Lex stepped out of the Maddox Holdings building into the cool afternoon air. The city hummed around him, taxis blaring in the distance and pedestrians weaving through the crowded sidewalks.
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
Elias.
Lex answered immediately, crossing the street toward a quiet corner near a café.
"Tell me you've got good news," Lex said as he ducked into the shade beneath an awning.
Elias's voice was calm, but there was a rare flicker of satisfaction in his tone.
"We have a buyer," Elias said. "And they're serious."
Lex's brow lifted slightly. That was fast.
"Who is it?" Lex asked.
There was a brief pause, followed by the faint rustling of papers.
"Not your typical hedge fund type," Elias said with a hint of amusement. "A musician. Someone looking for something a little… extravagant. Apparently, the penthouse's view sold him before he even set foot inside."
Lex chuckled softly. "I guess I can't blame him."
The penthouse had always been impressive—floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline, and enough marble to make a Roman emperor jealous. It was exactly the kind of property someone with new money would buy to feel like they'd arrived.
"Name?" Lex asked, leaning against the wall as he watched the street.
Elias hesitated for a moment, and Lex could almost hear the faint smile in his voice.
"Nathan Cross."
Lex's head tilted slightly.
"Nathan Cross? As in the guy who won three Grammys last year?"
"The same," Elias replied. "Apparently, his label just restructured his deal. He's cash-flush and looking to upgrade."
Lex exhaled, tapping his fingers lightly against his phone. Nathan Cross was one of those overnight sensations who wasn't going away anytime soon—pop, a little R&B, and just enough controversy to keep him relevant.
"I didn't think he was the penthouse type," Lex mused.
"Well, when you have millions sitting around, people start buying things just to see how they feel," Elias said. "He'll be touring most of the year, but he wants a place to crash when he's in the city."
Lex smirked. That worked in his favor. Less wear and tear.
"What's the offer?" Lex asked, already calculating in his head.
"Seven-point-eight million," Elias replied smoothly. "No negotiating. He wants it as-is. Furniture included."
Lex's smirk faded slightly. Seven-point-eight was lower than market value by a hair, but considering the real estate market was approaching a dangerous cliff, it was smarter to offload now than gamble for a higher bid.
"Done," Lex said after a pause. "Send the paperwork over. I'll sign it tonight."
Elias's voice remained calm, but there was a note of approval. "I'll handle it."
Before Elias could hang up, Lex added quietly, "Thanks. For moving fast on this."
Elias's tone softened just slightly. "Your father trusted me to look after you. I'm just keeping my promise."
Lex didn't answer right away, watching a couple walk past the café, hand in hand.
"I know," Lex said quietly. "I appreciate it."
Elias ended the call, and Lex slipped his phone back into his pocket, exhaling slowly.
One step closer.
The penthouse was a ghost—one he wasn't planning to live with anymore.