Chapter Seven
Juniper
Ever since I heard about Zade Patterson’s plans for Cody, it’s been gnawing at me.
Day and night, I’ve been buried in research, sifting through every article and report I can find on his past developments.
I’m not just curious—I’m desperate. I need to understand what drives a man like him to think he can just stroll into our town and mold it to his will.
This isn’t just a passing concern. Cody Riverside Park is where my best memories live.
Grams taught me the names of every flower there, and we’d spend hours exploring the trails.
It’s not just land to me; it’s home. The thought of it being overrun by tourists and of the peace being shattered by construction fills me with dread.
As I head downstairs, my parents’ voices drift from the kitchen. I pause on the stairs, their conversation pulling me in.
“There’s a town hall meeting toni ght,” my dad says, sounding dead serious. “The mayor’s bringing in some big shot investors.”
“For the park project?” My mom replies. “I heard about that. I think we should go tonight. What do you think?”
Before my dad can answer, I step into the kitchen, determination etched on my face. “I’m going to that meeting with you,” I announce.
My mom looks up, concern clouding her eyes. It’s not just the meeting that worries her—it’s everything about this situation. She’s ashamed of me and doesn’t want me out there, especially not in the town hall where everyone will see. “Juniper, you don’t need to get involved,” she says.
My dad, however, doesn’t bother with gentle words. His gaze is as cold as ever. “You’ve caused enough trouble. Stay out of this.”
His words sting, but I refuse to back down. “I’m not just going to stand by and watch them destroy that park.”
He lets out a bitter laugh. “I know why you’re really going. You want to prove you’re not afraid to face the town again.”
I meet his gaze, which is firm. “Maybe I do. What's wrong with that?”
He leans forward, his eyes narrowing. “Have you forgotten the photo scandal? The entire town turned against us. Against you!”
I can feel my pulse q uicken, and the anger is bubbling up. “Yeah, it happened. But what did you and Mom do? You left me to fend for myself!”
“Stand by you?” He spits out the words like they taste bitter. “With those photos in every inbox in town? Who knows where they ended up?”
The humiliation burns, but I hold my ground. “Perhaps I made mistakes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t fight for what’s right. I’m going, and nothing you say will stop me.”
Mom steps closer, her eyes pleading. “Juniper, please don’t do this.”
I shake my head, my resolve hardening. “I’m thirty-four, not a teenager you can boss around. I’m going.”
She pulls back, her face hardening. “Then you go alone. We’re not with you.”
“That’s fine,” I snap, bitterness coating my words. “I lost my parents when I was eighteen anyway.”
Their anger is clear, but I don’t flinch. I won’t let them push me back into the shadows.
As evening falls, I ride my bike through Cody, the cold air biting at my skin. Each pedal stroke feels like an act of defiance. The town is quiet, almost too quiet, like it’s holding its breath.
The familiar streets blur as I make my way to the town hall, my mind racing with what’s to come.
Today, when Dad mentioned the photo scandal, it felt like a punch straight to my gut.
I made the mistake of trusting someone I thought I loved and sending those nu des because I felt cornered and pressured.
And then he betrayed me, spreading them everywhere.
It’s hard not to blame myself, but how could they just leave me to deal with it alone?
I needed them more than ever, and they turned their backs on me.
I push the thoughts of the past away as the town hall comes into view. I lock my bike outside, my hands trembling as I fumble with the lock. The nervous energy buzzes through me, but I push it down, forcing myself to stay focused.
Inside, the town hall is already buzzing with people. The low murmur of conversations fills the space. I slip into a seat at the back, hoping to go unnoticed, at least for now.
Mayor Brian Ellis takes the stage, commanding the room’s attention.
His smile is wide, too wide, like he’s trying to sell us something.
Which, of course, he is. “Thank you all for coming,” he begins.
“Tonight, we have some exciting news. We’ve been in talks with a major investor who has big plans for Cody.
I’d like to introduce you all to Zade Patterson. ”
As Zade steps forward, the room falls silent.
He exudes confidence, the kind that comes from always getting what you want.
His suit fits him perfectly, the dark fabric accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame.
His hair is dark, and his eyes are a piercing blue that seems to see right through you.
He looks every bit like the powerful investor he is, and I hate that I notice.
Zade takes his time before speaking, his gaze sweeping the room as if he already knows he’s in control. “Cody is a gem, ” he begins. “With the right investment, it can shine even brighter.” He paints a picture of prosperity, of a thriving economy boosted by his resort project.
The applause is polite but hesitant. People want to believe him, but there’s a lingering doubt. I can see it in the way they exchange glances and in the way some shift uncomfortably in their seats.
I can’t stay silent. I can’t let him spin his story without a challenge. Slowly, I rise to my feet, my hands trembling slightly as I clasp them together. “Excuse me,” I say, breaking the stillness. “The people deserve to know the full story.”
Zade’s eyes narrow as they lock onto mine, a flash of annoyance flickering across his face. I’m sure, as a billionaire, he’s not used to being challenged—but tough luck. I’m here to challenge him.
Brian’s smile falters, irritation flashing in his eyes as he steps forward. “Miss Harding,” he begins, contempt leaks from him in slow drops. “This isn’t the time for baseless accusations.”
“It’s not baseless,” I counter. “In other towns where Mr. Patterson has built resorts, property prices skyrocket and local businesses close down. Is that what we want for Cody?”
Murmurs spread through the crowd, with people exchanging worried glances. Zade’s expression remains calm, but I see the tension in his jaw.
“Let me guess,” Zade says, his words dripping with sarcasm. “So, you’re the one stirring up trouble?”
Brian jumps in, tryin g to regain control. “These are just scare tactics. This project will bring jobs and money to Cody.”
“Tell that to the people who lost their homes,” I counter, pulling out a folder from my bag. I pass around printouts of articles detailing the problems caused by Zade’s developments elsewhere. “This isn’t about helping Cody; it’s about lining your pockets.”
Zade doesn’t miss a beat. “Ah, the old ‘evil corporation’ routine,” he mocks. “Do you really think I’d invest millions just to ruin a small town? I’m not the villain in your story, sweetheart.”
Brian’s face reddens. “Why should we listen to you, Juniper? You’ve always been a troublemaker.”
His words hit like a punch, but I stand firm. “Because it’s the truth. And the people of this town deserve to know what’s really at stake.”
Zade tilts his head, a smirk playing at his lips. “You’ve got guts. But guts don’t change facts. And the fact is, this project is going to happen. Whether you like it or not.”
The room falls silent, then an older man stands up. “She’s right,” he says. “We don’t need a fancy resort. We need to save ourselves.”
Murmurs of agreement ripple through the crowd. Zade’s eyes flicker with annoyance, but he keeps his composure. “I’m here to help Cody thrive, not destroy it. We can find a way to work together.”
But the crowd isn’t buying it. “Save Cody! Save Cody!” The chant grows louder.
Brian ’s trying to take back control. “This isn’t how we do things here!” he yells. But nobody’s listening. The room’s slipping right out of his grip.
As the crowd surges forward, Zade’s gaze locks with mine. There’s a challenge in his eyes, one that makes my heart flutter despite everything. But I won’t let him win. Not here. Not now.