Someone behind me laughs too loud, another mutters about deadlines, boots scrape against gravel, papers rustle, and Toby’s voice cuts through everything like a saw blade.
“Place looks like a petting zoo. Figures the Morgans would run things like hillbillies,” he grumbles.
Calista giggles, that artificial sound she always uses around people she’s trying to impress—too sweet and sharp. “Careful, babe. Cole might get offended. This is the closest thing he has to a real home.”
I keep my gaze forward. Don’t. Do not give them anything. I breathe through my nose, slow and controlled. The other contractors give us space, pretending they’re not listening while absolutely listening.
She’s not wrong, though. The Morgans mean a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity they’re giving me, considering my circumstances.
Toby leans against a post, arms crossed, watching me. “So,” he mocks loudly, “you really think you nailed that presentation?”
I grit my teeth. He wants a reaction from me—to see me off-balance, rattled, and angry—but I refuse to give it to him.
“I think the Morgans will choose what’s best for them,” I reply evenly.
Calista’s eyebrows lift in amusement. “That is such a diplomatic answer. You almost sound like a boss.”
Toby snorts. “Come on, Cal. Don’t give him that much credit.”
A few of the men around shift awkwardly, eyes darting between us. I ignore them and look toward the barn door again—the door that’s taking too long to open, the one that might save me or destroy me.
Ella is inside, probably talking up my project to her family. Oh Ella. My Shiloh. My? No, she can’t be mine. And yet I can’t think about her without feeling something twist behind my ribs—a mix of wanting, fear, and a warmth I’ve tried to chase out of myself for years. She’s the reason I’m standing as steady as I am. The reason I didn’t walk out before even trying.
She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. If I win this bid, it’s because of her. If I lose it… No, I can’t think that way. Not after everything she’s done for me.
I exhale, tension burning at the base of my skull. I can’t lose it.
Toby pushes off the post and saunters toward me, hands in his pockets. “You looked nervous as hell up there,” he cackles. “Sweating like you were giving your first high school speech.”
I refuse to look at him.
“Thought you’d choke,” he adds.
I clench my jaw as Calista steps forward, flipping her hair. “Toby, be nice. He tried his best.”
“His best isn’t good enough,” Toby derides. “Not for this. Not anymore.”
My fists curl in my pockets, resisting the urge to knock him down. Then, he crosses a line.
“You know he only got this far because we kept the company afloat,” Toby says to the group. “Before we stepped in, Dawson Construction was a sinking ship.”
Calista nods, lips twisting cruelly. “We saved him. And he still tanked half the business. Your dad is turning in his grave because of you, Cole.”
My lungs freeze. That one hits like a punch to the gut. I have no idea what they’re trying to prove with such lies. Everyone knows Dawson Construction is the top construction company in South Texas. The only reason it’s sinking is because they’re selfish enough to try and steal it from me.
But I stay silent, not moving or saying a word.
“Man’s one client away from filing bankruptcy,” Toby continues smugly. “Not exactly the Morgan type.”
A few contractors glance at me with pity. I hate that look. I hate pity more than humiliation. I turn slightly, give myself room to breathe, and force myself to look at the lake instead of them.
I let them talk, laugh at me, and spit on what I built because I know I will have the last laugh. But then, as always, they keep going.
Toby smirks. “Bet he brought that kid of his today, too. The kid’s at the ranch so much she should pitch a tent.”
Calista puts a hand to her chest in mock pity. “It must be so hard, trying to work full-time while dragging a child everywhere because no one wants to babysit her.”
I snap my gaze toward her so fast, I hear my neck crack. How dare they mention my daughter? Aria isn’t even here. It’s the middle of the week, so she’s in school, and even if she wasn’t, what’s their business with her?
