Chapter 2003

A new company is expected to be the first in the world to receive the designation "The New York Times" from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

A woman angrily lashed out, cursing, "Bad old woman! Eating pig slop and still pretending to be a lady at Thompson First! What a brainless fool!"

She then yelled at a nearby security guard, "Hey! Get over here! Are you blind? I spent over $20 million on a house here, and this is how you treat valued homeowners? Who's going to protect our feelings and interests when a pig like this woman barges in?"

The security guard appeared nervous. Lady Wilson looked haggard and exhausted, not at all like a wealthy family member. She carried four large plastic bags filled with steamed buns, rice, and a messy-looking vegetable soup—highly unusual for a Thompson First resident.

The security guard quickly said, "Excuse me, ma'am. This is a private residence. Unauthorized individuals are not permitted. Please leave."

Lady Wilson trembled with rage. "Even if I'm not the owner of Thompson First A04, I'm a resident! A resident of one of Aurouss Hill's finest villas! Why am I being assaulted and ejected?"

Furious, Lady Wilson produced her access card, shaking it. "Open your eyes! This is a Thompson First access card!"

The security guard and the homeowner were stunned. They both recognized the card's distinctive design and Thompson First logo. A question arose in their minds: Is this woman really a Thompson First owner?

The middle-aged woman said, "Anyone can pull out a card. Swipe it and let's see if it's real."

Lady Wilson retorted, "Fine! You'll regret this!" She swiped her card at the gate's sensor.

The gate announced, "Hello, distinguished resident of Villa A04, welcome home."

At Thompson First, residents fall into two categories: owners (those listed on the property deed) and occupants. Occupants shouldn't be underestimated, however, as they are often immediate family members or close relatives of the owners.

For example, Jasmine Moore, the current head of the Moore family, would be an owner if she purchased a villa. Her grandfather, other elders, and siblings would be considered residents. While not owners, these occupants hold significant influence due to their close relationship with the owners.

Seeing Lady Wilson's successful card swipe, the middle-aged woman paled. The A-series villas, each worth hundreds of millions of dollars, were far beyond her means.