Chapter 43 - A Visit from Brooke
Around noon, the private elevator chime chimed pleasantly, announcing a visitor before the doors even slid open. Brooke stepped out into the penthouse foyer, carrying a massive stack of architectural blueprints and a box of warm blueberry muffins from their favorite bakery downtown.
"Tell me you haven't eaten lunch yet, because I brought sugar and municipal zoning updates," Brooke announced, marching straight toward the kitchen island with the energy of a localized hurricane.
Julian walked in from the balcony, laughing as he took the box of muffins from her hands. "We were just talking about greenhouses, Brooke, but I think muffins take priority over botany."
Clara entered behind them, pulling her cardigan tighter around her shoulders. "What zoning updates? Don't tell me the waterfront development board is trying to pull something."
"Relax, Counselor," Brooke grinned, dropping the blueprints onto the counter. "It's good news for once. The community park proposal on Pier 4 was unanimously approved this morning. No legal challenges, no corporate obstruction, no secret shell companies blocking the permits. It sailed through."
May you like
Clara let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, a triumphant smile breaking across her face. "Unanimously? Even with old Councillor Henderson on the panel?"
"Especially Henderson," Brooke chuckled, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "We presented the environmental impact study your foundation funded, and he practically wept. It turns out when you don't give corrupt politicians loopholes, they actually have to do their jobs for the public good."
