Page 67 of Falling for Mr. Grump, the Big City Billionaire

The cheers and applause erupt around us, igniting something deep within me. This isn’t just a rally; it’s a declaration of our unity against corporate greed, and I find myself swept up in her fervor.

As she speaks, I glance at the crowd—faces lit with hope, fear, and determination. I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders, and I know I must prove my loyalty to them, to Skye, to this town.

But just as momentum builds, the atmosphere shifts. I catch sight of those familiar suits creeping forward from the back of the crowd – yes, the representatives from the rival company.

My blood runs cold as they move like wolves among sheep, their smug expressions turning the excitement into a tension that sets my teeth on edge.

As Skye’s speech crescendos, they begin shouting from the sidelines, trying to drown her out. “This is a joke! You really think you can stand up to real business?” One of them sneers, his voice dripping with condescension.

The crowd murmurs, their enthusiasm waning as confusion spreads. I feel an instinctive anger rising within me.

I step forward, positioning myself beside Skye, my grumpiness turning into a feral protectiveness.

“Enough!” I shout, my voice booming over the chaos. “This isn’t just some playground for you to trample on. Seaside Cove is more than a target for your profit. It’s a community with heart and spirit.”

Their laughter is mocking.

I roll my eyes at their antics.

“Who do you think you are?” I challenge, stepping closer to the rival representatives. “You think you can waltz in here and intimidate us? We’re stronger together than you can ever understand.”

The crowd begins to rally behind us, their voices rising in support, a wall of sound against antagonism. I can see Skye’s confidence grow as she joins me in the confrontation.

“Troy’s right!” she calls out. “This isn’t just about business; it’s about our home! We will not be bullied!”

The rival representatives exchange nervous glances, and I can sense their momentum crumbling.

But just when I think we’ve turned the tide, one of them steps forward, spouting lies and slander, trying to twist our words. “You think he’s here for you? He’s just using you to line his pockets!”

I feel my temper flare, but Skye’s hand on my arm steadies me. “Let them talk,” she murmurs. “We’ll show them our strength through unity.”

Taking a deep breath, I channel my frustration into resolve. “You want to know what I’m really about? I’m here because I see potential in this town. I see a community worth fighting for, not just for profit but for its very soul. I’m committed to preserving everything that makes Seaside Cove special.”

The crowd erupts in applause, and I feel the tide shifting in our favor. Skye beams at me, her expression filled with admiration and pride.

The rival representatives falter and are clearly rattled. They retreat, leaving behind a stunned silence that quickly morphs into cheers.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, I’m left with a sense of accomplishment I hadn’t anticipated. “You did it,” Skye says, her voice soft but charged with energy. “You really stood up for us.”

I shrug, trying to mask the swell of emotion rising in my chest. “I didn’t want them ruining everything we’ve worked for.”

She nods, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. “You’ve shown them who you are, Troy. You’ve proven that you’re not just some corporate big shot.”

As the rally progresses, the atmosphere shifts from uncertainty to overwhelming support. I can feel the community rallying around us, their enthusiasm revitalized. Together, we’re a force to be reckoned with, and I finally start to see my place in all of this.

Later, as the crowd begins to disperse, I linger near the stage, taking a moment to reflect. Skye approaches, her expression warm. “You were incredible out there,” she says, her admiration palpable.

“Thanks,” I reply, my heart racing. “But it’s not just me. We did this together.”

Then, the question comes back to me.

What is it that I want?

I want Seaside Cove. I want its unpretentious energy.

I want... Skye.

The realization hits me like one of those turbulent plane landings that brought me to her.

---