Chapter 4 The Breaking Point

Lila Bennett woke to the soft rays of morning sunlight streaming through the curtains in her small, but cozy home. The walls are filled with memories of her family, and shelves are lined with books. Little kitchen opening in the living room, with a smell of lavender from the potted plants on the windowsills. Hand-made rugs warmed those creaking wooden boards, while the walls were decorated with photos of her family and shelves lined with books.

Stretched out from the sleep in her body, Lila got up and made for the bathroom. Small with only a clawfooted tub, cracked yet polished with mirrors, and a basin, it was good enough for her. Taking a warm bath and allowing it to wash away fatigue, she spread a fresh towel around her and began her morning rituals by rolling on a simple yet comfortable dress, then tying her long hair in a loose braid.

An audible grew in her stomach while reaching for her tote bag off the wall hook. She sighed. "Better hurry to the market before I starve."

Just a few blocks away, in the bustling Willow's Corner, was the market. The space chimed with voices of vendors, townsfolk, clattering carts, and the odd bark of a dog winding through its throng. Fresh, ripe, and earthy-smelling baked bread, fruits, and spices mingled with the cool morning air. Lila greeted everyone on her path; her smile lit up the faces of the ones in town.

"Morning, Lila!" shouted Mr. Tupper stacking nearly-done-crates of apples.

"Morning, Mr. "Tupper!" beamed Lila, although her mind had already set its menu for the day.

Her smile faded when she rounded the corner onto one of the quiet thoroughfares leading into the market square, and her heart dropped. Ahead, quite a ruckus had drawn a small crowd together.

Lila hastened her steps when she spotted Mrs. James: she was clinging to her two young children, pale faces and streaked by tears, with a group of men surrounding her, one of them a broad-shouldered man in an expensive suit holding onto a piece of paper in one hand and waving around the other.

"But please, you don't understand," said Mrs. James begged, her voice wavering. "I haven't anywhere to go. My husband just died. We need more time."

Tearing the paper with his palm, the leader said, "Time doesn't pay the bills, lady. You've had your notice. It's not my problem you didn't use it wisely."

Lila wouldn't think twice. She bolted toward the throng. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded, voice sharp. "Don't you know she just lost her husband?"

Tears rolled down Maria's face. 'Lila...'"

She scanned the cold eyes of the leader, sizing her up at a glance. He was younger than she had expected: probably about thirty, with neatly combed dark hair and a cleanly shaven jaw. Expensive and tailored to suit him with an air of authority, it said nothing in the expression on his face. He smirked at considering his men some private jokes, just looking at them.

"And what happened to you?" he had asked ironically. To his team he said, with a smirk, "She is asking who I am."

Lila squared her shoulders, chin high. "I am Lila Bennett and I know everyone that lives here. You do not belong in Willow's Corner. Who are you to come to this place and threaten grieving families?"

The man's smirk widened, a predator toying with its prey. "Well, Miss Bennett, I'm here to enforce eviction notices. And this woman" he said while pointing a finger at Mrs. James" is defying that notice. I am just doing my job."

"Your job?" Lila rose. "Your job is to throw a widow out with her children from their home? Why? Because of money?"

"Don't patronize me," he snapped, stepping closer until they were almost nose to nose. This land is part of a project that's going to change this place for the better. And if that means kicking out every single one of you, so be it."

Although her heart hammered in her chest, Lila, impervious, managed to hold her ground. His eyes were icy, but she would not be intimidated.

Halter," he called.

She understood him to mean the leader Halter because he looked over his shoulder, scowling. "What?"

"They are waiting for you," the man said.

But then he returned to Lila, tightening his jaw. "When I come back, I don't want to find them in that house." He ordered his troops ready before striding away.

The crowd dispersed slowly, while murmurings of discontent spread among them. Lila knelt beside Mrs. James, who was clinging to her children tightly.

"It's okay," Lila said softly and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "For now, you can stay with me; my grandmother's house has an extra room in the back. It's small, but it'll keep you safe."

Mrs. James shook her head, allowing her tears to flow freely. "Thank you, Lila. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Don't worry about it," Lila said, her voice a little firmer. She stood and glanced after Halter's retreating figure. "Who was that man?"

Mrs. James sniffled and drew her children closer to her. "He's one of the people working for Grayson Wolfe. Wolfe Enterprises is the company behind this entire project. I never thought Grayson would turn out like this."

"Grayson?" Lila repeated, not familiar with the name.

Mrs. James nodded. "He's the one behind this project here in Willow's Corner."

Lila narrowed her eyes. Her attention was drawn to the crumpled eviction notice lying on the ground. Picking it up, she scanned the bold letters: Wolfe Enterprises. Her heart burned with anger as her eyes landed on the signature at the bottom: Grayson Wolfe.

She handed Mrs. James the flyer. "Take Ana and Lydia to my house. I'll come back shortly."

"Lila, what are you going to do?" Mrs. James called after her.

Lila was already in motion, flagging down the first cab she saw. Her anger was boiling as she climbed inside. "Take me to the city," she said to the driver, clutching the eviction notice tightly. "I need to meet someone."

If this Grayson Wolfe thought he could bulldoze his way over Willow's Corner and its people, he was about to meet the one person who wouldn't back down.

The taxi braked sharply, stopping outside the high-rise glass building of Wolfe Enterprises. Lila threw a couple of crumpled bills at the driver, not waiting for the change, and stepped onto the pavement. Her eyes continued to trace the height of the gleaming skyscraper, its polished surface reflecting the city's usual morning bustle. It was cold and imposing, just like the man who she was there to face.

With the eviction notice in her grasp, she made her way toward the revolving doors. And lo! It was just as intimidating up there: marble floors, sleek furniture, and a shrust efficiency designed to make one feel like an outsider.

Lila didn't care. Right to the front desk she marched, where a young receptionist looked up from her computer. "Can I help you?" asked the woman in a polite yet guarded manner.

"I am here to see Grayson Wolfe," Lila announced, her voice firm.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but.."

"Then I'm afraid I can't let you through," the receptionist said, offering an apologetic smile. "Mr. Wolfe's schedule is fully booked."

Lila flared a mouthful of words before she could, when a heavy hand landed on her shoulder. "Ma'am," a security guard said, stepping beside her, "only those with IDs and appointments are allowed beyond the lobby."

She shrugged him off and turned to face him. "You don't understand. This is urgent."

The guard stood firm. "I am going to have to ask you to leave."

Lila glared at him, her temper overflowing. She had come too far to get turned away. Taking a step back, she scanned the room, her eyes landing on a group of suited executives heading toward the elevators. Without thinking, she darted after them.

"Miss!" the guard exclaimed, but Lila was already slipping into the elevator just before the doors barricaded entry.

The suited men exchanged confused glances. "Who are you?" one of them demanded.

"Lila Brennett."