I don’t begrudge the money I give Landon from the ranch. It’s his right, his inheritance. But the fact that they live in luxury while I pour most of the money right back into the farm grates—especially when Violet is flashing her rocks.
She likes to pretend like her shit doesn’t stink, but Violet comes from a blue-collar family. She uses that onthe campaign trail for storytelling but wants nothing to do with it otherwise.
Her goals are clear: for Landon to climb the ranks.
“He’s going to run for Senate in four years.”
“Then it’s the Governor’s mansion.”
“And then…a Presidential run, obviously.”
“You know, Cade, Otis Jessup’s development project is moving ahead, and he thinks Blue Rock could be part of it,” she continues. “Resorts, luxury homes. Celeste Jessup, his wife, says she’ll introduce me to the planners.”
I sigh instead of banging my head against the wall.
She brings it up repeatedly.
She can’t understand why I won’t sell Blue Rock. She’s decided that if she nags me enough, it’ll happen.
But it won’t.
Dad’s will is clear: Landon gets half, but he has no right to sell. Only I do.
I know Dad did that because he wasn’t sure Landon could resist Violet’s relentless greed. The ranch is worth more to developers and would generate a substantial amount more than it does as a working ranch.
But Blue Rock is the Mercer family legacy. I’m saving it for Evie and her kids.
“Let this,please, be the last time we talk about it, Violet.” I take my glass and let the whiskey slide down my throat before adding, “I amnevergoing to sell Blue Rock.”
Before Violet gets into a rant, which she does every time I refuse to sell my heritage, Landon puts a hand on her thigh. “Vee, I told you not to bring it up.”
“Cade, campaigns cost money.” Violet offers me a patient smile that’s more knife than charm. “This ranch has potential far beyond cattle. Development could make us millions.”
I slam my hand on the coffee table, angry, tired, and downright disgusted with this woman. “This ranch breeds cattle. Always has. Always will.”
If I stay, I know I’ll say something I’ll regret. So, I stand up. “Look, I have to get back and?—”
“Cade, we just got here,” Landon, as always, placates.
“Calving season’s here. I don’t have time to daydream about resorts,” I snap.
Landon shifts, his glass in hand. “It doesn’t hurt to hear people out, brother.”
“It does when it wastes my time.”
The firelight catches Violet’s sharp smile. “Speaking of wasted time…Sarah Kirk seems to be building relationships with Mav Kincaid and Duke Wilder.”
My jaw tightens. