EXES - A Second Chance Billionaire Romance Novel by Hawthorne Aria

Author:Hawthorne, Aria [Hawthorne, Aria]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: French Kiss Press LLC
Published: 2016-12-30T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

“Bonjour, mon chéri!” Jacques’ flamboyant greeting rang out throughout the store, mimicking the high-pitched bell announcing his entrance into the shop. “I have some news magnifique to tell you! I have saved the train depot from Monsieur Money Monster, Harvey Zale.”

Jacques slapped the official city documents onto the counter in front of Enrique.

Alma winced at the “magnificent” news. Only two days ago, she was prepared to help Jacques in any way possible to prevent Harvey from bulldozing his property. Now, she was less certain and more conflicted about the decision to pit herself directly against him. Harvey had already agreed to remove the windows and allow her father’s auction business to represent them. That concession would have allowed her the opportunity to determine if they had any value in the first place. It was a respectable compromise in the face of so much tension and conflict between them, and their time together today at Navy Pier reminded her of how nice it was not to harbor an undercurrent of resentment against him. In fact, it was better than nice. It was liberating.

Enrique glanced at his daughter. She recognized the shock on her father’s face. It had been her expression, just hours earlier, when she received the news from Harvey.

“We have permission to inspect the property tomorrow at 8 a.m.,” Jacques shrilled with glee. “Then you will turn in your written evaluation to the city’s Historical Preservation Department.”

“What kind of written evaluation are you seeking?” Enrique questioned him, scanning the cease and desist notice on the counter.

“That is your job to tell me, no?” Jacques said, angling his delicate profile toward Alma with a triumphant smile.

Enrique read the summons. “I am not sure that the building on that parcel is a train depot, which is what you have stated here, nor am I certain that the building has significant historical value at all.”

“C’est impossible!” Jacques squawked. “Your daughter has confirmed the windows are significant. Is that not true, mon chéri?” He slung his long cashmere scarf over one shoulder and twirled his body to face Alma, hiding out in her corner workspace.

“I haven’t had a chance to confirm anything,” she said, resenting being turned into a pawn in his game. “Harvey was going to remove them and send them here for evaluation before you stopped him.”

“Well, no need to wait. The permission is granted. You will see them tomorrow in their natural space and light.”

Expecting praise for his achievement, he leaned over her workspace and sought out his reward. “Shall I take you out for dinner tonight to celebrate our victory?” He thickened his French accent, just in case it would help persuade her.

Alma internally rolled her eyes. Jacques had been pursuing her since she had divorced Harvey, and although she had moments of admiring his love of architecture and his natural flair for confrontation against property owners, she couldn’t get past the way he called her mon chéri like she was his pet poodle.

“I can’t tonight, Jacques. I already have plans.

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