Encouraging My Neighbors To Dig Their Graves2 / 3

Chapter 2

The room fell silent as my words landed.

Leo looked up at me, his eyes full of confusion.

"Mommy, didn't you say there would be a flood?"

I patted his back gently, signaling him to be quiet.

Arthur's annoyance shifted into pure shock.

"Nora… you actually mean that?"

His voice was cautious, testing the waters.

"Of course!" I said, raising my chin.

"I was wrong before. I was too focused on the risks and forgot about the rewards."

"With a manager like Mr. Thorne looking out for us, what is there to worry about?"

The neighbors started nodding along.

"See? I knew she'd see sense eventually."

"Exactly. Who would turn down a pile of cash?"

The suspicion in Arthur's eyes vanished, replaced by a smug grin.

He cleared his throat and pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase.

"Since we're all in agreement! To avoid any legal disputes and ensure a smooth project, I need everyone to sign this 'Voluntary Investment Agreement for the Underground Complex.'"

He added a little kicker at the end.

"Once you sign, please head to the office to pay the fifty-thousand-dollar initial investment. The sooner we have the funds, the sooner we break ground!"

The neighbors scrambled toward the front like a pack of hungry wolves.

"Me first! Let me sign!"

"Don't push! I've got the money ready!"

Brenda shot me a look of triumph as she shoved her way to the front to sign and pay.

I held the agreement in my hands. My fingertips were ice-cold.

In my last life, because of my protests, it never got this far.

I didn't realize Arthur had prepared a legal shield to dodge all responsibility.

"Nora, are you done reading? If there's no issue, sign it. Don't waste our time."

Arthur saw me standing still and frowned.

I placed the agreement back on the table without picking up the pen.

"My family won't be participating in the investment this time."

Arthur's smile died instantly. "What?! Why?!"

The other neighbors stopped what they were doing and glared at me.

"What the hell do you mean?"

"You just said you supported us! Are you playing games?"

Brenda was the first to jump out, pointing a finger at my nose.

I put on a troubled, pained expression.

"Please don't misunderstand. I support Mr. Thorne in spirit! I want everyone to succeed!"

I sighed, pulling Leo close to me.

"But my little Leo…"

"Sigh. This poor child has terrible health. He has chronic asthma and is deathly allergic to dust."

"If construction starts, the air will be full of debris. I'm terrified he'll have an attack. The doctor said his condition can be life-threatening if it gets triggered."

I hugged Leo tight.

"I was thinking, for his health, we should move out for a few years during the construction."

"Since we won't be living here, the parking spot won't do us any good. So, we won't be putting up the fifty thousand."

"Once you guys have finished building everything, we'll move back. It won't affect anyone. I'm just trying not to be a burden."

Leo took the cue and let out two small, forced coughs.

"Mommy, I don't want to breathe the dust."

My explanation left Arthur and the mob speechless.

The room began to buzz with actual conversation.

"Asthma is a nightmare, especially for kids."

"If she's moving out for her kid's health, it makes sense why she wouldn't pay."

"Come to think of it… the construction will be a mess for the elderly and children too…"

Some of the homeowners who were already on the fence began to hesitate.