*cee*

she/her | family + pleasure asp | 20-something | sims 2

[milliondollarnooboo]

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The Pleasant Alliance

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On Hiatus:

Periwinkle Palms

[milliondollarnooboo]

Trying to choose between playing my megahood or staging the next scene of the pleasant alliance

On one hand I’ve been planning the next scene of the alliance for aaaages but was too ill and too busy to get around to it

But at the same time, in my megahood Tybalt Capp and (aged down) Cassandra Goth are about to get married so…

[milliondollarnooboo]

🫣 me trying to convince my readers that people really do care about Angela and Malcom’s marriage

[milliondollarnooboo]

In other news, the Landgraab mansion crashed my game and I had to move Angela and Malcom out to troubleshoot.

Found the problem but I don’t have the capacity to restore things rn.

I’ll sort it out eventually. Feel like playing my other saves offline for now.

[milliondollarnooboo]

Update: the mansion is now restored! I changed the colour scheme a bit more to match how I currently view this household. The decor is still pretty dated and classical, just that now it’s in more creams and beiges with gold accents.

Which is how I perceive Malcom visually.

Specifically Malcom. Nothing about Angela though.

Because she’s not yet being regarded as a part of that household. Both by Malcom and herself. Unintentionally. So she leaves no traces, because she’s still so focused on fitting into Malcom’s world.

Lilith and Alex have a similar thing going, but the difference is that the goth manor is designed after Mortimer’s preferences - not even Alex is visually accommodated here. So in their case they’ll both have to grow into ownership of their home - it’s not just Lilith’s tastes that are smothered. Another thing is - they both look like the decor and colour scheme *should* work for them, but their personalities and preferences say otherwise.

Colour is one of my favourite storytelling tools :)

Like right now both houses lean more towards the palettes (curated or not) of the guys cause that’s who the homes belong to.

I did the same thing with their clothing earlier in the story.

At the risk of sounding weird, I will say that at this stage it’s the girls that have been upped and dumped into the worlds of Alex and Malcom. It wasn’t as mutual an exchange. That’s why they have little to no influence on the world around them.

Before this, they still had influence that was only limited to surface level personal choices. Because Mary Sue was running that show too.

When I married them off I actually wondered how their lives would change. Turns out, not that much. The difference now is the new container of agency, but it’s translating differently for both of them.

Lilith seems to have a lot more freedom to act because she’s stepped out of her mother’s framework for agency— and right into someone else’s. But at least it’s a much prettier cage. Alex expects nothing of her, so whatever she does is unlikely to affect his own decisions - for now.

Angela has carried her agency container with her from her mother’s house: duty and optics. Every decision is still governed by what and who she represents. Pleasantview’s Sweetheart now dons the additional title of being Mrs Landgraab.

In both cases, the girls seem to have nothing else going for them. You’d think that in their positions they’d be acting more like celebrities and doing stuff.

But at 24, recently graduated/dropped out then married off— what exactly are you gonna do? Now that the obligatory marriages are done, what comes next? No one actually knows what to do with them.

Including the girls themselves. That’s why they seem so painfully bored. I’m having them learn what they want for themselves. To want more for themselves at all. Either at the expense of, or along with their new roles.

Another thing I’ve been itching to say is - they’re normal girls. They didn’t necessarily grow up rich - just comfortable in that 2000s suburban way. Even though their mother has made a name for herself and has curated images for them, none of that has actually good deeper than surface level optics.

Sure they were child stars and are decently well known locally, but it’s nothing to the worlds they’ve entered. It’s as good as being regular civilians.

I get so paranoid that people think I don’t see Angela and Lilith as more than just wives but I have plans for them😭 there’s more coming for their personal arcs, I’m just trying to stay secure in where my story is at rn and trust that overtime it’ll start to take shape the way I want it to.

[okenki]

watched a sims 2 machinima where angela helps her sister lilith escape a wedding and it was really fun!

[milliondollarnooboo]

In other news, the Landgraab mansion crashed my game and I had to move Angela and Malcom out to troubleshoot.

Found the problem but I don’t have the capacity to restore things rn.

I’ll sort it out eventually. Feel like playing my other saves offline for now.

[milliondollarnooboo]

Booting up my game just so that I can use my laptop as a heating pad cause I have the worst cramps everrrrr

[milliondollarnooboo]

When is it alright for me to wait (for you?)

