Page 136 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

The next day, Eva and I split up. While she works with Lena to speak to local business owners and gather testimonies, I focus on Adrian’s latest intel. Back at the inn, I pore over spreadsheets, contracts, and emails Adrian intercepted from South Haven Partners. The deeper I dig, the clearer the picture becomes.

Reyes’s plan is insidious. By targeting small, struggling businesses and offering them inflated buyouts, he’s positioned himself as a savior to some and a silent tyrant to others. Those who refuse to sell face subtle sabotage—delayed shipments, vandalism, and legal entanglements designed to wear them down.

But one document stands out—a transfer of funds from South Haven Partners to a local security firm. It’s not a large amount, but it’s enough to raise questions. I forward it to Adrian with a single note:Who are they protecting?

Minutes later, my phone buzzes. It’s Adrian.

“I ran the security firm,” Adrian says without preamble. “It’s a front. They’re not providing protection—they’re enforcing Reyes’s operations. Intimidating holdouts, securing properties he’s already acquired.”

I grip the edge of the desk, my anger simmering. “And they’re here in Harbor Springs?”

“They are,” Adrian confirms. “They’ve got a small team stationed near the industrial docks. That’s likely their base of operations.”

“Send me the details,” I say. “We’re shutting them down.”

The Docks

By nightfall, Eva and I are parked a block away from the industrial docks, the car’s engine idling quietly. The air is cold, and the faint sound of waves lapping against the shore carries on the breeze. Adrian’s intel confirmed that Reyes’s hired muscle operates out of a disused warehouse at the edge of the docks.

“You’re sure about this?” Eva asks, her voice low but steady.

I glance at her, my jaw tightening. “We need to know what they’re doing here. If we can dismantle their operation, we cut off one of Reyes’s tools.”

Her green eyes search mine, and after a moment, she nods. “Let’s do it.”

We move quietly, keeping to the shadows as we approach the warehouse. The building is unassuming, its windows dark and its exterior weathered from years of neglect. But the faint glow of light seeping through the cracks tells me it’s anything but abandoned.

I motion for Eva to stay back as I peer through one of the grime-covered windows. Inside, I see three men gathered around a table covered in maps and documents. One of them speaks into a phone, his voice muffled but tense.

“They’re planning something,” I whisper, turning back to Eva. “Stay here. I’ll—”

“No,” she interrupts, her voice firm. “I’m not staying behind. If something happens to you—”

“It won’t,” I say, cutting her off. “But if things go south, I need you to get out of here. Promise me.”

Her lips press into a thin line, but she nods. “Fine. Just don’t do anything reckless.”

I give her a small nod before slipping toward the door. The lock is old and rusted, and it gives way easily under the pressure of my tools. Inside, the air is stale, tinged with the scent of oil and damp wood. I move silently, sticking to the shadows as I inch closer to the men.

Their conversation grows clearer as I approach.

“The clinic is the next target,” one of them says. “Boss wants it shut down by the end of the week.”

My fists clench at his words, but I force myself to stay hidden.

“And the rest of the town?” another asks.

“Same playbook,” the first replies. “Force them out, secure the properties. No loose ends.”

I take a deep breath, my mind racing. This is the evidence we need—proof that Reyes is orchestrating the destruction of Harbor Springs. But before I can act, one of the men glances toward the doorway, his eyes narrowing.

“Did you hear that?” he asks, his hand moving to the gun at his side.

I don’t wait for them to investigate. Stepping out of the shadows, I level my gun at the group. “Don’t move.”

The room freezes, all three men staring at me in shock. One of them reaches for his weapon, but I’m faster.

“Don’t,” I warn, my voice cold. “You’ll regret it.”

---