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!"

negotiating the price this morning. The investor's representatives said they looked into

wasn't until the young folks pressed it into her hands

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

out. One of them, the same person who had asked Quentin

really raised an

carried himself like a high-powered businessman meeting his

get some hands-on experience. I wasn't expecting much, but she did

"Come on, don't be so modest. She did more than just 'pretty well.' Let me tell you something on the down-low-Northbrook might be a poor place, but someone remarkable came

good for Northbrook, but Southbrook kept pushing back. The two sides have been at odds for ages. But now, with this big success in Northbrook, the balance of power has completely

were talking under their breath, making it

showering her with attention. Standing in the spotlight, she couldn't help but feel a