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Chapter Thirteen

Author: Happiness
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-11-25 17:19:11

The Cost of Selling Out

Vivian walked into The Green Foundation on Monday morning to a silence heavier than any she’d ever encountered. It wasn't the quiet of early spring; it was the chilling sound of a community turning its back.

Mrs. Henderson, her long-time shop manager and friend, was meticulously dusting a perfectly clean ceramic planter. She didn't look up immediately.

"The phone hasn't stopped ringing, Vivian," Mrs. Henderson finally said, her voice strained. "It's not the press. It's the suppliers. It's the town council. They think you sold out. They think the ring means you gave him the green light to tear down the park and put up his towers."

Vivian felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She had prepared for Harold's wrath, but not for her neighbors' betrayal. "They know me better than that. I've spent ten years supporting this town."

"They know Elias Thorne," Mrs. Henderson countered, finally meeting her eyes. "They see the diamond, the limo, and the Thorne Global sign going
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  • Billionaire secret Baby   Epilogue

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