Chapter 568
Bryan reached Zelda, helping her to her feet. After confirming that she was alright, he turned his cold stare toward Eileen.
“What do you want?” he asked, his voice laced with indifference.
He was protecting Zelda and confronting Eileen—who had risked everything to protect him.
In that moment, a profound emptiness washed over Eileen.
But she clung to the hope that he might remember her one day.
Even if he couldn’t, it didn’t matter. She believed that if he had once fallen in love with her, he could do so again.
Looking into Bryan’s eyes, Eileen spoke softly. “I just want to be with someone.”
“Are you really going to disrupt so many people’s lives just to be with someone?”
His harsh words stirred the crowd’s emotions once more.
Eileen took a deep breath, then pulled out a folder and said, “Here’s the thorough investigation I conducted. The decline in the fishing industry has left many fishermen struggling, making their lives harder. By developing tourism here, we can improve everyone’s living conditions.”
“Is a better life worth the destruction of our homes? We reject that idea!”
“It won’t mean the destruction of your homes,” Eileen responded calmly. “Having nearly lost my own family, I would never harm someone else’s home. The construction will be limited to the outskirts only.”
The villagers exchanged glances, their expressions showing signs of being swayed.
Eileen continued, “The area hasn’t been overly developed. Many spots remain in their original, untouched state. Once the resort is up and running, it will attract many visitors. You could offer fishing trips, which would significantly boost your earnings…”
The vision Eileen painted for the resort was so appealing that it filled the crowd with anticipation. They eagerly urged her to elaborate further on the resort’s development.
Zelda tried to intervene, but it was clear that Eileen was fully prepared.
Eileen had not only conducted a detailed investigation into the fishing village’s current state but had also outlined a clear and compelling vision for its future. More importantly, the proposed subsidy was an irresistible offer for the villagers.
Observing the crowd’s reactions, Eileen let out a sigh of relief. The plan for the acquisition had gained partial success.
“Those interested should register with Raymond. For the first ten families, the subsidy will be one and a half times the usual amount,” Eileen announced.
At her words, everyone rushed to Raymond to sign up.
Eileen smiled, casting a satisfied glance at Bryan.
But just as she was about to catch a glimpse of his expression, she saw something familiar in his eyes.
However, before she could fully read it, Bryan had already turned and left with Zelda, leaving her with nothing but the cold, indifferent view of his back.
The joy in Eileen’s heart vanished in an instant. She watched Bryan and Zelda walk away, her lips pressed tightly together.
Although the acquisition plan had been moving forward smoothly, she was now faced with a difficult problem.
Eileen hadn’t seen Gabriela, who was in Onaland, for several days.