Chapter 4 Four

The first rays of dawn burst onto Dune Haven's shoreline, igniting the skies in a riot of pastels as Jade stepped out onto the terrace outside the boardroom. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, electrifying her senses.

The news of the surprise engagement had exploded overnight, sending waves of excitement crashing over local journalists and county officials alike. The resort's image was undergoing a radical transformation from a struggling eco-retreat to the exhilarating epicentre of a high-stakes power couple saga.

Jade gripped her phone tightly as notifications flooded in, each one more sensational than the last. Headlines flashed before her eyes:

> "Billionaire and Environmental Lawyer: A Match Made for the Media?"

"Elliot Drake's Fiancée: Savior or Strategist?"

"Dune Haven Rebranded: Luxury or Legacy?"

Her stomach tightened with a mix of thrill and trepidation. She had anticipated the attention, but the spotlight felt blinding. Negotiating in secrecy was one thing; now she was about to unleash her life into the public eye.

A soft knock jolted her from her thoughts. Marco appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and a look of both pride and concern etched on his face.

"You ready?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Jade nodded, shutting her phone with a resolute snap. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Inside the sleek suite-Elliot's stylish beach house designed in charming Charleston style, smoothed her skirt and sank onto the inviting sofa.

The room was alive with the scent of salt-tinged wood and rich leather, the curtains flirting with a gentle morning breeze. A single orchid bloomed on the coffee table, a poised symbol of Elliot's flair for beauty during the chaos.

Elliot strode in, radiating charm in a perfectly tailored linen shirt. He paused at the doorway, taking her in with eyes that shimmered with intrigue. "Good morning, fiancée," he said, his voice warm yet edged with purpose.

Jade forced a smile, her heart racing. "Good morning... fiancé."

He moved closer, handing her a steaming paper cup. "Black, no sugar."

She accepted the offering with gratitude, her gaze locking onto his. "Thank you."

For a moment, they stood there in a shared bubble, the only sound the rhythmic crash of the waves below. Then, Elliot's voice broke the silence, rich with determination. "We have thirty minutes before the county hearing begins. I've prepared a statement-we'll deliver it together, and then we'll face the questions."

Jade felt her pulse quicken, anticipation mingling with a hint of fear. "What does the statement say?"

He strode confidently to the sliding doors, yanking them open with a flourish. Outside, the terrace buzzed with anticipation. A press pen had sprung to life, and microphones and camera lights trained on the boardwalk like hawks.

Just beyond, a lively crowd had gathered: county officials in sharp suits, a duo of local reporters jockeying for position, and a sea of curious spectators, smartphones at the ready to capture every moment.

Elliot passed her a tablet, its screen illuminating a bold nine-point declaration:

1. Unwavering Commitment to Sustainability

2. Dynamic Partnership with Dune Haven Community

3. Proactive Long-term Environmental Monitoring

4. Investment in Cutting-edge Local Green Technology

5. Bold Preservation of Coastal Dunes

6. Innovative Eco-Friendly Guest Programs

7. Unmatched Transparency in Development Plans

8. Robust Support for Regional Conservation Efforts

9. Pioneering Joint Leadership by "Mr. Drake and Ms. Nguyen"

Jade skimmed through the points, her heart racing; it embodied everything she had passionately campaigned for but with the undeniable flair of Drake Industries. Her eyes lingered on the ninth item-she tapped to enlarge it, the words jumping out at her:

"Joint leadership," she read, "by Mr. Drake and Ms. Nguyen." A wave of exhilaration washed over her. Was he truly offering her a seat at the table or was it just another publicity stunt?

He stepped in closer, his presence solid and reassuring. "This unifies our voices. We present as equals."

Jade locked eyes with him, excitement sparking between them. "Equal partners?"

He shrugged, that infuriatingly charming smile playing on his lips. "Publicly, yes. Privately-we'll see."

A thrilling rush of relief coursed through her veins. She took a steadying sip of her coffee, a smile creeping across her face. "Let's do this!"

They burst onto the terrace together, side by side, met by a flurry of flashing cameras and an eager press. The air buzzed with anticipation as questions ricocheted around them.

"Mr. Drake! Ms. Nguyen! Why stage a fake engagement? Are your feelings genuine?"

