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Aria managed a smile of thanks. “You didn’t know that from all our arguing?”
Her sister chuckled and reached out to straighten Aria’s hair bow. “Maybe if I’d known you were engaging in persuasive speech rather than arguing, I’d have gone easier on you.” Her expression sobered. “For what it’s worth, I am sorry. I should have been more supportive. Did you know about the resort?”
“Not until recently. But I thought it was strange that a company of Imperial’s size would be fighting so hard for Mariposa Street. The resort was their endgame.”
“If you’ll take your seats again, I’ll read the votes,” Nico called.
Aria’s stomach clenched. She had no idea what to expect. Hunter’s speech had been calculating, but some people might want a luxury hotel on the coastline.
Callie rested a hand on her shoulder.
“One vote in favor of selling.” Nico placed the unfolded ballot on the table and reached into the box again. “One vote against.”
A smattering of applause filled the air. Aria tightened her fingers around the water bottle. Her sister gripped her shoulder harder.
“One vote in favor of selling.”
Hunter stood to the side, his arms folded and his expression implacable. Not a flicker of emotion shone in his eyes.
“One vote against selling.” Nico unfolded another ballot.
More applause rose. Aria pulled a breath into her constricted lungs. Every nerve ending was on alert.
Nico dropped the ballot. The audience rustled with impatience.
He straightened and unfolded the paper. “One—”
“Just tally the votes!” a voice boomed from the middle of the room.
The crowd murmured in agreement.
“All right, all right.” Nico held up his hands to quiet everyone down and quickly sorted through the remaining votes. The lines on his forehead eased.
He picked up the gavel and leaned toward the mic. “In a final vote of thirteen to two, the sale of Mariposa Street to Imperial Properties is rejected.”
