Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires, #3)(94)

“In recent years, Lake Wisteria has drastically grown in population size, but some citizens, including myself, are concerned about the town losing its charm. So, what are some ideas you have to balance growth and opportunities with keeping true to our values as a town?”

A coin toss determines that Trevor will go first. He smiles warmly at the crowd, looking every bit like his father as he pulls the mic to his mouth.

It’s the way his smile reaches his eyes that makes my stomach churn. Because how can someone appear so unbothered—so utterly untouched by the pain they caused—while I can’t escape the haunted look in mine?

“Well, we’ve been fortunate to have so many people interested in moving to our town. It’s been difficult to keep up with the boom in population, so we’ve experienced some growing pains while we adjust to the change, but what makes our town special isn’t the size but rather the people who live in it.”

He recites his response like he practiced it a hundred times, and after a second glance at the person who asked the question, I understand why. Of course Trevor and his father would infiltrate the crowd and plant a few of their most loyal citizens to ask questions.

He carries on talking about preserving the town square and Main Street, which are both ideas I agree with. I’m not surprised that he steers clear of talking about the Historic District, given his family bribing everyone on Lavender Lane into signing their NDA.

Trevor is finally cut off by the moderator. Everyone in the bleachers seems to like his answer based on their enthusiastic head nods, motivating me to do better.

Instead of remaining seated like Trevor, I stand up and face the crowd.

“Growth is a good thing. A great thing, honestly, but only in moderation.” I pause and watch as some nod along to what I’m saying. “In fact, I’m going to play devil’s advocate here and say what some of you will probably hate to hear.”

People who were on their phones or whispering among each other during Ludlow’s time look up or quiet down.

“We’re becoming the Hamptons of the Midwest, and I don’t mean that as a compliment.”

A woman lets out a startled gasp near the top of the bleachers.

If there is one thing I’ve learned during my canvassing, it’s that born-and-raised locals love the money the new residents pump into the town but they hate the idea of selling out.

Which is very much a possibility if Trevor is put in charge.

“Who here has visited Lake Aurora?” I ask.

Almost every arm in the crowd shoots up, including Jane’s, who told me what it was like to witness how much Lake Aurora has changed.

“Keep your hands up and look around.”

Bleachers squeak from all the movement.

“Now, who here knows someone who has lived in Lake Aurora?”

All the hands remain raised up high.

“And to those of you with your hands still raised, put them down if the person you know has moved away within the last five years due to circumstances related to the town, such as the cost of living becoming too expensive or the unstable job market.”

Slowly, hands everywhere drop until there is only a small fraction left. Even Jane’s hand is no longer raised because similarly, most of her friends and family moved out of their hometown once it began to change and the rent prices became unaffordable.

She told me as much during our double date, but I put all the pieces together once Lily and I witnessed it ourselves.

The silence in the room is deafening, but it says much more than I ever could on the subject, and I let the crowd sit with that discomfort before continuing.

“Lake Aurora faced the same predicament as us a decade ago, and their mayor decided to embrace change because they too were so very fortunate to have people interested in their town.” It’s poetic justice to use Trevor’s words against him, and I enjoy watching the emotions flicker across his face.

Fear. Surprise. Uncertainty.

And soon enough, defeat.

“The town’s council welcomed growth and expansion, and now Lake Aurora is struggling with an identity crisis. Mom-and-pop shops are having a tough time paying rent and keeping up with expenses with so much cheaper competition. Franchises are replacing family-run restaurants that were established fifty-plus years ago, turning their Main Street into a graveyard of boarded-up storefronts waiting for the next McDonald’s to open up. Their rental market is at a record high, their infrastructure is struggling to support the influx of people, and community staples like their rec center have suffered from funding cuts despite the town’s increased tax revenue.”

I pause and allow what I’m saying to sink in. “Locals can’t run away fast enough, and if we’re not careful, our town will be next. So I’ll throw the question back on you all and ask: How does one prevent Lake Wisteria from becoming another Lake Aurora?”

No one claps because of the event’s rules, but the looks of fear on everyone’s faces feel better than any round of applause I could receive. Not to mention the worried expression on Trevor’s face as his wide eyes dart to find his father in the crowd.

“Mr. Ludlow, you have one minute to respond.”

Trevor follows my lead and stands up, so I return to my stool and watch as he addresses everyone.

“My family has helped this town grow for a hundred years. I studied how my grandfather led us through the strawberry boom, and I saw my father navigate the inflation crisis that swept the nation a few decades later. I’ve studied their choices, not all of which I agreed with… Sorry, Dad, it was never a good idea to try to ban motor vehicles.”