Chapter 8 - The New Blueprint for CrestwoodBy noon, the news had swept across Crestwood like wildfire: The untouchable Whitmore dynasty had collapsed overnight. Federal agents had seized their assets, and the local police department was completely restructured.
Veronica and Preston Whitmore found themselves locked behind bars, stripped of their wealth, facing decades in federal prison for corruption, extortion, and racketeering. Brock Harding was already stripped of his badge, facing charges of police brutality and criminal conspiracy.
Inside Ashford’s Diner, a crew of contractors sent by Marcus was already measuring the walls and floors.
Belle stared at them in alarm. "Wait! What are you doing? I can't afford to renovate this place. Even without the debt to the Whitmores, I have nothing left!"
Knox walked out from the kitchen, holding a hot cup of black coffee he had brewed himself. He set it down on the clean counter in front of her.
"You aren't paying a dime," Knox said calmly.
"I can't accept this!" Belle protested, crossing her arms. "I'm not a charity case. My father built this diner with his own hands, and I'll rebuild it myself, brick by brick, even if it takes years!"
May you like
Knox looked at her with a hint of a rare, genuine smile—a ghost of warmth that made his striking face even more intense. "I respect that. Truly. But consider this an investment partnership. The Castellano group is acquiring the entire commercial block of this district. Ashford’s Diner is going to remain right where it is, anchored as the historic heart of the new development."
He stepped closer, close enough that Belle could smell the clean scent of rain and cedar on him. "And you are going to run it. With full backing, absolute protection, and zero interference."
