Chapter 22 - THE BUYOUT TRAP
Thorne's attack went public.
An article accused Marcus of being part of Thorne's old corporate machine.
The headline spread quickly.
LOCAL ARTS CENTER RUN BY FORMER REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE.
Then Thorne held a community meeting.
He presented glossy images of skyscrapers.
"Growth."
"Jobs."
"Investment."
He offered to buy the Vance Center.
Claire stood.
"You call this growth."
She walked toward the stage.
"We call it erasure."
The room became quiet.
"You buy the bakery."
She pointed.
"You squeeze the music store."
Another gesture.
"You triple rents until families leave."
Thorne smiled.
"And what do you propose?"
Claire looked around.
"This neighborhood belongs to people."
Marcus stepped beside her.
"We have something you can't buy."
Thorne's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
Marcus answered.
"People."
The room erupted in applause.
Thorne smiled.
But there was no warmth in it.
"If that's how you want to play."
Claire held his gaze.
May you like
"It is."
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