My Son Said Firmly “Pay The Rent Or Move Out!” He Did It In Front Of Twenty Two People At Christmas Dinner. My Daughter In Law Added, “Let’s See How You Manage.” I Packed My Things, Went To My New House… And Stopped Covering Any Extra Costs Or Help I’d Quietly Handled For Them.

Matthew took the opportunity to look around. The walls were decorated with photographs of buildings. He recognized some: the complex in Brooklyn, the offices in Soho… and he froze.

In a large photograph in the center of the wall was his father, Anthony Vega, in a construction helmet, smiling in front of a half-built building. The plaque underneath read: Anthony Vega — Co-Founder — 1989 to 2017 — In Memoriam. His father had been a construction worker.

He had never mentioned owning a part of anything. “Mr. Vega.”

A man in his mid-forties, in an impeccable suit with graying hair at the temples, approached—hand extended.

“I am James Torres, Executive Director of Vega Properties. I understand you have concerns about your lease agreement.”

Matthew automatically shook his hand, but his mind was still processing the photograph. “Yes, I— Excuse me, that photo.

My father worked here?”

James followed his gaze, and something akin to sadness crossed his face. “Anthony was much more than an employee, but that is a separate issue. Why don’t we go to my office so we can—”

James’s Office
The office had views of the entire avenue.

Matthew sat in a leather chair while James opened a file on his desk. “Mr. Vega, I understand your concern, but the decision not to renew your contract is completely within the legal framework.”

“The owner.

Who is the owner?” Matthew interrupted. “I need to talk to them. There’s been a misunderstanding.

My mother—she said something inappropriate at Christmas dinner, and if that somehow reached the owner’s ears—”

“Your mother has nothing to do with this,” James said, although Matthew noticed something odd in his tone. “It’s simply a business decision.”

“Then at least let me apply to renew. I can pay more.

I can—”

“The market price is $3,800 a month,” James said firmly. “Can you pay that amount?”

Matthew opened his mouth. He closed it.

The math was brutal and obvious. “There are other apartments in New York,” James continued, not without some compassion. “I suggest you start looking soon.

The market in January is competitive.”

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