She settled into the seat, a mix of anticipation and nerves swirling around her as she realized she was traveling with Dn. That familiar knot of fear she thought she''d buried long ago started to creep back up.


    Dn had some papers bnced on his knee. His voice was as calm and steady as ever. "Not only are there agricultural projects in South Ashford, but the government just announced a bid for a new tourism development zone."


    A tourism development zone? Now, that was interesting. South Ashford might be strapped for cash, but its untouched natural beauty was a hidden treasure. The government had been dragging their feet about developing it for tourism, but now that they''d finally opened the door, you can bet there would be a rush ofpanies ready to pounce.


    Plus, loads of spots between South Ashford and the Capital could be linked up. Imagine the possibilities if this whole region took off-it could be a real goldmine.


    ra fired up her brand-newptop, eager to dig into the attractions around South Ashford. It quickly clicked why Dn was personally on the scene. The government wasn''t just opening the door but rolling out the red carpet with huge incentives.


    This was fantastic news for Ferguson Corporation. They were already knee-deep in an agricultural project in South Ashford. Nail that, and they''d be in prime position for a partnership.


    ra leaned over a map with her pen. "Mr. Dn, I recall there''s a famous ghost town here. What if we turned it into a massive haunted house? Young people are all about adventure these days, and the usual haunted houses in the city just don''t cut it anymore. A big, real-life haunted experience could be a major draw."


    And it was true-young folks today were all about living in the moment and willing to pay a bit extra for something extraordinary.


    Her finger moved over a few more spots, "Plus, we''re close to some extreme sports locations. We could totally create some synergy here."


    She pointed out a few more ces, but Dn''s expression didn''t change. ra pulled back, second-guessing if her ideas were falling t. The longer she sat alone with him, the more her nerves started to buzz.


    Dn put the papers aside and settled back in his seat. “Let''s get some rest for now."


    The trip to South Ashford was going to be a long one-at least seven or eight hours.


    ra nodded and was about to close her eyes when her phone buzzed. The name Sonya popped up on the screen.


    She hit answer, and Sonya''s voice, dripping with smugness, filled her ear. "Has Simon called you yet? Why hasn''t that bag been delivered?"


    ra''s brow creased as she quickly blocked the number. Sonya was used to ra''spliance, and this new attitude was sure to leave her fuming.


    Sonya tried Simon next, but when he attempted to reach ra, he found himself blocked too.


    Sitting in a bar booth, Simon seemed a bit off, like he couldn''t quite focus. Darkness had already draped itself over the city when someone gave his shoulder a nudge.


    "Mr. Simon, what''s eating at you? You seem miles away." Colton jumped in, "Is it ''cause Quinn''s headed to South Ashford? Are you worried?"


    Simon''s brows knitted together. "Quinn''s going to South Ashford?"


    How had he missed that memo?


    Realizing he''d let the cat out of the bag, Colton scrambled to patch things up. "Uh,


    I just picked it up in passing. The Bradford folks are eyeing a government partnership. There''s a sweet tourism project in South Ashford, and lots ofpanies are circling. Johnny''s got a buddy in government who tossed him a bone—an agricultural gig in South Ashford. If it pans out, the Bradfords could snag a slice of the pie. Quinn jumped at the chance."