Nathan and Alfie went upstairs to their room while Jamie followed Spencer to the office. He could hear Aunt Millie working in the kitchen.
Once all three entered the office, Malcolm sat down while Spencer sat behind his desk with Jamie on his lap. Spencer skipped the introductions, not wanting his cousin’s hateful gaze or words to fall upon Jamie.
Malcolm sneered at them sitting together. “Are you sure you want your little friend in on our conversation about Saddle Creek Ranch?”
“What about it?” Spencer ignored Malcolm’s questions and played with Jamie’s hair. He opened his drawer and handed Jamie a candy cane, which he immediately opened.
Malcolm pulled a folded paper from his pocket. “I heard from Aunt Millie. She said Grandpa Wallace left you a letter. Told you to sell to me.”
Spencer’s jaw clenched. “That’s between him and me.”
Malcolm shrugged. “I’m just saying—I’m still interested. I’ll offer a fair price. You could walk away clean. No drama.”
Jamie was silent but present. Spencer felt the heat, the quiet support.
“I know what the letter said. Pay attention. I don’t have to sell if I choose not to,” Spencer said flatly.
Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Grandpa Wallace made it pretty clear what he wanted.”
Spencer’s voice dropped. “He also made it clear he didn’t approve of my lifestyle. Doesn’t mean I’m going to erase it to make him comfortable under the ground.”
Malcolm looked at Jamie, then back at Spencer. “You really gonna throw away the ranch for him?”
Spencer didn’t flinch. “I’m not throwing anything away. I’m choosing what matters.”
Malcolm stared at him for a long moment, then tucked the paper back into his pocket. “Suit yourself. But don’t expect the family to back you up.”Spencer sat stiffly in the chair behind his desk, Jamie quietly on his lap, still sucking on a candy cane like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. Malcolm was across from them, legs spread wide, arms resting like he owned the place. The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.
“I don’t need family backing me up,” Spencer said, voice calm but sharp. “I’m a billionaire. How exactly do you plan to afford my ranch?”
Malcolm’s face twisted. “I don’t need to disclose my finances to you,” he snapped.
Spencer tightened his arms around Jamie. “And I don’t have to sell to you either. There are plenty of ranchers with deep pockets who’d love to own this land.”
Malcolm’s eyes flicked to Jamie, and Spencer saw it coming before the words even left his mouth. “I don’t think many will take you seriously—or want to do business with you—ifhehangsaround.” He jabbed a finger toward Jamie, who didn’t flinch, just kept sucking on the candy cane like he was trying to stay invisible.
Spencer’s blood boiled. “Malcolm, you’re dismissed.” He pointed toward the door.
But Malcolm didn’t move. He sat there as if he were glued to the chair. “You don’t dismiss me, Spence. Being a billionaire doesn’t give you the right to treat people like trash. Especially people who deserve more than you ever did.”
Spencer eased Jamie off his lap and stood slowly, jaw clenched. “Fuck off. You’re so fucking jealous. Grandpa left me the ranch.”
Malcolm shot back, “You don’t deserve any of it.”
“I worked long hours here. I earned it.”
“You’re not fit to keep this ranch.”
“Get out of my house!”
Malcolm stood, eyes blazing. “This should be mine. All mine.” He took a step forward, chest puffed, fists clenched.
Jamie’s eyes were wide as he watched them, but he didn’t say a word.
Spencer stood tall, shoulders squared. “I said leave my home.”
Malcolm didn’t. Instead, he moved around the desk and swung.
Spencer saw it coming, braced for it, and took the hit to the jaw. But he didn’t hesitate. He lunged forward and tackled Malcolm to the ground, fists flying. Jamie screamed, scrambling back as the two men crashed into the bookshelf. Books toppled to the floor as Aunt Millie burst into the room.