[milliondollarnooboo]

17. Slipping.

"That'll be 34.97, please." the cashier announced.

At that moment the doors slid open and in stepped Alexander Goth. He didn't seem to notice Angela as he walked further into the store, seemingly headed to a specific aisle.

Angela handed the cashier the simoleons with a distracted "thank you" as her eyes tracked the back of Alex's retreating head. She gathered her bags and hurried after him.

"Alex?"

He looked back in surprise.

His expression relaxed with recognition. "Oh-- Hey Angela."

"Hey, what're you doing all the way out here?" Angela smiled.

"I was at a museum nearby. I just wanted to grab some cookies before heading home," He replied, gesturing somewhere behind her, "And this store is the only one for miles that stocks my favourite brand."

Angela hummed in understanding. "Can't lie, I never took you for the type to like sweets." she teased lightly. "Not very Goth heir of me, huh?" he responded playfully. Angela laughed at that.

"Apparently your sister likes them too." he added conversationally.

There was no emphasis in that statement, but it made Angela smile.

"Well," she said lightly, clasping her hands eagerly, "I'm glad I ran into you actually."

Alex quirked his head. "Oh?"

"I'm hosting a little get together at ours for Winter's Day, and I was wondering if you'd like to come."

Alex didn't look surprised so much as mildly taken aback by the directness of it.

Angela hurried to clarify. "It's usually just me and Lilith, but since you guys are married now I just thought maybe..."

For all her people skills, none of Angela's media training had prepared her for the awkwardness of inviting her arranged brother-in-law for Winter's Day.

It occurred to her that they'd never actually had a conversation before. Between the flurry of the engagements and weddings to suddenly living in different districts, there had never been a chance to interact one-on-one.

"That sounds nice," he said after a moment. "I hadn't heard about it yet."

"Oh," Angela said. "Sorry, I just assumed--"

"No, it's fine," he added lightly. "I just haven't spoken to her today."

That answer comforted her.

"I'd just need to check with Lilith and see if she's okay with me tagging along, and if we have anything else planned. But it does sound good."

Angela smiled kindly and nodded. "Alright, let me know."

--

Warmth greeted Angela as she stepped into the house and made a beeline for the kitchen.

Dumping the heavy bag on the counter, she giddily opened the fridge and plucked out her preset tray of ingredients.

Instantly, she set to work on the dough.

The snow fell thickly outside.

Winterfest music floated through the house from somewhere in the mansion.

The kitchen was fragrant with the aroma of cookie dough.

Angela was thoroughly enjoying herself. She loved Winterfest prep. At some point in her teens, it had become hers to organise. Hers to prepare with affection for the people she loved.

And now at 23, she was preparing for her first Winterfest as a wife in her own home.

Her heart faltered for a fraction of a second at the dull realisation that she'd only ever pictured this scene as Dustin's wife. Instantly she pushed the thought away. In it's place unravelled the rosy memory of dinner with Malcom a few nights ago.

Angela pushed the tray of cookies into the waiting oven.

Things were warming up between them. Maybe he'd be home for Winter's Day, too.

She carried on in blissful silence, heady with fantasies of a happy family gathering with Lilith’s household and maybe even her parents too.

Some twenty-ish minutes later, the cookies were ready. Angela gingerly pulled the tray out of the oven and set it on the stovetop to cool.

She cleaned as the cookies cooled, not minding the chore. It added to the satisfaction. She found it thoughtful of Malcom to never keep servants around the house. That meant they got to go home to their families every night.

--

Angela dusted her hands off and smiled at her handiwork. 'Not bad for a trial batch.' she thought proudly.

She stretched her tired arms above her head and caught a whiff of her armpits. He nose instantly scrunched in disgust.

Before she could leave the kitchen, her phone rang on the counter behind her. Lilith's caller ID flashed brightly on the flour dusted screen.

Angela answered immediately.

"Hello?"

"Open the door, it's freezing out here."

"Wait-- what? Are you outside?"

"Obviously. Are you gonna let me in or not?"

Angela hung up and all but ran to the door. This had to be a prank. Why would Lilith be here?

She swung the door open, and there stood Lilith, looking down at her phone.

Angela wasn't sure what came over her, but the sight of her sister filled her with overwhelming emotion. She threw her arms around Lilith and laughed into her shoulder.

