Page 45 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

“No.” Hunter caught my arm gently. “That’s what he wants. You confronting him on camera, looking defensive...”

“Then what do we do?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “We give them a better story.”

Twenty minutes later, I stood in the lobby watching Wheeler’s carefully orchestrated plan backfire. Instead of finding a crumbling resort, the news crew discovered local business owners setting up for tomorrow’s festival. Marie from the bakery chatted about Pine Haven’s decades-long support of local vendors. Tom from the sporting goods store showed off historic photos of the resort’s first ski season.

And there, in the middle of it all, was Hunter, charming the reporter with stories of Pine Haven’s community impact.

“It’s more than just a resort,” I heard him say. “It’s the heart of this town. A legacy of bringing people together.”

Wheeler’s face grew increasingly purple as the reporter’s focus shifted from structural issues to human interest.

“Ms. Horton!” The reporter spotted me. “Could you tell us about tomorrow’s festival?”

I stepped forward, feeling Wheeler’s glare. “Of course. We’re celebrating not just Pine Haven’s history, but its future. The way it brings together—”

“What about the demolition order?” Wheeler cut in smoothly.

A hush fell over the lobby. This was it—his trap.

But I was ready.

“You mean this order?” I held up the document. “The one signed by an inspector with documented conflicts of interest? Who’s currently under investigation by the state board?”

Wheeler’s smile faltered. “What investigation?”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” I smiled sweetly. “The state board is very interested in certain property deals. Especially ones involving tragic accidents and convenient insurance rulings.”

The reporter’s head snapped up. “Is there documentation of these allegations?”

“My mother kept very detailed records of everything.”

Wheeler’s face went from purple to white. “This interview is over.”

But the reporter was already turning back to me. “Ms. Horton, would you be willing to share those records?”

“Actually,” Hunter stepped to my side, his presence strengthening me, “we’re preparing a complete file for the state ethics board. I’m sure they’d be happy to share their findings once the investigation is complete.”

Wheeler backed toward the door. “You’ll regret this,” he hissed as he passed me.

“No,” I said firmly. “I won’t.”

After the news crew left, promising to return for the festival tomorrow, Hunter pulled me into a quiet corner.

“That was incredible,” he breathed. “You were incredible.”

“We’re not done yet,” I reminded him, though I couldn’t help smiling at his praise.

“No,” he agreed. “But Wheeler’s rattled. And you know what happens when people get rattled?”

“They make mistakes?”

His smile was proud. “Exactly.”

The adrenaline from confronting Wheeler wore off slowly as Hunter and I returned to my office. Claire waited with fresh coffee and a triumphant grin.

“That,” she declared, “was better than any Hallmark movie showdown I’ve ever seen.”

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