"Ms Nguyen, can you trust MrDrake after last night's surprise proposal?"

"Will Drake Industries shift focus from luxury development to prioritizing sustainability?"

Jade flashed a confident smile, her hand raised to command attention. Elliot's warm touch on her back steadied her as she took centre stage.

"Good morning, everyone!" Jade announced, her voice ringing clear and strong over the crowd. "We're here because our vision for Dune Haven Resort goes beyond the typical developer-lawyer relationship."

She cast a glance at Elliot, then back at the cameras, her momentum building. "By joining forces both personally and professionally, we can launch a groundbreaking model of sustainable luxury that uplifts both the environment and the community."

Elliot smoothly jumped in, matching her energy. "Exactly! Over the next five years, we will invest a staggering $20 million into eco-friendly infrastructure, kick off a marine conservation initiative, and ensure Dune Haven stands out as an ethical, high-end destination that honours its unique character."

As their announcement reached a crescendo, the press fired off another wave of questions, one probing into funding details, the nature of their engagement, and the ramifications of a potential breakup. Jade navigated every inquiry with grace, buoyed by Elliot's silent yet reassuring presence.

When the media frenzy subsided, a palpable silence enveloped the room as county board members gathered at a sweeping semicircular dais. Commissioner Reyes gestured for Jade to continue, this time addressing the formal proceedings.

The hearing room, with its rich oak panelling and imposing high-backed chairs, felt charged with expectation. Jade set up her laptop and projector, her heart racing while Elliot stood resolutely beside her.

As the slideshow flickered to life, showcasing vibrant maps of the resort, species inventories, and cutting-edge building designs, she drew a deep breath, ready to captivate her audience.

"Commissioners, thank you for this opportunity," she began, her voice steady with conviction. "Today, we present a visionary plan that not only safeguards our fragile coastal ecosystem but also promises economic prosperity for our region."

She clicked the remote, and the screen shifted to an image of dune grasses dancing in the wind. "This dune ridge acts as a natural barrier against storm surges, securing both inland properties and vital wildlife habitats."

The excitement in the room was palpable, and Jade knew they were on the cusp of something extraordinary.

She proceeded through slides showcasing:

Reforestation of native mangroves

Solar-paneled roofing designs

Rainwater-harvesting cisterns hidden beneath guest villas

Educational eco-tours in partnership with local schools

At each point, Elliot chimed in with details about financing, investor interest, and projected ROI-his corporate acumen complementing her environmental expertise.

The room seemed to lean in, attentive. Jade could see nods from several commissioners. She allowed herself a small, hopeful smile.

And then, in the middle of her explanation of the marine preservation initiative, the doors at the back of the room swung open with a sudden crack.

A man stormed in a suit jacket flapping, face flushed, eyes blazing with anger. Whispers rippled through the assembled crowd.

"Ms. Nguyen, Mr. Drake, pardon the interruption..."

Jade froze, heart pounding. Commissioner Reyes frowned and raised a hand for quiet. "State your name and purpose," she said.

The intruder strode to the front, ignoring the chair's attempt to interject. He held up a sheaf of documents, waving them like a challenge.

"This is a fraud," he bellowed. "These environmental reports are doctored, the soil samples falsified, and this entire engagement is nothing but a front to obtain permits under false pretences!"

Gasps echoed in the room. Jade's stomach plummeted. She glanced at Elliot-his jaw clenched, eyes narrowing.

The man slammed the documents on the table. Commissioner Reyes's gavel hovered uncertainly.

"Let me see those," Reyes said, voice stern. As she reached for the papers, the intruder whispered something that made her expression harden.

Jade's mouth went dry. Fake engagement or not-fraud allegations were a new battleground she had never anticipated. Her pulse thundered in her ears, and she realized at that moment that the war for Dune Haven Resort had just moved from the courtroom to a far more personal and perilous arena.

Elliot placed a steadying hand on her arm. She met his gaze, seeing concern and determination mirrored there.

But before she could speak, the intruder turned to her and whispered in a low, menacing voice:

"You have no idea what you've just signed up for, Ms. Nguyen."

At that moment, the lights flickered-and the projector screen went black.