Lilith was taken aback. It wasn't unusual for Angela to hug her-- but this hug felt very different. A little too tight. Like she was clinging on for dear life.

She hugged Angela back.

Sensing her twin relax into the hug, she held on for a second more before she started to pry her off. Angela felt the release and pulled away quickly with a watery smile.

"Eww, you reek!" Lilith teased with a grin, grateful for a reason to break the mushiness.

Angela laughed, blinking her forming tears away. Lilith's chest tightened faintly at the obvious attempt to hide them, but she said nothing.

"I was literally about to shower." Angela replied with a snort as she led Lilith back into the house.

The aroma of freshly baked cookies hung in the air. Lilith's mouth watered. "Cookies?" she asked hopefully.

"Kitchen counter. Make yourself at home, I won't be long!" Angela called out as she headed for the bathroom.

--

Three cookies later, Lilith wandered into the living room. She munched on her fourth one as she took in her surroundings.

The decor was awful.

You'd never guess that this home belonged to a modern day CEO.

Some framed photos on the wall caught her eye, so she stepped closer to get a better look.

One was a portrait of a stern-looking elderly couple, and the other was of an equally stern-looking baby. The signature frown gave him away as baby Malcom.

"What an ugly baby," she marvelled. The longer she stared, the funnier it got. Before long, she was doubled over in hysterical laughter at the ridiculous notion of Malcom being born with his frown.

--

Later, the girls sat comfortably on the couch together, munching away and watching the tv noncommittally. It felt strangely normal - like they were back in their parents house again.

Lilith glanced around boredly, briefly noting the time on the big grandfather clock in the corner.

"So where is he?"

Angela's eyes stayed fixed on the screen in front of them. "Work."

Lilith peered at her sister. "It's nearly midnight."

Angela shrugged lightly. "He's busy."

"And you're okay with that?" Lilith deadpanned.

This time Angela visibly hesitated. She smiled halfheartedly. "We're not in the kind of marriage where this sort of thing matters."

Lilith was incredulous. "What the heck is that supposed to mean?" she snapped.

Angela shrugged again. Then, as though repeating a script, "I didn't marry Malcom for love. It was just the right thing to do, really. I can't start getting in the way of his work. The arrangement--"

"Oh my Watcher-- do you hear yourself right now?" Lilith's hand shot up emphatically, her voice sharp with indignation. "You sound like a freaking Simford wife!"

Angela let out a small startled laugh. "Look, Lil. I know it sounds bad, but I don't mind. Really." Lilith said nothing.

"You know, he came home early the other night,"

"…and?"

"We had dinner together. It's progress." Angela shared shyly.

"You act like that's an achievement. It's literally the bare minimum." Lilith bit back coldly.

Angela looked genuinely hurt. She looked down at her lap.

Sensing her sister's vulnerability, Lilith exhaled sharply and looked away, swallowing the rest of her reprimand.

The tv blared on, oblivious to the tension that now hung between the twins.

After a while, Angela spoke up.

"I ran into Alex today," she started, forcing her voice to sound unaffected.

"…yeah?" Lilith sulkily replied.

"I asked him if you guys would want to come over for Winter's Day."

"What'd he say?"

"He said he'd ask you first."

Lilith huffed, still sour from their argument.

"Not like we've got anything better to do. We'll come."

Angela brightened instantly. "Really?"

"Yeah well, you need at least one person that won't let you down." Lilith muttered. "Besides... it's our thing or whatever." she added quietly, still not meeting Angela's eyes.

She didn't have to look up to know how happy Angela was.

--

Context

Prev // Next // Beginning

[milliondollarnooboo]

Winterfest Prep ❄️

❄️❄️❄️

—

It’s finally winter in my story! 🥳 that means it’s officially been 3 months of marriage for the couples.

With everything that’s been going on, there’s finally something for Angela to look forward to. She’s happily keeping busy with shopping for decorations and gifts and trying out some cookie recipes for the big day ~

Also I know we haven’t seen much of Alex and Lilith in a while, but don’t worry - they’ll be making an appearance again soon :)

[milliondollarnooboo]

16. None of your concern.

“So,” David started carefully, “how did things go last night, sir?”

Malcolm didn’t look up from his screen. “It confirmed what I already suspected.”

David blinked faintly.

“And that would be…?”

“That the current arrangement suits us better.”

Malcolm continued typing. “She was visibly uninterested.”

