He appeared quite distressed, his clothes stained with sweat and sand.


    Everyone paused and turned toward Atticus.


    Lydia, taken aback, moved to stand behind Brayden and whispered, “Isn’t he the one who was dealing the cards for you? Watch out, Hannah!”


    “It’s alright.


    ”


    Hannah gestured to him reassuringly.


    “Come over here.


    Is_ there something else you need to tell us?”


    “Well…”


    Atticus seemed ufortable, hesitating as he noticed someone else was with them.


    He fumbled for the right words.


    Seeing his struggle, Hannah reassured him.


    “These are all trusted friends.


    You can speak freely.


    ”


    “Okay…”


    Atticus licked his lips, feeling a wave of embarrassment.


    “Hmm… I just wanted to say… the n for ind auctioning fell through.


    I can’t hold on to this ind any longer.


    After such a scandal, I doubt anyone would dare buy it.


    ”


    He nced at Bryson, then at Hannah, hesitating.


    “I’m wondering if Miss Moore and Mr.


    Mitchell are still interested?”


    Before anyone could respond, Maloney cut in sharply, “After such a huge incident, who would dare? Are you trying to y the sympathy card to unload this ind at a bargain price?”


    Atticus’s face drained of color.


    Though disturbed by Maloney’s uracy, he managed a sly smile.


    “It seems you guys are my only hope now.


    ”


    With a sense of resolve, he added, “Make me an offer! As long as it’s reasonable, I’ll consider it.


    ”


    Suddenly, Hannah’s lips curved into a smile as she turned to Lydia.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    “Lydia, it seems this trip wasn’t a waste after all.


    ”


    Lydia blinked, puzzled by Hannah’s remark.


    “Do you still want to buy the ind?” Hannah asked her.


    Atticus looked expectantly at Lydia, waiting for her to respond.


    It took a moment, but Lydia finally snapped back to reality, pondering briefly before nodding in agreement.


    The ind’s drawbacks didn’t deter her.


    She had ns to develop it, envisioning a project that wouldmence a few years down the line when Palmetan’s tourism industry matured and property values rose.


    By then, any negative news about the ind would have faded from memory, rendering it insignificant to her ns.


    Moreover, acquiring the ind at a discounted rate seemed an excellent opportunity.