| September 29, 2023 - 8:00 AM
Lin stood at the edge of her property, coffee in hand, watching as the first trucks from Ethan Grant's construction crew rolled in.
The early morning mist clung to the ground, and the distant sound of the river echoed softly through the valley.
Soon, the sound of hammers, drills, and engines would replace it.
Lin smirked. Perfect.
| September 29, 2023 - 9:00 AM
Lin stood near the edge of the property, hands in her pockets.
Ethan barked instructions, and his men responded like a well-oiled machine. Stakes hit the soil with sharp, rhythmic thuds, marking the boundary. Laser levels cast thin red lines across the dirt. Surveyors double-checked measurements, adjusting angles by fractions of an inch.
It looked like an ordinary construction site.
But Lin knew better.
Near the riverbank, workers prepared the ground for the concrete foundation—digging trenches, laying rebar, ensuring the structure would hold against erosion. To the untrained eye, it was simple reinforcement. To Lin, it was control. No unexpected washouts. No shifting land. No weak spots.
Along the perimeter, men unloaded thick steel beams, positioning them for what would eventually become a high wall masked as a decorative farm fence. They worked fast, setting the framework, reinforcing it with heavy wooden panels—thick enough to absorb impact, but rustic enough to seem harmless.
And then—the watchpoints.
A worker unfolded the blueprints, pointing to the designated spots. The posts were spaced out evenly, each marked for a gazebo-style structure. From the outside, they would look like simple farm shelters—places for guests to sit and take in the view.
But Lin wasn't building gazebos.
She was building elevated observation points.
A way to see without being seen.
The entire design was subtle, unassuming. Anyone driving by would see a beautifully structured estate—thoughtfully planned, carefully curated.
But Lin saw the truth.
A perimeter. A controlled entrance. A system of defense so seamless, no one would realize they were being contained until it was too late.
And that?
That was the point.
| September 29, 2023 - 10:00 AM
Lin exhaled softly, the noise of the construction already filling the air behind her.
This wasn't just a farm.
It was her safe haven.
| September 29, 2023 – 2:00 PM
Lin sat in the corner of Porter's Café, laptop open and phone in hand, waiting for her meeting.
The door chimed as a woman in her mid-30s walked in, dressed in casual chic attire—a linen blazer, ankle boots, and a leather-bound notebook tucked under her arm.
"You must be Lin," she greeted warmly, offering a handshake. "I'm Sophie Chan, interior designer."
Lin shook her hand, smiling. "Thanks for meeting me on short notice."
Sophie chuckled, sliding into the seat across from her. "A farm-to-table restaurant project? I'd cancel any plans for that."
Before Lin could respond, a sharp voice cut in from the counter.
"Farm-to-table? That sounds like something I need to hear about."
Lin exhaled through her nose, already bracing herself as Mrs. Ellen Porter strode over, red-framed glasses perched on her nose, eyes practically glittering with curiosity.
"Now, now, don't mind me," Mrs. Porter said, settling herself into the booth beside Lin like she'd been invited. "I just think it's my civic duty to know what's happening in town."
Sophie looked amused. Lin looked resigned.
"Want some coffee while you're at it?" Lin asked dryly.
Mrs. Porter grinned. "Already got some, sweetheart. Now, tell me—what exactly are you scheming?"
| September 29, 2023 – 2:15 PM
Lin turned her laptop toward Sophie, ignoring Mrs. Porter's unapologetic eavesdropping.
"Here's the layout of the old hotel," Lin explained, tapping the screen. "I want to convert part of it into a farm-to-kitchen restaurant—fresh ingredients from the farm, rustic dishes, and a warm, inviting atmosphere."
Sophie eyes lighting up. "What's your vision?"
Lin grinned. "Think reclaimed wood beams. Open shelving with herbs growing in pots, long wooden tables for family-style dining, and an open kitchen where guests can see the food being prepared."
Sophie nodded, already jotting down notes.
✔ Farmhouse aesthetics – Earthy tones, natural wood, and soft lighting.
✔ Open-concept kitchen – Glass panels so guests can watch meals being made.
✔ Seasonal décor – Fresh flowers, produce displays, and farm tools as wall art.
✔ Cozy ambiance – Mismatched vintage chairs, woven table linens, and fireplaces.
"Do you have a budget in mind?" Sophie asked.
Lin smirked. "Don't hold back. I want it done right."
Lin smirked. "Don't hold back. I want it done right."
Mrs. Porter let out a low whistle. "Well, well. Someone's got deep pockets."
Sophie chuckled. "I like your style."
Lin just sipped her coffee, unbothered. "It's an investment."
Mrs. Porter's grin widened. "Oh, honey. You're dangerous with money."
| September 29, 2023 – 3:00 PM
As they wrapped up, Sophie closed her notebook, looking genuinely excited.
"I'll send you design concepts by the end of the week. This is going to be stunning."
Lin leaned back, satisfied. "It better be."
Mrs. Porter tapped a finger on the table. "And when this fancy place is up and running, I expect VIP reservations."
Lin smirked. "You'll have a seat. But I'm still making you pay."
Mrs. Porter let out a boisterous laugh. "Oh, sweetheart, I respect that."
| September 29, 2023 – 5:00 PM
Lin sat at her desk, flipping through Sophie's initial design sketches, her mind already rearranging details—wood finishes, lighting choices, seating arrangements. Some ideas she liked. Some needed work.
Her pen hovered over the page, ready to make a note—
Then—
A low, unmistakable rumble of an engine rolled up the driveway.
Not a passing car. Not one of the work trucks.
Something familiar.
Lin's fingers stilled. Her spine straightened.
She set the papers down with deliberate care, the distant vibration of the engine settling into idle.
She pushed back from her desk, rising smoothly, heart beating just a fraction faster.
Stepping toward the window, she pulled the curtain back just enough to see.
Her eyes narrowed.
There, parked in her driveway—Richard Zhang's truck.
Her father had just arrived. Unexpected.