David frowned slightly at that. “Oh.”

“You didn’t spend the whole evening discussing work, did you?” David inquired gently.

Malcolm ignored the question, assuming David would recognise the dismissal.

David, unfortunately, mistook the silence for invitation.

“I only ask because I used to make that mistake myself when my wife and I first got together.” A soft chuckle escaped him. “Thought it made me sound impressive, I suppose.”

No response.

David continued anyway, thoughtful now, talking more to himself than anything else.

“But eventually she told me she didn’t really care about the work itself. She just wanted to know how my day had been. Personally, I mean.”

“I think sometimes women just want conversation that feels a little less formal. Especially over dinner. Otherwise it can start feeling like another meeting and—”

“I fail to recall,” Malcolm interrupted evenly, “asking for your interpretation of my marriage.”

David quietened.

Malcolm stared him down with authority.

“What my wife and I have is perfectly functional,” he said. “I see no reason to complicate it further based on personal anecdotes.”

David opened his mouth briefly, then stopped himself.

“…Of course, sir.”

“I would advise you,” Malcolm added calmly, “to keep the discussion within the scope of your actual responsibilities moving forward.”

David nodded immediately.

“Yes, sir. My apologies.”

Malcolm returned his attention to the screen.

—

Prev // Next // Beginning

[milliondollarnooboo]

staring at my drafts like they’re going to edit and publish themselves

[milliondollarnooboo]

Sometimes I forget that I made this page for myself, and that I can literally just post whatever along with the content I mainly post and it’ll be fine.

Anyway today I feel like geeking over the fact that I’ve watched 6 dramas this year so far 🤭 about 3 of those being maybe 40ish episodes each

Between the exhaustion of my personal life and the hassle of responsibilities - sims 2 and cdramas are possibly the two things I look forward to the most when I come home from everything ~

Having hobbies is so good for your mental health honestly

[milliondollarnooboo]

15. "Progress".

Malcom heard the muffled TV when he walked into the house. A mild sense of accomplishment flashed through him.

Good, she was still awake.

He made his way to the lounge but stopped at the entrance, having just noticed Angela’s sleeping form on the couch. It looked like she’d fallen asleep by mistake, since she was still in her dance clothes.

Malcom contemplated. 'Should I wake her?'

It would be great to discuss the PR situation with her potentially. Then again… it would be inappropriate to request her time when she clearly intended to rest.

Decision made, he went to switch off the television and turned to leave, when he heard Angela stir and mumble his name.

He looked back to find her groggily sitting up, trying to blink the sleep out of her eyes to see him better.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to disturb you,” he said, still intending to leave.

“Oh no-- not at all, I was just--“ she was cut off by her own yawn. “Sorry. I must’ve fallen asleep by mistake.”

He nodded in acknowledgment.

She looked at him properly then, eyes now clear. “You’re home early.” She remarked with evident surprise.

“Yes I… didn’t have much left to do at the office. I figured I could join you for dinner. Assuming you haven’t already eaten, of course.”

Angela smiled brightly. “That sounds like a great idea. I’ll heat up the food-- just let me get changed first.” She hurried out.

Malcom headed to the dining room.

He mixed up a tray of drinks in the meantime, figuring they'd want something to drink as they talked strategy.

A few minutes later, Angela reappeared with their plates of food. She set them down opposite each other.

Their forks scraped lightly against the plates. Malcom pondered what to bring up first.

“The Bluewater Mall was established this afternoon,” he started, figuring she would appreciate business first. They could always talk about the article over drinks.

Angela nodded lightly at her food but said nothing more. Taking this as a cue to elaborate, Malcom continued with his report.

“The shops should be fully populated by end of month. Contracts are flooding in rather quickly.” he informed with satisfaction, watching Angela for a response.

She remained quiet, eating solemnly.

Maybe she wanted more details. Or she was thinking it over and forming an opinion. He decided to give her time.

They lapsed back into silence in the meantime, only the sound of scraping cutlery punctuating the room. Angela's expression was distant, her gaze lowered toward her food. It occurred to him that this entire time, she hadn't looked up at him. Not once.

At last, her response came. "That's great news." was all she managed with a weary but polite smile.

Malcom regarded her carefully. Her gaze had immediately fallen back to her plate after she spoke, the smile melting from her lips soon after.

Ah. He knew what going on.

