"I am sorry?" Alexa asked.
For a second, she genuinely thought she had misheard him.
Of all the possibilities she had imagined when the door opened, this was not one of them.
Not even close.
A wealthy customer buying eggs?
Possible.
A collector looking for rare monsters?
Possible.
A government inspector?
Unfortunate, but possible.
Someone wanting to buy her entire property?
Absolutely not.
Caleb folded his hands before him.
His expression remained calm and professional.
"We are purchasing all buildings on this block. Our group plans to construct a flagship supermarket here. Your store is part of that development."
The words settled over the room.
Heavy.
Unwelcome.
Alexa stared at him.
Then at the shelves around her.
Then back at him.
Without thinking, she replied immediately.
"I am not selling."
The answer escaped before logic could intervene.
Only after the words left her mouth did her voice soften.
"This place is all I have."
And it was true.
