Page 138 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

The Puzzle Deepens

The next few hours pass in a blur of research. Dominic dives into financial records while I sift through news articles, environmental studies, and old shipping manifests. Every lead we uncover points back to the same conclusion: Reyes is expanding, and he’s willing to destroy anyone in his path to do it.

“What’s this?” Dominic asks suddenly, breaking the silence.

I look up from my laptop to see him holding a file. His expression is grim as he flips it open and scans the contents. “Halcyon Resources,” he mutters. “Adrian flagged them as one of Reyes’s shell companies. They’ve been acquiring drilling rights in protected areas.”

“Drilling rights?” My stomach tightens. “How does that connect to Lena?”

Dominic sets the file down, tapping a line of text. “It doesn’t—not directly. But Halcyon has been moving resources through subsidiaries tied to Lena’s region. It’s the same pattern: choke out the locals, then move in with offers they can’t refuse.”

I stare at the file, my pulse quickening. “So, Lena’s clinic is just collateral damage?”

“Not just her clinic,” Dominic says darkly. “Her entire town.”

A chill runs down my spine. Reyes isn’t just attacking individuals—he’s systematically dismantling communities. And Lena’s town is his next target.

A Fragile Alliance

As night falls, Lena joins us in the penthouse. Her face is pale, her hands trembling slightly as she places a folder on the table.

“I’ve been doing some digging of my own,” she says, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. “There’s a company—South Haven Partners—that’s been buying up properties in Harbor Springs. They’re offering more than the properties are worth, but anyone who refuses gets… targeted.”

Dominic frowns. “Targeted how?”

Lena hesitates, glancing at me before answering. “Sabotage. Power outages, vandalism, sudden permit issues. It’s happening all over town.”

“Reyes’s MO,” Dominic says grimly.

Lena nods. “And then there’s this.” She pulls out a map, marking several locations across the region. “These are the properties South Haven has already acquired. They’re strategically placed—near water sources, transportation hubs, and protected land. It’s like they’re building a framework.”

“For what?” I ask, leaning forward.

“I don’t know,” Lena admits. “But it’s deliberate.”

Dominic studies the map, his jaw tightening. “If Reyes is involved, he’s not just buying land. He’s positioning himself for something bigger.”

The weight of his words hangs in the air. Lena looks at me, her expression pleading. “Eva, I don’t know what to do. My clinic is all I have left, but I can’t fight this alone.”

I reach across the table, squeezing her hand. “You’re not alone, Lena. We’ll figure this out.”

Dominic’s gaze meets mine, a silent promise in his eyes. “She’s right. We’re not letting Reyes win.”

A Cryptic Warning

As Lena leaves for the night, unease creeps in. The penthouse is quiet, save for the faint hum of Dominic’s computer as he works late into the night. I sit on the couch, staring at Lena’s map and notes, when my phone buzzes.

It’s an unknown number.

I hesitate before answering. “Hello?”

Silence. Then, a voice—smooth, cold, and unmistakable. “You’re in over your head, Ms. Walker.”

My blood runs cold. “Reyes.”

“You’ve been busy,” he continues, his tone almost amused. “But let me give you some advice: walk away. Before you lose more than you can afford.”

“Is that a threat?” I snap, gripping the phone tightly.

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