Page 50 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

“Exactly that. I want to be a partner against the buyout.”

“Does that even make sense?!” Someone else says.

“Trust me, it makes perfect sense. I would know.”

"So, Mr. Bellamy," a voice drawls, "you think you can waltz into our town and tell us how to run things?" The speaker, a grizzled old man with a face like a weathered barn, leans forward, his eyes boring into mine.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Actually, Mr. Jenkins, I believe we can offer a solution that benefits everyone.” I keep my voice steady, but inside, I'm seething.

"You mean," Skye says slowly, "instead of buying out Seaside Cove, you want to protect it?"

I suppress a sardonic chuckle. "Let's not get sentimental. This is a strategic business decision." But even as I say the words, I know they sound hollow. Because something has shifted in me since arriving in this infuriating, charming town.

The truth is that my research into Seaside Cove has revealed a community with genuine heart.

Small businesses intertwined like a complex ecosystem, each supporting the other.

My corporate instincts initially saw this as a weakness. Now, I'm starting to see it as a strength.

Other rival companies are circling like sharks, and I know their intentions are far less nuanced than mine. They'll strip this town down to its bare bones, selling off pieces to the highest bidder.

I can't let that happen. Not anymore.

"I have a comprehensive plan," I continue, pulling out a meticulously prepared document. Old habits die hard — I might be reconsidering my approach, but I'm still a strategist at my core. "If we position this correctly, we can create a model for sustainable small-town economic development that could be replicated elsewhere."

"Your proposal," the old man scoffs, "is nothing more than a corporate takeover in disguise."

I suppress a sigh. "On the contrary, Mr. Jenkins. We're offering a partnership, a chance to preserve the town's unique character while ensuring its future prosperity."

I can feel the tension in the room rising. These people are suspicious, resistant to change. Drew isn’t saying anything, but he looks around skeptically.

I really hope this works, even as they cling to their outdated ways, oblivious to the changing world around them.

I've always been a man of action, not words. I prefer to get things done, to see results. But here, in this small-town drama,I'm forced to play a different game. A game of persuasion, of compromise. It's a role I'm ill-suited for, but I'll play it, for Skye, for the town, and for myself.

An hour later, the crowd disperses. Only Skye and Drew remain.

Skye takes the document, her fingers brushing mine. Even that slight touch sends an unexpected jolt through me. Attraction, annoyance, respect — the emotions are so tangled, I can barely distinguish them.

She's studying the documents with a focused intensity that reminds me why I was initially drawn to her.

Not just her beauty — though heaven knows she's stunning — but her fierce commitment to her community. Something I've never allowed myself to understand before.

"This could actually work," she murmurs, more to herself than to me.

I nod, a flicker of hope igniting within me. "It will work," I assure her, though a part of me doubts my own words. I’ve never been one to rely on hope. I prefer cold, hard facts and calculated risks.

But with Skye, it's different. She brings out a side of me I didn’t know existed, a side that's more vulnerable, more human.

“It will work, because most of the board of directors of my company are here and we only have to convince them of our plan.”

Just then, the door swings open. Lillian and Mona, my two sisters, walk in, along with two of the other remaining board members walk in.

Their expressions are filled with skepticism and slight annoyance.

"So," Lillian begins, her voice dripping with disapproval. "Why exactly have you invited us to this town?”

“What is going on?” Mona asks as Drew walks over to them.

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