“They’ve submitted a new registered agent with the Secretary of State’s office. The paperwork is signed by someone pretending to represent you. We don’t know who it is, but they’ve used your name. This is exactly what I was afraid of.”
I swore under my breath. “They’re trying to bury me. Trying to make it look like I’m the one who’s been changing everything. How long do we have?”
Jasmine’s voice was firm. “We move now. We’re going to stop it before they can gain control. I’m already working with the Secretary of State’s office to flag it as fraudulent. I need you to be ready for the next step, Harper. This is going to get ugly.”
I knew Jasmine was right. This was just the beginning of what would likely turn into a legal nightmare. But I wasn’t backing down. Not now.
That evening, I received a message from Miles. His words were brief, but they told me everything I needed to know.
They’re here. Lang & Pierce. They’ve shown up at the resort. I think they’re trying to force their way in.
I stood up so fast my chair tipped backward, but I didn’t care. “Miles, don’t let them in. Don’t let them touch anything. I’m on my way.”
The drive to Seabrook Cove felt like the longest of my life. The headlights of my car cut through the evening fog, but all I could think about was what would happen if Lang & Pierce succeeded. If they managed to take control while I was still fighting to prove that Seabrook Cove was mine.
By the time I arrived, the resort looked peaceful, almost serene. The ocean stretched out before me, endless and unyielding. But inside, it was anything but.
Miles was waiting at the front, his face tense, but he didn’t waste time on pleasantries.
“They’re in the lobby,” he said, his voice clipped. “I didn’t let them get any further, but they’re demanding to meet with you.”
I didn’t hesitate. I walked past him, through the front doors, and into the lobby where Lang & Pierce were waiting.
The lobby felt too still, too silent as I stepped inside. The soft hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in the large space, and the usual calm of Seabrook Cove felt unsettlingly distant. I could see them standing near the front desk—Trevor Lang, along with a tall woman in a sharp suit, both of them wearing expressions that screamed confidence, like they were untouchable. They looked up as I approached, their smiles cool and practiced.
“Ms. Patterson,” Lang said, stepping forward with the kind of cold professionalism I’d come to expect from him. “We were hoping to speak with you. I’m sure you’ve received our latest filing?”
I didn’t let my gaze waver. I had seen their filing, and I knew what it was: an attempt to undermine me, to create a paper trail that would make them seem legitimate. But what they didn’t know was that I had already secured the proper channels. They weren’t going to get away with this.
“I’ve received it,” I said, my voice steady. “And I’ve already contacted my attorney. The filing is fraudulent.”
Lang raised an eyebrow, his expression almost amused. “Fraudulent? You must be mistaken, Ms. Patterson. Everything we’ve done is above board. Our clients are simply exercising their right to—”
“Your clients are trying to take control of something that doesn’t belong to them,” I interrupted, the words coming out sharper than I intended. “This is my resort, Mr. Lang. And you’re trespassing.”
He didn’t flinch. “You misunderstand the situation. We represent certain parties who have a vested interest in the future of Seabrook Cove. And we believe you’re in a delicate position, Ms. Patterson. I’d strongly suggest you reconsider your approach before this escalates further.”
I could feel the tension rising, the undercurrent of menace in his words. But I wasn’t afraid. Not anymore.
“Escalates?” I repeated, taking a step closer, my voice lowering with quiet determination. “Let me be clear. I’ve worked too hard for this, fought too long to protect it. You will not take Seabrook Cove from me. And you will not get away with what you’re trying to do here.”
The woman beside Lang, who hadn’t spoken until now, gave me a thin smile. “You’re right about one thing,” she said, her voice cold and cutting. “You’ve fought. But you’re also alone in this. We have the resources, the backing, and the network to see this through. You can’t fight us all, Harper.”
The words stung, but they only fueled my resolve. I wasn’t alone—not anymore. I had Jasmine, Miles, and my own damn willpower on my side. And this time, I wasn’t backing down.
“We’ll see about that,” I said, standing taller. “You’re free to stay, but I’ll be calling the police if you don’t leave immediately.”
Lang’s expression shifted for a fraction of a second—just enough for me to see the flicker of irritation. He turned to the woman, who seemed to share his sentiment.
“I think it’s time we took this to the next stage,” Lang said with a tone that left no room for discussion. “You’ll regret this, Ms. Patterson.”
He motioned for the woman beside him to follow, and they both turned to leave. As they passed the front desk, Lang glanced over his shoulder, offering me one final, calculated smile.
“We’ll be in touch,” he said, the threat hanging in the air.
I watched them exit the lobby, but my heart wasn’t racing. I wasn’t panicking. This wasn’t the end. It wasn’t even close.
I turned to Miles, who had been standing just behind me, silent throughout the entire exchange. His expression was as unreadable as always, but I could see the faint flicker of pride in his eyes.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly.
I nodded, feeling a weight I hadn’t realized I was carrying begin to lift. “I’m more than okay.”
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