haggle any further." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"I really am in a hurry for the money. My child was suddenly diagnosed with a serious illness and needs a large sum for treatment fees. I have no other choice."

"I’m selling all the shops and houses I have—everything that can be sold."

Grace Winslow was a little surprised. "You have a house, too?"

"Yes, it’s in an alley not far from here. The house isn’t small, either. I’m not lowering the price on the house; Abbott knows this."

Hearing this, Andrew Aldridge nodded. "That’s right. His family’s residence is quite large. The Ford family used to be prominent, with a fair amount of property."

Andrew Aldridge didn’t say any more than that.

"How much is the house?" Grace Winslow asked casually.

Andrew Aldridge glanced at Henry first before answering honestly, "His house is about the same size as Grandma Forrest’s, maybe a little smaller. The location is also pretty good, so the fixed price is twenty-six thousand, non-negotiable."

"Sell me the residence along with it. Forty-two thousand for both. Mr. Ford, if you’re serious about selling, contact Abbott anytime. I’m available whenever." After a moment of thought, Grace Winslow decided to take them both in one fell swoop.

’This area’s location is excellent. It’s sure to appreciate in the future. Even if I don’t run a business, just holding on to the properties for their future value is a good move.’

’I’m not short on money right now and have nothing else I need to spend it on. Of course, I should use it for investments.’

’And in this day and age, you can’t lose by investing in real estate.’

Henry was completely stunned. He had figured Grace Winslow had money, but he never imagined she was such a big shot.

Even though she had haggled the price down a bit, it was still a number he could accept.

He thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and agreed. "Done. I agree."

Grace Winslow didn’t have quite enough cash on hand. After just buying Grandma Forrest’s house and paying the commission, she only had thirty-eight thousand left.

However, being short by four thousand wasn’t a big problem. She could just go home and get it from Irene Lynch.

She had some money saved up with Irene Lynch.

Since the Property Management Bureau hadn’t closed for the day yet, Grace Winslow went back to get the money, while Andrew Aldridge took Henry to the bureau to start the paperwork.

By the time Grace Winslow arrived, most of the necessary procedures were already complete.

She signed to confirm, paid the fees, and handed the money owed to Henry—a large bag full of cash that drew surprised looks from the staff at the Property Management Bureau.

After all, it wasn’t often they saw someone pull out so much cash for a transaction all at once.

Unfortunately, it was too late in the day, so the property deeds would only be available for pickup after the New Year.

Andrew Aldridge took on the task. After all, he had earned a hefty commission thanks to Grace Winslow this time. He was going to have a very prosperous New Year.

He could go home and marry his sweetheart, and maybe even buy a nice residence for himself.

By the time Grace Winslow returned from the Property Management Bureau, it was almost dark.

She now had three more properties to her name. Although all her cash was spent, as far as Grace Winslow was concerned, it was no loss at all.