He'd seen it on his employees whenever they had their weekly meetings.

'She doesn't want to be here.'

But she was putting up with him, likely because of their arrangement. She probably felt like she couldn't say no. He was no stranger to her ability to say all the right things at the right time.

No wonder she was so uninterested in the conversation. He was being inappropriate by asking for her time. She'd been asleep when he came in, after all. She clearly had her own schedule just like he did. There was no reason to change that.

David was wrong. This had been was entirely unnecessary.

Satisfied with his reasoning, Malcom took the last bite of his food. Angela looked up as he rose to leave. He met her confused gaze.

"I should leave you to the rest of your meal in peace. Goodnight, Angela." With a curt nod of acknowledgement, he turned and strode out of the room.

"oh, uh-- goodnight, Malcom!" She just about managed to call out as he ascended the stairs.

Now alone at the table, she stared at her cold food with a sigh. For some reason, Amelia's situation had been plaguing her thoughts all evening. She could hardly focus on anything else.

Her eyes drifted over to Malcom's empty plate. Angela's heart fluttered with hope. This had been their first meal together.

Finally, something that felt like progress!

Angela couldn't help the small smile that pulled at her lips as she started to clean up.

She stifled a yawn as she loaded the last plate into the dishwasher. She knew she could have left them for the butler to deal with, but she'd never been comfortable with the idea of being picked after by servants.

At last, Angela retired to her room for the night. If not for how tired she was, she might have noticed the tray of drinks that Malcom had made for them earlier.

--

Prev // Next // Beginning

[milliondollarnooboo]

14. The all-seeing public eye.

At the reception desk outside the head office, David the secretary finalised Malcom’s schedule for the coming week.

He saved the document and shut down the computer.

David glanced up at the clock wearily.

9:02PM.

Sunday evenings were never supposed to run this late. But, that had quietly become the routine. With a sigh he stood and walked to the office door.

Inside the light was still on.

The secretary knocked once and stepped in.

At his desk, Malcom was typing steadily. His sleeves were rolled halfway up his forearms and his tie hung loosened at the collar.

“Sir,” David started, stopping in front of the desk. “I’m done for the day. Is there anything else you need before I head out?”

Malcolm continued typing.

“Sir?”

Malcolm looked up at last, as if surfacing from somewhere else.

“Oh. No, that’s fine. Thank you, David. You can go.”

“Of course.” David nodded. Malcolm returned to the report in front of him.

After a while, he looked up again to find David still standing there, watching him nervously. He paused.

“Yes?”

David swallowed. “Well… I was wondering if you were planning to head out as well.” Malcolm quirked an eyebrow. “Is there a reason I should?”

“I checked the schedule before logging off,” David offered helpfully. “Everything that needed attention today has been handled.”

Malcolm turned back to the screen. “Then I’ll get ahead of tomorrow.”

The secretary hovered uncertainly, his heart sinking as Malcom started to type again. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe he didn’t need to bring it u—

“Sir,” he said finally, forcing the news out. "There’s something I thought you should see.” Malcolm’s gaze flicked up once more, his expression now tight with impatience.

“What is it, David.”

“There are some articles going around about…” he hesitated, “…earlier this year.”

Malcolm raised a brow, expecting him to elaborate further.

“I’ll send one to you,” David said quickly. He pulled out his phone and rapidly tapped at the screen for a bit then peered expectantly at his boss. Malcolm watched his computer screen for the notification.

He clicked as soon as it popped up.

With furrowed brows he quickly skimmed over the opening, looking for something relevant. Soon enough, the words started to catch.

‘Just months after the controversy that rattled Landgraab Holdings earlier this year, the conversation appears to be finding its way back into public view.’

His gaze slowed.

Scroll.

‘…the issue, which first gained traction in late winter amid complaints from small business owners, seemed to lose momentum over the summer.’

Scroll.

‘…campaigning Councilwoman Mary-Sue Pleasant’s widely publicised coordination of both her daughters’ marriages into the Goth and Landgraab families. The events, for a time, significantly dominated local coverage, overtaking earlier reporting on the leasing controversy.’

‘It is also noted that the same window coincided with a measurable rise in support for Mary-Sue Pleasant from voter circles commonly associated with both families.’

His eyes flicked left to right as he took in the words. David watched his boss with mounting anxiety.

‘Following these events, both families have maintained a notably reduced public presence.’

