Page 22 of Merry with a Tycoon

I think about last night—the laughter, the connection, the feeling of finally finding someone who sees me for who I am, not just my family name or bank account. The thought of losing that because of this misunderstanding... it’s almost unbearable.

But I won’t let that happen. I’ll find a way to make this right. I’ll explain everything to Crystal, to the tenants, to the whole town if I have to. I’ll show them that the Hollister name stands for more than just profit margins and luxury hotels.

As the familiar skyline of downtown Love Beach comes into view, I steel myself for the battle ahead. It’s going to be a long day, but I’m ready for it. Because now, it’s not just about protecting the family business or my own reputation.

It’s about protecting the trust Crystal has placed in me… and the future we might have together.

As Javi navigates through the morning traffic, my phone buzzes again. This time, it’s my mother. I take a deep breath before answering.

“Mother, I can explain?—”

“Preston!” Lorraine’s voice is sharp with panic. “What on earth is going on? I’m looking at the news right now. Mass evictions? A cover-up? Please tell me this is some sort of mistake.”

I rub my temple, feeling a headache coming on. “It’s a misunderstanding, Mother. Teddy sent out a rent increase letter without authorization. I’m on my way to the office now to sort it out.”

“Teddy did what?” She sounds incredulous. “And why would she do that?”

“She wanted to impress us with her business acumen and she missed,” I say as calmly as I can. “But she has since fixed her mistake.”

“What’s this about a revitalization project for the square? And these mass evictions?” she asks. “Why am I hearing about this from the news and not from you?”

I wince. In all the excitement of the past few days—of Crystal—I’d neglected to brief my mother on the project. “I’m sorry, Mother. I should have told you sooner. It’s a plan to update and improve Seaside Square. You and I have always known structural renovations are necessary, but we’re not evicting anyone. It’s all been blown out of proportion.”

There’s a pause on the other end of the line. When she speaks again, her voice is calmer, but I can still hear the underlying tension. “I see. Well, I’m flying back in two days.”

My stomach drops. “I thought you were spending Christmas in New York.”

“Change of plans,” she says crisply. “Oh, and Vivian will be accompanying me. She’s been such a dear, helping me navigate this social season in New York.”

For a moment, I’m speechless.Vivian? Coming back to Love Beach? With my mother?

“But… why? I mean why is she coming with you?” I manage to say.

“Given this current crisis, I thought it might be helpful to have her PR expertise on hand. She can handle the social media aspect of it. Damage control. You know she’s a pro,” she says.

“Mother, I don’t think you cutting short your visit to Aunt Beatrice is necessary. We have a perfectly capable PR team?—“

“Nonsense, Preston. We need all hands on deck for this. We’ll see you in two days. Do try to contain this mess until then, won’t you?”

Before I can protest further, she hangs up, leaving me staring at my phone in disbelief.

“Everything alright, boss?” Javi asks, catching my eye in the rearview mirror.

I let out a humorless laugh. “I wish. It seems we’re about to have company.”

As we pull up to the office, I feel the weight of the situation bearing down on me. The leaked letter, the media frenzy, my mother’s impending arrival, Vivian’s unexpected return... and through it all, the image of Crystal’s face this morning, peaceful in sleep, unaware of the storm that’s about to break.

CHAPTER NINE

CRYSTAL

Sunlight streams through the curtains,warming my face, a reminder that reality awaits the moment I open my eyes. But I’m not quite ready to wake up.

For once, my dreams can’t compete with the reality of last night.

As proof of that, Preston’s cologne lingers on my pillow, a heady blend of sandalwood and citrus and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s intoxicating and comforting, and I bury my nose in it, breathing him in.

I smile as memories flash like a slideshow behind my closed eyes: Preston’s fingers tracing my skin. His laughter, rich and warm. The taste of his kiss, still sweet on my lips. His tongue, his hands… his mouth.

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