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“Hi,” I say, coughing, needing to clear my throat and nerves. “Sorry. Hi. I’m April Wilson. I currently own a dance school on the proposed development site.”

Two of the team at the front look at each other, their brows furrowed.

“Hi, April. How can we help?” The gentleman at the front says.

“I’m being forced out of my business with your development, as are several fellow associates. It seems like Frazer Development doesn’t care that businesses that are part of our community are being destroyed by your proposal.”

They shoot a look at my landlord who is sitting with the panel. He is openly glaring at me.

“We have purchased the property as vacant possession, Ms Wilson,” a grey-haired gentleman on the end states.

“You may have, but not all the properties are empty, sir.”

“Excuse me?” The grey-haired man turns to the man who was my landlord, whose face is now puce.

“Your tenancy agreement is up, April. I’m well within myrights to sell and not renew your agreement,” he says, standing up, pointing his finger in my direction.

“You promised me a minimum of five years,” I say, facing off against the man who is selling up and destroying my business, happy to line his own pockets. “What about all the money I invested in the building in good faith?”

“I made no such promise. You chose to invest that money.” He looks at the men next to him. “You won’t find five years anywhere in writing,” he says, pushing his shoulders back before sitting down, shooting a smirk in my direction.

Snake!

“My mistake. I thought I was dealing with a gentleman.”

The grey-haired man looks at the landlord and back to me.

“Ms Wilson. Once the development is complete, we offer all current tenants priority in applying for one of the new units at cut price rates.”

“Sadly, sir, that will be of no use. The sprung dance floor, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and bars I installed are all fixed. I can’t simply up and move them. I’ll have no business left after the redevelopment.”

I stare at the man, who is now looking increasingly flustered.

Samuel squeezes my hand.

“Not to mention Ms April keeps our kids and teenagers off the streets. They love her classes. Where are they going to go when you kick her out?” A voice chimes up from the back.

“You fat cats just want to gentrify the area and drive out our community.” Another voice yells, followed by a lot of other voices agreeing with them.

There’s movement at the side of the room as someone moves forward, coming to a halt in front of the table.

I inhale sharply as the new arrival turns and faces me.

“Mr Frazer,” the grey-haired man says, standing up and shaking the newcomer's hand. “We were just discussing…”

“I heard.” Cal’s voice sends sparks of recognition firing through my body, settling low. Memories swirl thick and fast.

“Ms Wilson,” he says, turning to face me. His eyes spark with recognition, although his expression remains purely professional. “I’ve just heard what you said. I’d like to invite you to our offices to discuss this with me and my team. See what we can do to resolve this issue.”

He turns and shoots my landlord a look that would freeze hell.

“I can assure you, this is not how Frazer Development does business.”

CHAPTER 8

APRIL

Immobilised, I feel a knot form in my chest, making it difficult to move or breathe. The firm grip of Samuel’s hand grounds me. He squeezes gently as a gesture of support. I nod at what? I’m not sure, but I retake my seat. I try to catch my breath by looking away from the man standing before me. A man I last saw sprawled naked and sleeping peacefully as I crept out of his hotel room. Another person stands and gives their point of view.