From His Fake Wife to Billionaire Heiress Chapter 224: A New Proposal

Upon hearing this, Devin immediately adopted a look of helpless concern. He let out a heavy sigh and began applying a bit of political pressure.

"Ms. Harper, believe me, I hear you. As mayor of this town, nobody wants to see it thrive more than I do. I want good lives for everyone here."

Then, just as quickly, he shifted tone.

"But the old hall... there's really nothing I can do. That building has been the heart of this community for generations. It's a piece of living history—and more importantly, state historic preservation laws are very clear on this. It's a protected structure. Crossing that line isn't an option for anyone."

Riley listened quietly, wearing a thoughtfully troubled expression exactly when it mattered, as though she truly were wrestling with an impossible situation.

With a slight frown, she asked in a tone that sounded almost resigned, "So what you're saying, Mr. Hardy, is... if the town hall issue can't be resolved, then there's truly no path forward? Our project would have to be shelved... or even canceled entirely?"

A faint glint of satisfaction flashed in Devin's eyes.

In his mind, this polished city woman—pretty as a picture—was in over her head. Young, inexperienced, easy to steer. With just a few carefully chosen words, he'd backed her into a corner.

He felt a quiet swell of pride but kept his face arranged in regret. He nodded gravely.

"I'm afraid so. My hands are tied. State regulations are clear: if a protected historic site falls within a project's footprint, no construction or demolition can proceed. I wish it were otherwise, really."

He had smoothly shifted all responsibility onto the rules, the laws, the distant authorities.

But just as he believed he held all the cards—poised to watch Riley walk away empty-handed—she lifted her gaze.

"Well," she said, her voice light yet steady, "what if this wasn't actually a problem? What if it could be resolved right here, right now?"

"What?" The smile stiffened on Devin's face. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "How on earth could you resolve it?"

The moment the words left his mouth, he knew he'd slipped.

He realized, too late, that this softly spoken woman had gently led him right where she wanted him.

Watching his expression shift, Riley allowed her smile to deepen.

Without hurry, she drew another document from her portfolio—a supplemental proposal prepared well in advance—and slid it calmly across the table toward Devin.

"Mr. Hardy, I think there may have been a misunderstanding from the start. Who ever said our project required tearing anything down?

"We're planning a high-end resort that blends leisure, tourism, and local heritage. Honestly, having a historic landmark on-site isn't a complication—it's an asset. A real selling point."

She extended a slender finger and tapped the title of the proposal.

"Here's our new approach: not only will the town hall remain untouched, but we will also hire one of the country's top historic preservation firms to fully restore and maintain it.

"And that's not all. We envision the town hall becoming the cultural centerpiece of the development. We'll establish a Cedar Creek Heritage Museum around it—curating artifacts, local stories, and the history that makes this town unique. Every visitor who comes here will have the chance to learn about your community's legacy, presented with the care it deserves.

"I understand how deeply rooted local history is here. So imagine—this heritage you're so proud of, displayed professionally, shared with thousands of guests year after year... wouldn't that be something every person in Cedar Creek could take pride in?"

No threats, no backroom offers.

Just like that, Riley had gently turned a deadlock into an opportunity.

What had been an obstacle was now framed as an honor—one the town would be hard-pressed to refuse.

Devin stared at the proposal on the table, then back at the composed woman seated across from him. A film of nervous sweat had begun to form on his forehead.

A cold trickle ran down his back.

He'd been running things in Cedar Creek for decades. He prided himself on reading people, on knowing how to navigate conversations to his advantage. Never had he expected to be so thoroughly outmaneuvered by someone half his age.

Still, Devin was no stranger to sudden turns.

His stunned expression lasted less than three seconds before transforming into one of almost theatrical admiration.

He slapped his knee emphatically.

"Well, I'll be! Ms. Harper, this idea of yours... it's brilliant! Why didn't I think of it? Not tearing it down, but preserving it—making it a museum? This... this is wonderful!"

As he spoke, he gave Riley a thumbs-up, the wrinkles crinkling at the corners of his eyes into a deep smile. "Always said you city folks think on a whole different level. Us old-timers, set in our ways for years, don't always see the road ahead half so clear."

Anne, tense with nerves the entire time they'd talked, watched the mayor do a complete about-face and felt a wave of relief she could no longer hold back. She was just about to seize the moment and pipe up with something like, "So we're agreed, then?"