CHAPTER 118: A STORM BEFORE THE CALM

"This land is ours! We've lived here for generations, and now you come in and claim it for your fancy school?" A wiry man with a weathered face jabbed a finger at Jake, his voice filled with anger. Samantha arrived just in time to see the scene unfold. A tense standoff replaced the happy reunion she had imagined with Jake. A crowd of villagers, their faces full of rage, surrounded her husband. The interpreter, Raj, stood beside Jake, trying to calm the situation, but the angry shouts swallowed her voice. "We won't pay any taxes for this!" shouted another villager, a woman with a determined look. "This is our land, not some government project!" A low murmur of agreement ran through the crowd. Samantha's heart raced as she realized this wasn't the warm reception she had hoped for. "Please, everyone, calm down," Raj said, trembling. "There's been a misunderstanding." Jake, trying to stay calm, held his hands out. "We understand your concerns," he said, his voice steady despite his ne