The Kiss that Sparked it All

“Everything was thoroughly investigated, and all our property acquisitions were by the book. Here are the files on that man; we’re still looking into it,” reported the manager.

Nolan nodded slightly. “So, what you’re saying is we’re clean on this front. What’s got you tied in knots, then?” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

The manager’s stride halted abruptly, and Nolan stopped too, turning with a questioning look.

Frowning, the manager said, “That guy who looks like a vagrant has been making a huge scene. Quite a few media outlets are reaching out to him. I think it could smear our company’s reputation, which is why I brought it to your attention.”

Nolan nodded, signaling for him to keep up. “Your concern isn’t unwarranted. But this kind of thing, residents clashing with developers, is all too common. Many homeowners are initially discontent with the offer they get from developers. They feel especially shortchanged when they find out their old plot might turn into a bustling shopping district. They start thinking they could’ve gotten more. It’s a classic case of the grass always being greener. Not all issues deserve our attention, get it? Even if he stirs the media, that’s an issue between him and the developers. All of our procedures are reasonable and legal, and there’s no loopholes to be found. That’s all we need to focus on.”

The manager nodded and said, “I understand, Mr. Harris.”

Little did anyone expect that a single man could blow things up overnight. The media was abuzz, and by some twist of fate, Regina found herself on the frontline.

“Sir, you claim your house was taken over by force by the developers. What’s all that about? Can you share with us?” one reporter asked, pushing the microphone toward the disheveled man. It was hard to

imagine that his house once stood on what was now slated to be a major shopping center.

“Arghhh- May lightning strike those heartless developers! The Harris Group, you’re in tech; why meddle in real estate? You’ve ruined my life, taken my family and my house!”

The man didn’t give reasons; he just kept screaming, pounding the ground so hard his knuckles bled, making the journalists wince.

Shaking their heads at each other, it seemed the interview was going nowhere. They had to find another angle to dig into this vagrant’s true story. Regina jotted down notes, surprised to learn this land was part of the Harris Group’s portfolio. Ever since meeting Nolan, she kept running into his business affairs, she mused.

Wandering the intended development site, she saw the potential for a shopping center, given the residential area and decent environment – a middle-class enclave. Securing this could mean another windfall for the Harris Group.

Navigating past real estate giants to claim this land was a testament to Nolan’s prowess and the company’s clout. Yet, with the development not even off the ground, this incident. posed a potential setback.

The man looked pitiful. The property was already leveled surely they’d settled compensation by now. Why cry foul over a piece of land supposedly once theirs now?