Chapter 4 - Grace Bennett's Impossible Plan
We had six days.
Grace rejected every conventional solution.
I suggested buying another building.
“No.”
I suggested relocating everyone permanently.
“No.”
I offered to establish a private foundation.
“No.”
Finally, I slammed my hand against the conference table.
“What exactly do you want?”
Grace placed an architectural report in front of me.
“This.”
I looked down.
“The building?”
“Save it.”
“It requires nearly two million dollars in repairs.”
“You can afford it.”
“You just spent three days refusing my money.”
“I'm evolving.”
I stared at her.
She smiled.
Then I laughed.
It startled both of us.
Grace sat across from me.
“Sebastian bought the property through a shell company. But according to the city filing, there are unresolved historic-preservation issues.”
My attorney looked impressed.
“She’s right.”
Grace continued.
“The building used to be Saint Matthew's Children's Home.”
I frowned.
“When?”
“1912 to 1958.”
My attorney began typing.
“If the preservation petition is approved, demolition could be blocked.”
“For how long?”
“Potentially permanently.”
Grace leaned forward.
“We don't have to beat Sebastian.”
She smiled.
“We just have to make it impossible for him to destroy the building.”
For the next seventy-two hours, my mansion became campaign headquarters.
Grace organized residents.
My attorneys handled filings.
My mother telephoned donors.
And my men did something they had never expected to do for the Ashford organization.
They collected historical photographs.
At one point, my lieutenant, Marcus, entered carrying six dusty boxes.
“I used to handle collections.”
“You still do.”
He stared at the boxes.
“These contain church newsletters.”
“Adapt.”
He muttered something under his breath.
Grace looked up.
“What was that?”
Marcus straightened.
“I said community service is rewarding.”
“Good answer.”
The preservation hearing took place Friday morning.
Sebastian arrived personally.
Tailored gray suit.
Smug expression.
He leaned toward me before the hearing began.
“You've become sentimental.”
“Dangerous assumption.”
“You promised the cook you wouldn't hurt me?”
I turned slowly.
His smile widened.
“People talk.”
Grace approached.
Sebastian looked her over.
“So you're the woman changing Nathaniel Ashford.”
Grace didn't flinch.
“No.”
She placed a thick folder on the table.
“I'm the woman ruining your demolition permit.”
His smile disappeared.
Two hours later, the board voted.
The building received emergency protected status.
Demolition was suspended.
The residents erupted.
Grace hugged Lucy.
Children cheered.
I watched Sebastian walk toward the exit.
He stopped beside me.
“This isn't over.”
“No.”
I adjusted my cuff.
“But today is.”
Then something unexpected happened.
Lucy ran across the room and wrapped both arms around my waist.
I froze.
Every man who worked for me suddenly found the ceiling fascinating.
“Thank you, Mr. Scary.”
I looked down.
“Who taught you that name?”
She pointed directly at Grace.
Grace looked horrified.
“Lucy.”
May you like
I smiled.
“I think it suits me.”
