Page 13 of Merry with a Tycoon

“As soon as I approve her letter informing you of the mistake, everyone should be receiving it by tomorrow afternoon,” he says. “We’ll also be implementing a new management structure forthe local properties, one that prioritizes the community’s needs, not just profits.”

I arch an eyebrow, still skeptical. “And why should I believe you? Why should any of us trust you after this?”

Preston’s blue eyes meet mine, and the intensity in them catches me off guard. “Because I care about this community. I care about the people here, the businesses that make Love Beach what it is.”

I take a sip of my tea, buying time to process his words. “What exactly are you proposing?”

He leans forward, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “I want to launch a comprehensive revitalization project for Seaside Square,” he says. “It’s more than just keeping rents affordable. I want to work with you and the other shop owners to transform the area into a thriving community hub.”

“What does that entail?”

“It’s a multi-faceted approach,” Preston explains. “We’d start by modernizing some of the infrastructure—updating the facades, improving lighting and signage. But it’s not just about cosmetic changes. There’s also the matter of structural renovations.”

I frown. “Structural renovations?”

Preston nods, his expression turning serious. “The building is old, Crystal. We’ve had engineers look at it, and there are some issues that need to be addressed for safety reasons. It’s unavoidable, I’m afraid.”

A knot forms in my stomach. “What does that mean for the shops?”

He takes a deep breath before continuing. “It means that during the renovation process, some shops would need to be temporarily closed down. We’d do it in phases to minimize disruption, but there’s no way around it if we want to ensure the building is up to code and safe for everyone.”

I study him, trying to reconcile this passionate, community-minded man with the aloof businessman I thought I knew. “And what’s in it for you? This sounds like a significant investment.”

Preston’s expression turns thoughtful, and he takes a moment before answering. “Honestly? A chance to make things right. Not just with this rent situation, but with my past. To show that the Hollister name can be associated with community growth, not just corporate profits.”

“You mean your image.” When he doesn’t say anything, I raise an eyebrow, prompting him to continue.

“Yes, my image,” he says, nodding. “I know how people in this town see me, Crystal. The rich kid who used to bully others, who grew up to be a cold, profit-driven businessman. So unlike my brother who redeemed himself the moment he joined the Navy and became a SEAL.”

I can hear the sincerity in his voice, but I remain cautious. “And this is your way of proving it?”

He nods. “Partly, yes. I want to show that I’m not just all talk. That I can use my position, my resources, to actually make a positive difference in Love Beach. This community gave me and my family so much, and it’s long past time I gave something back.”

His words surprise me. This is a side of Preston I’ve never seen before—vulnerable, reflective, almost... human.

“But it’s more than that,” he continues. “Working on this project is a chance for me to reconnect with the heart of this town. To remember what really matters beyond profit margins and corporate expansions.”

Preston pauses, then adds with a soft smile, “And, if I’m being completely honest, I’d like the opportunity to get to know you better. To show you who I am now, not who I was back in school.”

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks and quickly take a sip of my tea to hide it. The sincerity in his eyes and the warmth in his voice are doing funny things to my insides that I’m not quite ready to acknowledge.

“I need to talk to the other shop owners, see how they feel considering they’re probably still angry about the sudden rent increase notice,” I say.

“I understand and I’d appreciate if you could talk to them.” He reaches across the table, his hand stopping just short of mine as Javi enters the coffee shop. “I should get going. I’ve got a call in ten minutes.”

“Tonight?”

“It’s tomorrow in Asia right now,” he says. “But think about what I said, Crystal. I’m serious.”

As I leave the coffee shop, my mind is whirling. Part of me wants to believe Preston, to trust that he’s changed, that he truly wants to help. But another part, the part that remembers the hurt and anger of the past, urges caution.

Can people really change that much?

And even if Preston has truly changed as he claims, can I risk my heart—and my livelihood—on that belief?

CHAPTER SIX

PRESTON

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