I clicked the notification, and a video started playing.Sebastian Cross stood at a podium, looking as smug as I'd ever seen him.
"Clara," I said quietly."You need to see this."
She must have heard something in my voice because she immediately stood, guiding Mia back to her coloring."Keep working on the castle, baby."
Clara came to stand beside me, and I turned up the volume just as Sebastian began speaking.
"...thrilled to announce Cross Developments' most ambitious project to date.The Queens Meridian Complex will transform three full city blocks into a world-class mixed-use development, bringing luxury residential towers, premium retail space, and Class A commercial real estate to a neighborhood that has been, frankly, underutilized for decades."
So many red flags in his words.Mixed-use.Luxury.Underutilized.All of these were code words for gentrification, giving the current residents a huge middle finger and telling thembetter luck next time.
"Jesus Christ,” I muttered.“Three city blocks?”
“It might as well be a habitat,” Clara mused.
“I’m sure he’ll try to put a dome on it and keep all the poors out,” I bit out.
On screen, Sebastian Cross gestured to a massive rendering behind him—sleek glass towers rising, covered tunnels connecting buildings, people conducting business and accessing their luxury apartments.
"This is our grand vision," Cross continued, his smile never wavering."We’re doing everything possible to secure this vision of the future, and we have strong support from key city officials who understand the economic benefits this record-breaking project will bring."
My phone exploded with notifications.And then Archer called.I swiped my phone onto speakerphone.
“Tell me you’re seeing this weird-ass robot press release from Cross,” Archer said in lieu of a greeting.
I sighed, feeling a heavy wall of dread descend onto me.“I saw it.”
“His fucking plan extends three city blocks.That covers shit we’ve already bought.He can’t do that.”
I rubbed at my forehead, trying to think through the possibilities.“How many deeds do we have now around Meridian?Six?”
“Seven.Hopefully ten by the weekend.”
“It’s a PR stunt.He’s doing it for legitimacy and for social clout.There’s no way he could seize anything unless he…” My words evaporated as I thought back to the way he dropped that line about the support of key city officials.The pieces were connecting, and I didn’t like the image it created.
“Don’t say it,” Archer blurted.“He might be in bed with city officials, but I don’t think even he could suck enough dick to convince them to pull an eminent domain on our properties.”
I wanted to believe Archer.But if Cross convinced the right officials that his development was a necessary economic development for the “public good,” they could force us to sell.And not only that, they could offer us peanuts compared to what we actually paid.A lose-lose for us.
“It’s never happened to us before,” Archer added.“And it sure as hell isn’t going to happen now.”
Clara watched me with worried eyes, nibbling on her lip as I spoke.I reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze.
“We need to be ready,” Archer said.“We need capital to fight him.Rustle up some legal challenges.I don’t know.Something.We need that inheritance money now.”
My jaw was so tight it ached.“I know.”
“How soon can you guys get married?”
I met Clara’s bright gaze, which was full of questions.
“I’ll let you know, Arch,” I said.“I gotta go.”I swiped the phone off, burying my face in my hands.
“How soon are you thinking?”Clara asked softly.
“I’m sure tomorrow at City Hall would be fine,” I said, trying to sound like it was a joke when it was anything but.
"Tomorrow?"Her voice climbed higher."Nash, I can't just—"
