The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 223

"Do you know what's going on?"

The company had a streamlined chain of services in East Harbor back then—travel agencies, hotels, and even tour guides. They almost had a monopoly on the entire market.

Recently, the chain was about to break, and it all started with the travel agencies.

"There have been fewer tourists recently. Even during peak travel periods, the hotels aren't fully booked," Hayden said with furrowed brows.

A few projects of Joplin Group had been in trouble. It seemed like someone was deliberately going up against us.

"I initially wanted to discuss this with you after you settled your issue with Yvonne, but it seems like I shouldn't wait."

My issue with Yvonne was not going to be settled any time soon.

I looked up at him, hinting for him to continue.

"I heard that there has been an arrival of a local gang, and they're saying that our business has disrupted theirs. They're looking for trouble."

"I've never heard of a local gang there before. How did they suddenly appear?"

Someone was doing this on purpose.

"I'm not sure." Hayden shook his head. "I only know that they're indeed local. I can't find anything else."

Besides, they had been waiting for someone from Joplin Group to head over to talk to them.

"I want to go on my own, but the business abroad isn't doing too well either. I have to fly off." Hayden looked at me with worry. "You have to be careful. Bring a few more bodyguards with you. Don't get into a fight with them."

He handed all the documents to me. I have never seen the gang leader before. I had stayed in East Harbor for some time when the hotels were being built, but I had no recollection of this person at all.

"I understand."

Before Hayden left, he turned to look at me. "Why don't you take Lorraine along with you?"

"Why should I bring her with me?" It was not safe for a woman to go to such a place.

She was part of the Joplin family now, so she was not going to let me go and face danger alone.

"I can get my friend to look after the boys."

Sarah had recently returned to the country. She had majored in education, so she would be perfect to look after the boys.

I knew that Lorraine was worried about me, but I couldn't let her risk it for me.

"Let me think about it."

"What's there to think about?" Lorraine lifted my face up by the chin. Our eyes met, and I could see the determination in hers.

"I must go with you."

A few minutes later, I broke the silence. "You have to promise me you won't go wandering on your own and you'll stick with me."

East Harbor was not a safe place. There were too many uncertainties, and I couldn't keep an eye on Lorraine at all times.