Page 11 of Merry with a Tycoon

“Renovate?” Teddy interrupts, her eyebrows shooting up. “Now you’re talking! We can finally tear down that eyesore and build something worthy of the Hollister name. Another hotel?”

I shake my head firmly. “No, Teddy. We’re going to renovate while preserving the character and history of the place. We’ll update the infrastructure, improve the facades, but keep the essence of what makes Seaside Square special.”

Teddy’s face falls. “But that’s not going to increase our profits!”

“Not everything is about immediate profits,” I say, my patience wearing thin. “Sometimes, it’s about investing in the community, in our legacy. The long-term benefits will far outweigh any short-term gains from your rent hike scheme.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but I hold up a hand to stop her. “This isn’t up for debate. Now what I need you to do is send out a follow-up letter to all the tenants explaining that the rent increase notices were sent in error.”

“When?”

“As soon as possible,” I reply. “I’m also having you reassigned. You’ll start as an assistant to one of our property managers. Learn the business from the ground up.”

Her face falls. “An assistant? But I’m a Hollister!”

I raise an eyebrow at her. “Exactly. And Hollisters earn their positions. This is an opportunity, Teddy. To learn, to grow, to truly understand our business from the ground up.”

Teddy’s been throwing the Hollister name around town like it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card, forgetting that our name carries responsibility, not just privilege. It’s time she learned what being a Hollister really means.

“Exactly,” I say, echoing my own words to her from months ago. “And Hollisters earn their positions. This is an opportunity, Teddy. To learn, to grow, to truly understand our business.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then nods grudgingly. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Good. Send me a draft of that follow-up letter before you send it out.” I turn toward the door, ready to leave. “Oh, and Teddy?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m proud of you for accepting this. It’s a good first step,” I say. “You’re bound for great things.”

As I walk out, I see a small smile on her face although I have a feeling it’s not for me but for Javi who’s waiting by the car.

“Everything sorted?” Javi asks minutes later as he pulls open the passenger door.

I nod, climbing in. “For now. Let’s head back to the office. I’ve got a lot of damage control to do.”

As we drive away, my mind inevitably drifts back to Crystal. I just hope it’s not too late to fix things with her too.

CHAPTER FIVE

CRYSTAL

What was I thinking,storming into Preston’s office like that?

So much for all those yoga sessions teaching about staying calm and present. I lost it completely, letting my emotions take over.

What did I expect? That he’d fall to his knees, begging for forgiveness?

But then again, he did promise to take care of the “misunderstanding.” I scoff at the word. A threefold rent increase is hardly a misunderstanding. It’s a deliberate move to push us small business owners out.

So why wasn’t his promise enough? Why do I still feel this churning in my gut?

Is it because I’m starting to feel things for Preston?

I shake my head vigorously, trying to dislodge the thought. No. Absolutely not.

I can’t let myself go down that road. He was a bully to my best friend. And now, with this rent hike... No, just no. Whatever I thought I felt last night when Preston came over for dinner was clearly a mistake.

Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s almost time for the evening yoga class. Thank goodness I’m not teaching tonight. I need this class to center myself, to find some calm in the storm of emotions I’m battling.

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