**Chapter 1: Stranger in Paradise**

As I stepped off the plane in Norfolk, Virginia, and made my way to the small charter flight that would take me to the Outer Banks, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Excitement to be starting a new adventure, but also frustration that my mother had somehow convinced me to take my younger brother, Luke, on this trip. He was only thirteen, and I was his older sister, so I guess it was my job to take care of him. I glanced over at Luke, who was sulking in his seat, eyes fixed on his phone. "Can we get this over with already?" he muttered, not looking up. I chuckled and playfully rolled my eyes. "Come on, Lukey, it's not that bad. We'll have some fun, I promise." Max, my assistant and friend, who was sitting across from us, raised an eyebrow. "Fun? In the Outer Banks? I thought you said it was just about finding some gold, Kristina." I shot Max a look. "It is, but it's also about getting out of the city for a bit and spending some quality time with my brother. Besides, I have a feeling that this could be a great opportunity for us." My mother, a successful fashion designer in Las Vegas, had always encouraged me to take risks and explore new places. When she suggested this trip to the Outer Banks, I couldn't resist. The Outer Banks were rumored to have some of the most beautiful beaches and hidden treasures in the country. My brother and I had grown up listening to stories about our father's adventures here, and I had a hunch that there might be some truth to the rumors. As we boarded the small charter flight, I felt a thrill of excitement. I was dressed in my favorite yellow sundress, my hair styled perfectly, and my heels clicking on the floor as I made my way to the seat. I was ready for this adventure. The flight was short, and before I knew it, we were landing on a small airstrip near the Outer Banks. The moment we stepped out of the plane, the salty ocean air hit me, and I felt invigorated. As we made our way to the car rental, I noticed a group of young people watching us from across the parking lot. They looked rugged and rough around the edges, with a surfer-dude vibe that made me raise an eyebrow. "Who are they?" Luke asked, following my gaze. "No idea," I replied, "but I think we're about to find out." One of them, a tall, blond guy with a confident air about him, stepped forward. His eyes scanned us, and I could tell he was sizing us up. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here. City slickers, I presume?" I felt my hackles rise at his tone, but I stood my ground, my heels digging into the sand. "That's us," I said, smiling sweetly. "And you are...?" The guy raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking over me, taking in my high-end clothes and shoes. "I'm John B. Routledge," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "And you are...?" I extended my hand, but he ignored it. "Kristina Marsh," I replied, my confidence unwavering. "And this is my brother, Luke. We're here to explore the Outer Banks and maybe find some of that legendary gold." John B.'s expression darkened. "You're not from around here, are you?" he asked, his tone cold. I shook my head, sensing a challenge. "No, I'm not. But I'm here to explore and have some fun. What business is it of yours?" John B.'s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of anger. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he turned away. "None of my business," he muttered. As he walked away, one of his friends called out, "JJ, wait up!" I watched them disappear into the distance, wondering what had just happened. "Well," I said to Max and Luke, "that was certainly... enlightening." Max chuckled. "Looks like we've made a few enemies already, Kris." I shot him a look. "Let's just get the rental car and find our accommodation. I'm starving." Little did I know, this was just the beginning of our adventure in the Outer Banks, and those strangers might just become a lot more involved in our lives than I had anticipated. As we drove to our accommodation, I couldn't help but think about my father and his stories of the Outer Banks. He had lived here for at least five years and made a fortune with his boat construction and sales business. My parents had divorced when I was young, and we had moved to Las Vegas with my mother. My relationship with my father was... complicated. He had chosen to distance himself from us, and we had grown used to not hearing from him. But that was a whole different story. For now, I was focused on finding that gold and enjoying the sun, sand, and surf of the Outer Banks. Little did I know, JJ Maybank and his friends were about to make our lives a lot more interesting.