Page 134 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

“Not quite,” Adrian says. “The clinic is one of the last independent properties in the area. It’s a symbol of resistance, and Reyes wants it gone. If Lena folds, the rest of the town will follow.”

I exchange a glance with Eva. “Then we hit him where it hurts.”

Harbor Springs

The drive into Harbor Springs is hauntingly quiet. The coastal town is beautiful on the surface, but there’s an undercurrent of tension in the air. Shop windows display fading “For Sale” signs, and the streets feel emptier than they should. This is what Reyes does—he hollows out communities, turning fear into a weapon.

Lena’s clinic is a modest building on the outskirts of town, surrounded by trees and open fields. Inside, the air smells of antiseptic and coffee, the small waiting area neatly arranged.Lena greets us with a cautious smile, but the strain in her eyes is unmistakable.

“Thank you for coming,” she says, hugging Eva tightly. “I didn’t know where else to turn.”

“We’re here,” Eva says firmly. “You’re not alone in this.”

Lena’s gaze shifts to me, her expression wary but grateful. “You must be Dominic.”

I nod. “We’re going to figure this out.”

Connecting the Dots

Lena walks us through the sabotage her clinic has endured—broken locks, delayed shipments, and persistent offers to buy her out. Each incident ties back to South Haven Partners, Reyes’s shadow organization.

“They’ve been relentless,” Lena says, her voice trembling. “But I won’t sell. This clinic was my grandmother’s legacy.”

“And it’s worth fighting for,” Eva says, her voice fierce.

I sift through Lena’s files, piecing together the threads of Reyes’s operation. Every move he’s made is part of a larger strategy—a stranglehold on Harbor Springs to expand his reach.

“This isn’t just about the clinic,” I say, setting the papers down. “Reyes is choking the town to gain leverage. If he takes Harbor Springs, he’ll own the region.”

Lena’s face pales. “What can we do?”

Eva places a reassuring hand on her arm. “We expose him. We show the town what he’s doing.”

“And we prepare for him to escalate,” I add grimly. “Because he will.”

The Next Target

As the day wears on, Adrian sends another update. The text is short but chilling:“Reyes’s team has moved into Harbor Springs.”

I share the message with Eva, who sets her pen down, her expression hardening. “He’s here.”

“Then we act,” I say, my voice steady. “Adrian’s gathering intel on their movements. Once we know their next move, we’ll hit back.”

Eva nods, her determination unwavering. “Let’s make it count.”

A Warning

That night, Eva and I take a walk to clear our heads. The streets are bathed in the soft glow of streetlamps, but the stillness feels heavy. The town is holding its breath, waiting for the next blow to fall.

As we turn a corner, a shadow flickers at the edge of my vision. My body tenses, every instinct on high alert.

“Dominic?” Eva asks, noticing my sudden stillness.

I scan the area, my gaze sweeping over the alleys and doorways. But the figure is gone.

“Nothing,” I say, guiding her back toward the inn. But the unease lingers.

Reyes is watching. The next move is his.

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