By Wednesday, the entire town seemed to be buzzing with whispers.
Lena could feel it in the way customers lingered a little longer at the counter, in the knowing glances exchanged behind coffee cups, and in Ava's barely concealed smirk every time she caught Lena blushing after a text from Walker.
"You do realize this is Main Street," Ava said, sprinkling cinnamon on a tray of muffins. "You two kiss once, and the historical society probably already filed it under 'local lore.'"
Lena rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "It's not like we're parading around."
"No, but the bakery's windows aren't exactly tinted."
Lena turned back to kneading dough, her hands moving on instinct. "It still feels new. Like I'm waiting for the moment something ruins it."
"Don't borrow trouble," Ava warned. "Especially when you've got something good."
The bell above the door jingled, interrupting them. Lena looked up—and froze.
A man in a gray suit and polished shoes stood just inside. His briefcase matched his slicked-back hair, and the logo on the portfolio in his hand was unmistakable: Harper Holdings.
"Good morning," he said, his smile practiced. "Lena Hart?"
"Yes?" she replied, cautious.
"I'm Miles Gregory. I represent Harper Holdings' real estate division. I'm here on behalf of the board to discuss redevelopment plans for this district."
"I already said I wasn't selling."
"Of course," he said smoothly. "This is simply a courtesy call. There's been movement in the process, and we'd prefer to avoid surprises."
He set the folder on the counter and flipped it open. Architectural renderings showed sleek storefronts and towering glass walls—an entirely different world than the red-brick charm of the bakery.
Lena's stomach churned. "This isn't a courtesy. It's pressure."
"We're offering generous compensation. And the opportunity to relocate with our support."
"I'm not moving," she said firmly. "This is my father's legacy."
He nodded like he understood. But his next words cut sharp.
"You should know, the board has the legal means to push through a zoning revision. Your bakery may be one property—but it's one domino in a larger plan."
Ava stepped forward, jaw tight. "You should leave."
Miles closed the folder with a polite smile. "I'll return in a few days. I hope you'll reconsider."
As he left, the tension in the room felt like it could snap in half.
"Unbelievable," Ava muttered. "They're just going to keep coming."
Lena stared at the folder he'd left behind.
Later that evening, she sat on the bakery's back steps, folder on her lap. Ethan found her there, hair pulled up, shadows under her eyes.
"I heard Miles visited you," he said, sinking down beside her.
Lena nodded, then looked at him. "Did you know?"
He didn't flinch. "The board's been moving behind my back. I pushed back on the proposal, but they're trying to get around me."
"They'll force it, Walker."
"Not if I can stop them."
She closed the folder. "You really think that's possible?"
He reached for her hand, threading their fingers together.
"I didn't come back just to run Harper Holdings," he said. "I came back to make things right. That means fighting for this place—and for you."
In the deepening dusk, Lena felt the spark of resolve take root.
If they wanted a fight, she was ready.
And she wouldn't be fighting alone.