Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 92

CHAPTER 57 1

CHAPTER 57-1

The peaceful feeling I carried home from the clubhouse lasted exactly twelve minutes. That was how long Lawson Customs had been open before the familiar black luxury sedan rolled into the

parking lot.

I looked up from the motorcycle I was servicing and immediately recognized the driver.

Charles Lawson.

He climbed out wearing another perfectly tailored suit that looked completely out of place among oil stains, toolboxes, and motorcycles waiting for repairs. Ben glanced toward the front windows.

“Morning customer?” Ben asked and I followed Charles with my eyes as he walked toward the

office.

“Not exactly.” I said and Mia looked over the top of her computer screen.

“Family?” She asked and I sighed quietly.

“Unfortunately.” I said.

The bell above the office door chimed and Charles stepped inside without looking around as

though he owned the building.

Perhaps in his mind he still believed he did. He paused just inside the doorway while his eyes swept across the reception area. The freshly painted walls, neatly organized parts display and framed photographs of completed restorations all reflected months of hard work. His expression never changed. He didn’t see a successful business that had grown through long hours and determination. He saw a piece of real estate waiting to be sold.

He stopped in the middle of the reception area and adjusted the cuffs of his perfectly pressed

shirt before speaking.

“We need to talk.” Charles said as I wiped my hands on a clean rag before walking into the office.

“If this is about selling the garage, you’re wasting your morning.” I said and his jaw tightened slightly.

“You haven’t even heard my offer.” He said.

“I don’t need to.” I said.

“You should.” He said.

“I shouldn’t.” I said.

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CHAPTER 57 1

He glanced around the reception area, clearly uncomfortable with customers walking in and out

only a few feet away.

“This isn’t the place.” He said.

“It is for me.” I said.

“This is a private family discussion.” He said and I looked around the office.

“This is my workplace.” I said.

“And I don’t have private family discussions anywhere else.” He said and Mia quietly stood from her

desk.

“I’ll organize parts inventory.” Mia said.

She disappeared into the storeroom without another word, although I knew perfectly well she

could still hear every sentence through the partly open doorway and Charles waited until she was gone before speaking again.

“I’ve spoken with developers.” He said.

“I imagined you had.” I said.

“They’re interested in this property.” He said.

“I’m not.” I said.

“They’re prepared to pay well above market value.” He said and I folded my arms.

“I’m still not interested.” I said and his patience began wearing thin.

“Paige.” He said.

“No.” I said.

“You haven’t heard the figure.” He said.

“I don’t need to.” I said.

“You don’t even know what you’re refusing.” He said.

“I know exactly what I’m refusing.” I said and he stared at me in disbelief.

“You would refuse millions of dollars without even knowing the amount?” He asked.

“I already have.” I said.

Silence settled between us and the workshop beyond the office continued humming with ordinary life. Impact wrenches rattled and Ben laughed at something Hunter had said while dropping off

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CAMPTER 57 1

another motorcycle.

Clary

Someone started an engine outside and the familiar sounds drifted through the open office door, and I found myself smiling without realizing it. Every noise reminded me why I had refused before Charles even opened his folder. This wasn’t just a business to me. It was the place Uncle Will had built with his own hands and it was the place where I had finally built a life that belonged entirely to

It was normal, comforting and mine and Charles followed my gaze toward the workshop.

“You don’t belong here.” Charles said and I looked back at him.

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