Layna caught every word, and a wicked little spark lit up inside her.
With Scott out of Willow Creek, her moment had finally arrived.
She''d already plotted her next move-now all she needed was the right opening.
The harbor, 5 p.m.
As Anastasia''s family set foot on the dock, the Wisman family''s weingmittee was already there-front and center was Justin, the future heir himself.
Justin had insisted on picking them up, all smiles on the inside, though you''d never guess it from his calm face.
The moment he saw Paradise, a flicker of joy lit up his eyes, quick as a spark, gone in a blink.
The Wisman n prided themselves on discipline, and Justin was held to the highest standard: never let your feelings show, no matter what.
Smiling didn''te easy to Justin, but that was just how he was raised.
At thirteen, he looked every inch the young gentleman—a crisp suit, a small entourage of bodyguards, and the sort of quiet confidence that made him seem like he''d just stepped out of a pce.
People like Justin were rare, even in their circles. Passersby couldn''t help but stare, whispering guesses about which family''s young lord hade to town.
“Uncle Herman, Ana, I hope your trip wasn''t too tiring. My father sent me to wee you,” Justin greeted them-polite to a fault. "The hotel''s all set, and the car''s waiting. This way, please."
He turned to Paradise, adding with just a hint of warmth, "Paradise, wee."
He didn''t let his happiness show, but it was there, tucked away.
Paradise dipped her head. "Thank you."
"Ana, Uncle Herman, please—this way. I''ve prepared some gifts for you at the hotel. Hope you''ll like them."
Herman and Anastasia exchanged a look-what a courteous and thoughtful kid.
Just as they were about to get in the car, a shout rang out from a yacht tied up at the dock.
"Hey, Paradise! Wait for me!"
They turned to see a boy jogging over, dressed in aid-back sweater and ck pants.
He had that wild, youthful energy-just a little bit untamable—and with the sunset painting the sea gold behind him, it felt like a scene straight out of a movie.
It was Andrew.
Andrew dashed up, grinning ear to ear. “Paradise! Didn''t you hear me calling?"
Paradise blinked, surprised. "Andrew? What are you doing here?"
"Came for the birthday bash," Andrew replied, shing a dazzling smile and waving at Herman and Anastasia. "Hi, Ana! Hi, Uncle Herman! I''m Andrew Paradise''s ssmate
Paradise corrected him, "We''re just at the same school, not ssmates."
Andrew just shrugged, “Same thing.” He slung an arm around Paradise''s shoulders.
"If I''d known you wereing to the harbor, I''d have hitched a ride with you..."
That move instantly put both Herman and Justin on alert.
“Pattie, let''s get in the car," Herman said, steering his daughter away. Why did it suddenly feel like someone was about to run off with her?
Anastasia just sighed. Competing with a kid—really?
Andrew wasn''t even fazed. Heughed, “Uncle Herman, don''t be so stingy! Let''s all ride together. I''ll take your car."
Very few people dared to tease Herman like that-besides Anastasia, only Andrew managed.
Anastasia just shook her head. This kid really had no filter.
Most folks were intimidated by Herman. Not Andrew-he fit in anywhere.
Andrew started to climb in with the others, but Justin stepped in to block him.
"Hi, I''m Justin, Jonah''s son. You must be from Carter Enterprises, right? Thanks foring to my grandfather''s birthday. Your room''s ready—please take that car.”
Justin had been put in charge of guest arrangements, and although everyone was set to stay at the same hotel, he''d already decided to move Andrew elsewhere.
"Carter Enterprises or whatever, my dad just calls me the family
troublemaker," Andrew said, waving him off. "No need to fuss
with Paradise and the Just ride
gang
He squeezed into the car anyway, shing Herman a cheeky grin. "Uncle Herman, it''s my first time
here. My dad''s still on his way. Guess be counting on you to look after me!"