Page 123 of Babies for the Christmas Grump
I don’t give a damn about the fallout. I’m about to put everything on the line.
I stand up on the raised platform, just a few feet above the crowd. The eyes of the guests, the investors, the journalists, all turn toward me.
Their gaze settles on my shoulders, but I don’t flinch. I’ve lived through worse. I’m not scared now.
I lift my hand, silencing the room, letting the tension hang in the air for a moment longer.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I start. “Thank you so much for coming tonight for joining us in what is truly a special occasion for this hotel, for Evie’s legacy, and for all of us here who’ve worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. It’s not just a building… it’s a piece of history. And we are here to celebrate that. But more than that, I think it’s time we clear the air.”
The journalists instinctively move forward, pulling out their phones and cameras, snapping photos, eager for the next headline.
I lock eyes with Vincent, who has been caught in a trap. He tries to smile, but it’s thin, forced.
I can see it. He knows this isn’t going to go the way he thinks it will.
“I’ve been standing here, listening to the rumors. Listening to Vincent Lang, here,” I gesture toward him, “talking about the money the hotel owes him how Evie promised him repayment before she passed. And how Sunny’s not honoring her legacy.But let me set the record straight, for everyone who’s wondering, for all of you who are here to support this place.”
I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. I need to be deliberate about this. I need to get everything right.
“Vincent,” I continue, unwavering, “I don’t think you’re telling the full story. You’re not being honest about your involvement here. The truth is, you’ve been using this hotel, using Evie’s legacy, as leverage for your own gain for far too long. And now, you’re doing the same thing to Sunny. Let me show you all what’s really been going on.”
I motion for Nolan, and within moments, he steps forward, holding a stack of papers. The press murmurs curiously, and I glance over at Vincent one more time. He’s trying to mask the growing panic in his eyes, but it’s too late.
The game is up.
“These,” I say, holding up the documents, “are the official records of Vincent Lang’s dealings with this hotel. This is a trail of inflated invoices, false contracts, and manipulated financial records designed to drive this hotel into bankruptcy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
I flip through the pages for effect, letting the sound of rustling paper settle over the room.
“This isn’t some mistake, some unfortunate turn of events. No, this is deliberate. Vincent Lang has been manipulating the books, creating fake debts, and setting up phantom vendors. He’s done it at multiple properties across the country, and now he’s trying to do the same thing here.”
A sharp gasp cuts through the room as the journalists’ pens begin to fly, furiously taking notes, their cameras snapping nonstop.
“I’m sure many of you have heard about the debts the hotel owes,” I say, scanning the crowd. “But let me make this very clear: These debts are inflated. Some of them don’t even exist.Lang has orchestrated this entire situation. He’s been trying to buy us out for months, and if you think this is about money, you’re wrong. This is about control. He’s using the legal threats, the inflated debts, the smear campaigns to force Sunny and this hotel into submission, so he can swoop in and buy it for pennies on the dollar.”
I feel the anger burn hotter in my chest.
“He’s done this before, at The Crescent Harbor in Providence. He’s destroyed countless businesses, driven them to the edge, and then bought them out for a fraction of their worth. But not this time. Not with Sunny, not with The Garland Rose, and not with Evie’s legacy.”
I turn my gaze to Vincent, watching him stiffen under the scrutiny.
“You’ve been playing a dangerous game, Lang, but the truth is out now. And I’m not going to let you ruin this place, or the people who’ve worked so hard to keep it alive.”
The room is dead silent now, every single person hanging on my words. I can almost taste the electricity in the air.
“Sunny and I are committed to this place. We will see this hotel thrive and ensure Evie’s dream lives on. And for anyone who wants to stand in our way, be warned. We’re not afraid to fight back. We’re not afraid to expose the truth.”
I pause, letting my words settle before I add the final blow.
“So, to everyone here tonight, especially to those who Vincent’s lies have misled, let me make this very clear: The Garland Rose is not for sale. And it’s not going anywhere.”
I give a final look at Vincent, whose face is now red with fury. He opens his mouth to say something, but I hold up my hand, silencing him.
“You’re done.”
I turn away from him, addressing the room once more.
“Tonight is about celebrating this hotel and its future, not letting it be dragged down by deceit and manipulation. And for those who still believe in what we’re doing here… thank you for your support. Together, we will prove that The Garland Rose isn’t just a hotel. It’s a legacy. And it’s here to stay.”