More scrolling.

‘While the Goth family has historically favoured privacy, the Landgraabs’ absence has drawn greater attention, given the scale of the union linking their corporate-facing household with Angela Pleasant, already a familiar and well-regarded name in Pleasantview.’

Final line.

‘Altogether, this has prompted renewed scrutiny regarding whether the marriages functioned primarily as personal milestones - or as timely alignments of public and political interest.’

Malcolm finally leaned back in his seat, eyes still on the screen. Then he remembered that his secretary was still there - practically quivering.

He scrutinised the fidgety man before him.

“So, what do you make of it?”

David’s spine straightened slightly. He hadn’t been expecting to be asked. “Oh— um, If I’m being honest, sir…” he began, searching for the words.

“…it is kind of weird.” he confessed.

Malcom’s expression barely changed, but it was clear that he was paying attention. David pushed himself to continue.

“I mean— for someone who's 3 months newlywed, you do spend an awful lot of time here.” He continued. “I can see why the public could be getting the wrong idea.”

His tone was evening out and becoming less cautious as he thought out loud.

“I think it would probably help if you weren’t here quite as much. Not even all the time, but just enough that it doesn’t look like you're never home.”

His posture relaxed as he continued, “Considering how public your enagement and wedding were, it makes sense that people would expect to see a bit more of that picture you've painted.”

And then finally, “I’m sure it would make your wife happy too.”

Malcom was quiet.

It must have been at this moment that David remembered himself. He straightened again, pressing his lips tightly together as if to keep himself from expressing another risky opinion.

Malcom rose and walked over to the window. Arms dangling loosely at his sides, he observed the crawling streams of traffic below.

David took this as his cue to leave.

Malcom pondered. Perhaps… he had been too careless with the optics around the marriage. Maybe he'd been too reliant on Mary-Sue to manage the PR.

He pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen.

9:23PM.

After further contemplation, a decision was finally made.

—

Prev // Next // Beginning

[milliondollarnooboo]

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s/rant - u/mel_teezers_352

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Malcom Landgraab ruined my life.

The guy in the first photo is my dad. The second pic is us as a family posing in front of our newly opened toy store ten-ish years ago. Currently writing this with tears in my eyes because I feel so defeated rn. I can’t believe it’s gone… My family has been running a toy business in bluewater village for as long as I can remember. We started off making toys in our garage. It wasn’t much, but we were doing pretty well. Eventually my dad decided it was time for us to upscale a bit - so he purchased a community lot under Landgraab holdings At the time it genuinely seemed like the best choice since actually buying the land would have cost us thousands more. So my parents scrapped together every last simoleon of our savings, took out a 100K simoleon loan, and Tykes Tower Toys was born. We had a good run for a while, but unfortunately my mom had a stroke about 6 years in and my dad had to close shop for a bit to take care of her. I was at uni so I couldn’t be there to help. The plan was that I’d come back to take over the business. As soon as I graduated. When I came back our lease had been terminated. Turns out my parents had been struggling to keep up with the ever increasing rent. They couldn’t afford to match the rapidly climbing rate while also juggling mums medical bills and putting my little sister through school I nearly flunked out twice trying to juggle two part time jobs and being a full time student just to help pay my mother’s medical bills. I guess my parents didn’t tell me about the termination cause they didn’t want to add to the burden I’m gutted. Idek where to start right now. My dad (who is in no condition to be working rn) is now doing delivery jobs part time to keep looking after my mum and little sister. I was supposed to be moving out by now but I can’t leave them like this, so now I’m working two jobs and seriously considering 3 at this point because we’re literally drowning in bills and debt I hate Malcom Landgraab. I genuinely do. EDIT: thank you all so much for your kind words and for sharing my post. I hope it reaches more people to raise awareness about the thievery of landgraab holdings. They can’t keep getting away with this.

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[++] 36.2K | [- -] 560 | (•••)> 4.8K | -> 811

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> u/cuh_teekaloo_237: yo this is actually insane wtf! 100k loan just for them to raise rent and kick you out??

^ u/anti_social_bunbun43: @ cuh_teekaloo_237 it’s acc so gross. Like her mum had a STROKE and they still couldn’t show any flexibility???

^^ u/bonehildas_ghost_07: @ cuh_teekaloo_237 @ anti_social_bunbun43 I swear that guy doesn’t have a soul :(

> u/npc_nooboo_22: My aunt had a bakery in Bluewater and the SAME thing happened to her last year. This is not a one-off.

