The scent of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air as the morning sun streamed through the bakery windows. Aisles of colorful pastries and bread towers lined the shelves, enticing the sleepy residents of Willow Creek to start their day with a sweet treat. Two figures stood behind the counter, engaged in hushed conversation. "...I know, I know, but it's the principle of the thing," one voice said, exasperated. "She's always meddling in people's business. What's she to me?" "Ah, come on, don't be like that. She's just trying to help." "Oh please, it's a thinly veiled excuse. She's got her own agenda, same as Puddles' aunt." "Who's to say? Maybe she's genuinely concerned about the well-being of the town." "Concerned? Ha! Sugar Mae would stop short of eating her own words before admitting she was wrong. And Mark isn't any better, always taking her side...I swear, they're a dynamic duo of disaster." The baker expertly arranged a tray of berry scones, oblivious to the whispered animosity.