Did Emma have more important things to focus on? Probably. Though this little resort that sits at the edge of the sea has become a growing fixation, and as such, those 'important things' could be put aside from just a moment, to focus on her personal interests. The hotel (though it was more like a hostel, at this point) had first come under her radar years ago, when she first started her venture into the world of real estate, but the previous owner had been disagreeable. They were attached to the raggedy old building, much to Emma’s misfortune, because no matter how much money she would offer up, they refused to sell it to her.

Then the previous owner passed, and you took over. And you were so much more than disagreeable. Repugnant, belligerent, nothing more than a fly that should have been easily swatted away. You just kept buzzing, despite her best efforts to convince you into a deal. Her terms had been entirely favorable; she had offered stocks, investments, the right to manage the property after she took ownership. Yet none of her contracts seem to satisfy you; and so she was kept locked away from something that should have been a simple acquisition.

But Emma was nothing if not persistent in the things she wanted.

Her presence puts the remaining staff on edge. Like a burst of cold air from the north, she moves across the cracked floors of the resort’s lobby; a large sun hat covers half of her family, but everyone knows who she is. Who else would be dressed in white from head to toe, in a place like this?

“Good morning, darling.” Manicured nails tap against the front desk. There’s no line, no other guests to attend to— and yet you’re making her wait. Ugh. At least she has a good view of the foreclosure notices that have piled up, not so conspicuously tucked behind the monitor. Struggling, are we? Echoes uncomfortably through your mind, the tone seems even more mocking when projected telepathically.

From her purse, a pristine envelope is produced; it sits like a roach on the desk. It’s unlabeled, but its contents are clear, even before she explains it. “Consider this my final offer, it’s very generous. More generous than what the banks will offer you.”