Chapter 9 - THE CONTRACT THAT COULD SAVE EVERYTHING
Miriam arrived at the bakery carrying three folders.
"I have good news," she announced.
Rose looked exhausted.
"Please tell me it involves money."
"Eventually."
She placed the first folder on the counter.
The original lease.
The second contained the property purchase agreement.
The third held correspondence between Vance Urban Development and the previous landlord.
Miriam tapped the final document.
"Serena's company knew about your father's purchase option."
Rose stared.
"How?"
"It was disclosed during the sale."
"Then why did she send me an eviction notice?"
Miriam's expression hardened.
"That is an excellent question."
The correspondence showed that Vance Urban Development had been advised of the existing lease and the potential purchase right before closing.
Despite that, Serena had instructed her staff to pressure Rose into leaving.
Miriam continued.
"We have grounds to challenge their position and pursue enforcement of the contract."
Rose sat down.
"Can I actually buy the building?"
"Potentially. But you'll need financing."
Rose looked toward the kitchen.
The ovens.
The counters.
The place her father had built.
"I don't have enough."
"Not yet."
Miriam smiled.
"But several community lenders are interested in your business."
Rose blinked.
"Why?"
"Because your bakery has a strong history, consistent local support, and a realistic expansion plan."
Rose laughed bitterly.
"An expansion plan?"
"Yes."
Miriam opened another folder.
"Your sister sent me one."
Rose turned.
Tessa stood in the doorway.
Her cheeks were red.
"I made some spreadsheets."
Rose stared.
"What spreadsheets?"
Tessa shrugged.
"Revenue projections. Catering margins. Equipment depreciation. A plan for online orders."
Rose looked at the pages.
They were detailed.
Professional.
Far more sophisticated than anything she had expected from a seventeen-year-old.
"Tessa."
Her sister looked nervous.
"Is it bad?"
Rose stood and hugged her.
"It's brilliant."
Tessa began crying.
For the first time in weeks, Rose felt something other than fear.
Hope.
Then her phone rang.
It was Serena.
Rose answered.
"What do you want?"
Serena's voice was cold.
"You think you've won?"
Rose looked at the financial plan.
"No."
May you like
She paused.
"But I think I've finally started fighting."