^ u/sh00flee_2919: @ npc_nooboo_22 if enough people are dealing with this we need to organise something. this can’t just keep happening

^^ u/llama_mama_49: boosting this because this is exactly the kind of thing that gets ignored until it’s too late

— 12 more replies—

> u/influ3nce_meter_addict02: omg nooo i used to go there all the time with my parents can’t believe it got closed down </3

> u/hula_z0mbie_87: OP I know it doesn’t fix anything but please don’t blame yourself for not knowing how bad it was. your parents were trying to protect you

> u/callme_contessahh_32: Landgraab Holdings has been doing this for YEARS btw. They bring in small businesses, let them build something, then price them out once the area gets more valuable

^ u/platinum_grilled_cheeze29: @ callme_contessahh_32 Can confirm. I work in property management (not for Landgraab) and what OP is describing sounds like aggressive “revaluation” cycles. Basically: area improves -> rent spikes ->original tenants can’t keep up -> replaced with higher-paying ones. It’s deliberate.

— 30 more replies —

> [deleted]: hey srry that happened but if you have some time I’d rlly appreciate if you could check out my new album and lmk what you…(read more)

> u/woohoo_regret_88: Not to be that person but this is why you don’t lease from corporations like that. They can change terms whenever they want

^ u/smustl3_holic_935: @ woohoo_regret_88 oh yeah because small family businesses definitely have the option to just buy land outright *eyeroll*

^^ u/alien_cowplant_24: @ woohoo_regret_88 I feel like people don’t realise how much this kind of thing ruins lives

— 5 more replies —

> u/boolprop_princess_98: The way people still worship Malcolm Landgraab like he’s some business genius is crazy

> u/towni3_en3rgy_365: Businesses fail all the time. This is just how the market works.

^ [deleted]: yeah because “the market” forced rent to keep rising while her mum was in hospital

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Oop— there it is. Turns out old buddy Malcom got into some hot water at the beginning of the year 👀 this post blew up in Spring (January/Feb) in universe.

It was actually such a PR disaster that Malcom was lowkey struggling to fix it. Shop owners protested outside Landgraab Holdings for WEEKS. The hashtag # boycottlandgraab was in the top search for nearly every day of February. Malcom was losing credibility and there was no way to fix things without compromising his business ventures.

Enter Mary Sue with the Pleasant Alliance.

What better way to save face than with a CEO romance (Mary Sue keeps up with the trends!) with none other than Pleasantview’s darling Angela?

Of course, this was Mary Sue’s angle. Deep down she knew it would take a LOT more to fix this than that but she knew Malcom would latch onto anything at this point. Besides, this was the cheapest way to secure support for her campaign - she could actually use this PR disaster to highlight her policies.

So the timeline goes:

Spring:

January/Feb: tykes toys scandal

Feb - April: virality and heated discourse online + in person protests. More small businesses speaking out thus further inflaming the issue

Summer:

May - June: noise lessens but doesn’t disappear. Public opinion is now completely against the Landgraab name.

July: PR successfully tamps down exposure on the topic but reputation is officially damaged

August: stabilising relationships and damage control with remaining clientele. Still losing customers. Property values tanking steadily.

Autumn:

Late August: Mary Sue proposes alliance

September: engagements announced and weddings planned

October - November : weddings happen and public is fascinated. The pleasant alliance is serving its PR purpose. Not everyone is distracted though…

Winter:

Nov - December: where we currently are.

If you can’t tell, this is my laughable attempt at mimicking a Reddit post. Complete with the spoofed r/rant as s/rant because Reddit = Simmit 🫣 better name recs welcome

Anyways ~

Next chapter we’ll see why this post is relevant. For now, here’s our dear Melody Tinker at her computer, singlehandedly bringing the Landgraab empire to its knees :)

P.S. if there are typos in the post I’m SORRY I had to get this out quickly

Cheers x

[milliondollarnooboo]

13. The Measure of a Girl. pt 1

Angela moved across the polished studio floor, rolling her shoulders slightly as the last traces of tension left her muscles. She was done for the day so she reached down to grab her things.

“Mrs. Landgraab?”

Angela turned.

There was no time to get caught up over the name that she was still getting used to. After all, hardly anyone called her Angela these days.

