NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: Well, I'd be damned
THE MEN had watched her in mockery, scoffing at her idiocy.
Did she not know the consequences of going against Wesley Jameson?
Other than that, was she really going to throw her life away for a shop that's been standing for years and needs to be torn down?
It was madness coming from her.
It had been over an hour and they were still warning her to get out of the way so they could do their job and not escalate things further.
Yet, Charlotte was proving stubborn.
Why wouldn't she?
This was her only source of income.
Charlotte had arrived at work that morning and met this group of men wearing coveralls and boots using survey tools to measure the area. A small crowd was gathered, watching them.
Weeks ago, Mr Maguire had told her about the demolition of the shops and houses in the area for some government-approved project, he said. He claimed that the property was not acquired legitimately and that it belonged to his family. He claimed he wasn't part of it and wouldn't allow them to destroy his life's work.
Charlotte was stunned by the amount of destruction already carried out and it was their turn. Other shop owners and residents had moved out except Mr Maguire. They approached her, telling her to pack out within the limit of eight hours, or they'd destroy everything from furniture and systems to other stuff inside.
She had contacted Mr. Maguire, and he promised to be back with his Attorney as soon as possible and pleaded with her to buy him sometime before he got back, however she could.
And that was when she came up with such a crazy idea.
"For the last time, I am asking you, young lady, free yourself of the chains and get the fuck out of the way!" An elderly man, one of the demolition crew spat out at her as he exhaled the smoke from the vape he had inhaled. Charlotte turned to face him. "You don't seem to value your life."
"And I'll say it too, old man. For the last time, please take your things and your men away from here. You can't demolish this property." Charlotte replied to him, staring down at his boots; she bit her lips nervously.
"Skipper!" The elderly man yelled, calling to the well-built man who was driving the bulldozer.
"Yes boss," the other man yelled back. By this time, the small crowd has increased and people kept trooping in to witness what was happening.
"Move this thing. I've already done enough talking. Whatever happens next, she's got herself to blame. I'm just doing my job." the elderly man instructed blowing the last smoke before tossing it aside and turning his back against her, facing the rest of the crowd. "At least I got a lot of witnesses. My patience has died."
Skipper hit the engine and began to advance forward. The crowd began to disembark, some yelling at Charlotte to give up and let the men do their job but she went deaf to their warnings and stood with her belief that they just wanted to scare her and wouldn't really tear down the building with her in the way.
She held on to that hope and pursed her lips, her heart beating fiercely.
'Mr Maquire, where are you?'
Meanwhile, Wesley Jameson and his Crew had just landed in the City, and we're currently exiting the City airport. He had flown out of the state to finish a deal that needed his urgent attention.
Now that he was back, it was time to oversee the project.
"Hey, you have to see this." Cross suddenly said, bringing his tablet to Wesley's face.
Wesley looked at what he was referring to and his eyes squinted, peering closer to look at the face of the lady in the news.
His lips curled up and he smirked, letting out a shrewd remark.
"Well, I'd be damned."
"Did you know something like this would happen?" Cross asked, lowering the tablet and Wesley snapped out of it.
He wasn't amused at the situation but rather at the lady on the news.
Wesley had arranged for the demolition to start immediately, targeting Maguire Coles shop to be among the first structures to be demolished.
But he did not instruct Sebastian, the elderly-looking man who was commanding the process, to bulldoze an innocent girl.
The news simply depicted a helpless yet foolish girl who seemed to be trying her best to stop Mr. Maguires Arcade from being demolished, despite the bulldozer that was right in front of her, threatening to tear her down.
And that innocent yet foolish girl was none other than the lady who had given him quite an unforgettable night.
What a twist.
"Demian," Cross called out to the driver who stood in front of the car that was ready to take them to their destination. "We'll head to the site first," he said and Demian nodded in obedience. "Let's go." He said to Wesley and he nodded.