Regret Came Too Late

Grace had just woken up when she heard a commotion outside. She still had a lingering fever, and she had lost 5.5 pounds.

As soon as she stepped outside, Mandy came rushing toward her. She grabbed her hand and started pulling her along quickly.

"Hurry, hurry! A bunch of farmers are out there looking for you. They said they want to hand you a plaque!" she said.

Grace blinked in surprise. A plaque?

Mandy led her to the guesthouse's main entrance, where a lively crowd had gathered. At the front stood several young people she recognized.

Their faces lit up like they were at a big celebration. Grace was still a little dazed when fireworks went off above her.

"Grace, this is from all of us. You have to take it. We all signed it," one of them said.

"Word is, a big-time investor is looking at this land and wants to build something on it. A lot of our families' plots were picked. From now on, if you ever come to Northbrook, you're covered. All your expenses will be free for life!"

price this morning. The investor's representatives said

It wasn't until the young folks pressed it into her hands that a wave

was about to speak when the sound of car engines interrupted her. A luxury car pulled up behind the crowd, followed by several government vehicles. They were officials here to meet Grace and Ethan, the

person who had asked Quentin to come to Brookfield, hurried over with a

got here fast. You really raised an

himself like a high-powered

here just to get some

than just 'pretty well.' Let me tell you something on the down-low-Northbrook might be a poor place, but someone remarkable

back. The two sides have been at odds for ages. But now, with

guy were talking under their breath, making it impossible

focused on her, showering her with attention. Standing in the spotlight, she