She instead offered a polite smile. “Yes?”

The hobby instructor returned the smile apologetically.

“I’m terribly sorry to ask this of you, but our younger class instructor has called in sick today. The kids are already here, and I can’t leave my class unattended.”

She gestured toward the mirrors. “Would you mind staying a little while? Just to keep an eye on them while they practice?”

Angela barely needed to think. There was nothing to rush home for anyway.

“Oh, of course,” she said easily. “I’d be happy to.”

The instructor’s shoulders relaxed immediately. “Thank you so much. I truly appreciate it.”

Angela looked over to the side of the room where the younger students were. A handful of them were scattered across the floor, stretching, practicing turns, or whispering quietly among themselves.

One girl practiced apart from the rest.

She moved with intense concentration, repeating the same movement again and again, her brow furrowed in fierce determination.

At first, Angela admired the focus. But after a few minutes it became apparent that this little girl was pushing herself very hard.

Suddenly, she lost her balance and Angela’s arm reflexively shot out to catch her. The girl grabbed on to steady herself.

“Careful,” Angela said gently.

The girl straightened immediately, brushing off the moment. “Thanks,” she said briskly, already preparing to try again.

Angela tilted her head slightly.

“Would you like to take a break for a moment?”

The girl glanced up at the clock on the wall. She hesitated. Then finally sighed. “Okay. I’m kinda tired anyway.”

They sat cross-legged on the floor.

“You’re very dedicated,” Angela complimented.

The girl shrugged.

“I have to be.”

Angela studied her a little more closely now.

“That sounds like a lot of pressure.”

The girl leaned back on her hands and sighed.

“I just need to get it right today.”

Angela raised a brow inquisitively.

“Why today?”

“If I don’t improve, my mom says I can forget about this whole dance thing.”

Angela didn’t know what to say. Would it be appropriate to pry? After all, it’s not like she was actually their instructor.

She glanced over at the other little girls as they giggled and danced among themselves.

“Well,” Angela said gently, “sometimes getting better starts with resting for a minute.”

The girl looked unconvinced.

Angela smiled warmly. “Really. Your muscles remember more when you give them time to breathe.”

The girl didn’t respond, her gaze having settled intently on the floor. A series of conflicting emotions flickered across her face as she seemingly thought about it. Finally, she exhaled.

“I guess so.”

She didn’t get up right away. Instead she stayed sitting with Angela, watching the others for a while.

A small, quiet sense of satisfaction settle in Angela’s chest. Perhaps this little girl just needed a reminder that she didn’t have to conquer everything in one afternoon.

Eventually the girl rose to her feet again, stretching her arms above her head before returning to the barre.

This time, her movements were softer and less frantic.

——

Angela returned to the studio the following week for her usual class.

The room filled gradually with familiar faces, the quiet murmur of greetings and the shuffle of slippers against polished wood.

She moved through the exercises with steady focus, grateful as always for her weekly distraction. By the time class ended, the late afternoon light had shifted across the mirrors.

Angela gathered her things to leave.

As she passed the mirrors, she noticed the younger class had already started. Their instructor was back, guiding the girls through their warm-ups. She slowed down to watch, scanning for a particular face.

There was a light tap on her shoulder, and Angela turned to find the hobby instructor.

“I meant to thank you again for stepping in last week. That really saved us.”

Angela waved it off lightly. “It was no trouble at all. I’m glad the instructor is feeling better.”

“Oh yes, she’s back to normal now.”

Angela nodded, looking around. “There seem to be fewer of children today,” she noted casually. The hobby instructor followed her gaze. “Yes… unfortunately, one of the girls stopped coming.”

Angela’s brow furrowed slightly. “Oh?”

“Amelia, the one you spoke with last week,” the instructor started gently, as though she had already guessed the incoming question.

“She unenrolled.”

Angela was confused. “But… she seemed so invested.” She said.

The instructor smiled, tired but kind. “They often are. That doesn’t always mean they get to stay,”

“Sometimes parents reassess. Or the schedule doesn’t work. Sometimes they just decide it’s not worth the stress.”

Angela nodded slowly.

“Oh… of course.”

“Well, thank you again for helping us out,” the instructor said with one last smile before turning and walking away.

Angela watched her go. Slowly, her gaze drifted to the spot where Amelia was practicing last time.

Now, someone else filled that space.

—

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