### Chapter 3 Caleb Lauren gazes at me as if I’ve just announced I’m moving to Mars. Maybe I have lost my mind—who’s to say? But none of that matters now. I know exactly what I want, and what I want is for that coffee shop to crumble into dust. Jim’s actions made Gabriella cry; it is only just that I orchestrate a little tearful karma for him too. Watching that place shut its doors over his disgraceful behavior is a joy that eclipses any holiday delight. If I were to embrace the spirit of Christmas, this would be the best early gift I could give myself. And let’s be real; I’m doing the community a favor—the coffee there is horrendous. Good riddance to it all. “We’ve succeeded in pulling the coffee shop’s loans, but what’s your plan for the building?” Lauren presses, her brow furrowed with concern. “Honestly? I don’t have one,” I reply, letting out a dismissive sigh. It wasn’t difficult to call in a few favors; after all, the coffee shop was circling the drain long before I got involved. Pulling the loans and acquiring the building meant I could expunge their lease, too. Money can wield immense power, especially when people owe you more than just their gratitude. Typically, I relish the favors others hold over me like a well-worn badge of honor, but today? This is worth cashing in. “You’re just going to let it sit there?” she challenges, an edge of incredulity in her voice. “You could torch it for all I care. It might just make me feel better.” “Does it even matter?” I retort, impatience creeping into my tone. “You paid significantly above market value. Frankly, I didn’t even know a purchase could go through that quickly.” Why is she so attached to this? It’s not her dime I’m tossing around, and the last time I checked, I hadn’t hired her to monitor my finances. “Are you attempting to advise me on how to operate my business?” My impatience is evident. “Of course not, sir!” Lauren stammers, her eyes wide. “I’m just caught off guard—I’m trying to catch up.” “Then go play catch-up somewhere else.” I watch her mouth open and close in frustrated silence before she storms out of my office. Perhaps that was a bit too harsh, but it’s crucial to keep people in their proper place, especially when they start to overstep. Allowing such behavior to slide invites a repeat performance, and I won’t tolerate that in my life. My mind buzzes with thoughts of the finalized paperwork from Kingston. I was certain it would have arrived by now. I scan my email with growing irritation—nothing. I want the project to kick off immediately; it’s a done deal, but I refuse to initiate any construction or relocate tenants until that contract is firmly in my hands. The image of Gabriella trapped in a decrepit, cramped studio gnaws at me. I’m determined to change that. Ideally, she would be living with me—though I am painfully aware that you can’t simply dictate where a woman should reside. No matter how desperately I want to do just that. Especially since I have a vested interest in her liking me. The tragedy of it all? I’ve never known how to earn people’s affection, nor have I particularly cared for it—except for Gabriella. Her opinion of me means more than I can articulate. With anyone else, indifference would suffice, but with her? My pulse races at just the thought. It’s maddening. I confound myself with the enigma I’ve become; suddenly, I find myself craving her presence, needing her close, longing to carve out a place for her in my life—at any cost. I realize I’m in far deeper than I intended with her. I had plotted a strategy to subtly visit her at the coffee shop, to catch her eye and, perhaps nudge something more to life between us. But Jim ruined that plan. Thank the universe I managed to finalize the purchase of her building. My scheme consists of renovating it and lowering her rent. Simple enough, I convince myself. How much more secure I’d feel knowing she’s safe and sound, nestled in a decent place. If only I could find solace until a more foolproof scheme pivots into place. A sudden realization strikes me: how will I see her now that she’s been fired? It dawns on me just how crucial she is to my daily routine. “Lauren,” I call out, striking the Enter key with newfound determination. “Get in here.” Moments later, she hastily enters my office. “Yes, sir?” “The coffee shop,” I clarify, “I want it reopened. I’m confident you can bring the old staff back. Get in touch with Rebecca; she’ll know how to recruit someone to manage it.” Rebecca is my go-to for staffing needs. Efficient and sharp, when a role needs filling, she always has someone ready to step in. “You want to reopen the coffee shop?” Lauren’s eyes widen, disbelief etched across her features. Am I speaking another language? “I mentioned wanting to know my plans, and now you do,” I state simply. She nods, though I can see the unspoken questions swimming behind her well-meant hesitation. “And about the Kingston contract—he hasn’t sent it over yet?” “I’ll check on its status,” she replies just as my phone vibrates sharply, the specific tone designated for Cole. I answer on instinct; he usually shoots me a text for any updates, so something must be up. A tight knot begins to form in my chest. “Is she okay?” I blurt, hitting the ground running. “For now, but there’s chaos at the building.” “What do you mean chaos?” “You bought it?” he queries, confusion thick in his tone. “Yes, the deal is done. I’m just waiting for the final paperwork,” I assure him, confusion now giving way to irritation. “Well, all the tenants are being told they’re being evicted.” “What?” I snap, rising from my seat, irritation boiling over. “According to some of the neighbors, the new owner bought the property and wants everyone out by day’s end so they can start construction.” “What are you on about? That’s not how this works! I figured out temporary housing for them!” “Everyone’s packing up as we speak. Your girl hasn’t emerged yet, but I doubt it’ll take long.” Fuming, I scramble for my coat. Whoever made this blunder will pay dearly—once I find out who it is. But my priority is Gabriella and ensuring she’s alright. I can’t let her think she’s being thrown out. “I’m heading over now. Don’t let her leave your sight,” I command before hanging up. Although I know Cole would follow through, I need to be sure. “Sir,” Lauren jumps from her seat as I exit my office, urgency trailing me. “Where are you headed?” “I need you to gather every piece of paperwork related to the Kingston property we have. All of it. I need to review it immediately. And the finalized copy—how many more times must I ask for it?” She falls into step beside me. “Is everything alright?” “For whatever reason, the tenants are under the impression they need to vacate immediately,” I explain, my mind racing. “Won’t they have to for renovations?” “I’m working on those arrangements,” I reply tersely. I never declared I’d evict anyone—ever. “Right, but…” Her voice quivers, heightening my tension. “Are you really leaving?” I stab the elevator button repeatedly. Time is of the essence. I don’t care if Gabriella has been let go; I need to ensure she’s not packing her life into boxes, thinking I’ve orchestrated this mess. I was meant to elevate her circumstances, not mire her in turmoil. “Yes, I have somewhere I absolutely need to be.” “We have dinner plans with the Greens,” she reminds me, eyes widening as her words sink in. How did I forget? A meeting months in the making. “Cancel it.” “What? Securing anything with them has been a feat! The only availability is for dinner!” “Cancel it, Lauren. Nothing is more important than confronting this mess I’ve inadvertently sown into Gabriella’s life. The thought of her tears today echoes hauntingly in my mind.” “Sir—” “I need to know if they can reschedule,” I instruct as I step into the elevator. “Stay in the loop.” Just then, the doors slide shut behind me, and I’m relieved when the elevator hurtles down to the garage without interruption. No need to input Gabriella’s address—I’ve driven past it more times than I care to admit. She has a hold on me, casting a spell I haven’t the heart or wherewithal to shake. There’s a new dimension to my interactions that I never knew existed, and while I could fight it, I already recognize the futility in such efforts. No one willingly steps into a battle they know they’ll lose.