Page 89 of The Secret Heir Next Door

Emily snorts. “Or both. So, what happened? Did he admit to it all, or did he lie about it? Because I’m ready to egg his house if needed.”

I laugh at the image of Emily, tiny and fierce, launching eggs at Logan’s pristine windows. “It’s not like that. I mean, yeah, his family is a nightmare. And they basically threatened to disown him if he doesn’t break up with me.”

Both Lila and Emily freeze, their hands mid-wrap. Lila’s eyes go wide. “Oh, hell no. Are you serious? What is this, a soap opera?”

Emily frowns, setting down the fudge she’s been wrapping. “That’s… wow. That’s a lot. No wonder you’re a mess.”

” None of it makes sense, though. Was that all just for show? He’s buying my building and is the cause of my eviction, but he’s trying to help save me? Was he trying to, or was I just someone they knew would be a problem, so he was distracting me? I just don’t understand any of it.”

” Or does he have some fucked-up Robin Hood complex?” Lila muses.

” What do you mean?”

” I don’t know if that’s the correct way to phrase it,” she laughs. “It’s…it’s weird that he’s been trying to help you buildyour business—like these orders are because he helped set up your website and such, right?”

” Yeah, he did all of that. I didn’t know how to do anything with e-commerce.”

” Maybe he felt bad for what he’s doing, so he was making sure you didn’t lose everything.”

” But why fake interest in me?”

” I don’t think he’s faking that,” Emily sighs. “I don’t think he’s being honest with you, and I don’t think he deserves your time because of that, but…I don’t think he’s faking his feelings for you.”

” That’s…confusing,” I groan.

“Do you think standing up to his parents was all for show?”

” No,” I sigh. “I don’t think a group of people could be that good at faking. Their reactions were too real. And is the slander on social media and the eviction really because they’re pissed that we’re dating.”

” I guarantee the slander is from them,” Emily replies. “It definitely fits what I’ve seen them do before.”

“I know he stood up for me, but it's just… it’s all so messy. And now my shop is on the line, and I’m stressed, and I miss him, but I don’t know if I can handle all this.”

Lila nudges my shoulder. “Serena, we’ve seen you juggle worse. You’re like Superwoman, but without the cape and with way more candy. You’ll figure this out.”

“Yeah,” Emily agrees. “And if Logan’s serious about you, he’ll figure out a way, too. His family can be all high and mighty, but they don’t know you like he does. You’re not some gold digger. You’re, like, the anti-gold digger.”

I snort. “That’s probably not a real thing.”

Emily shrugs. “Maybe not. But you know what I mean.”

Lila starts packing boxes with the freshly wrapped fudge. “Here’s the thing,” she says. “You don’t need Logan to fix this.And if he really cares about you, he won’t want you to sacrifice your dreams for him either. So, let’s get strategic. What’s our game plan to save this shop?”

“Right.” Emily nods, back in action mode. “Let’s think. Can we crowdsource some funding? Or maybe do a flash sale to raise cash fast?”

I think about it, nibbling on my lip as I consider their suggestions. “A flash sale could work, but it’s a band-aid. I need something bigger, something that’s going to keep me afloat long-term. I’m just so bad with money.

“We could organize an event,” Lila suggests. “Like a candy-making workshop or a tasting night. You’ve got a good following—people love that stuff.”

Emily snaps her fingers. “Yes! And we can use social media to really push it. Get some influencers in here to post about it. Make it a whole thing.

Lila slaps the counter triumphantly. “That’s the spirit! And who knows, maybe Logan can pull some strings. Even if he doesn’t, you’ve got us, and we’ll figure this out.”

Emily nudges me with her shoulder. “And for what it’s worth, I know you well enough to know that you probably didn’t let Logan speak when you asked him about everything. Maybe try that. He might not have all the answers right now, but it’s obvious he wants to be with you. Maybe you need to give him a chance to prove that.”

“I just… I don’t want to be someone’s charity case. I don’t want him to feel like he has to save me.”

Emily shakes her head. “Serena, you’re not a charity case. You’re a badass entrepreneur who’s hit a rough patch. It happens to everyone. Logan probably just wants to support you, not save you.”

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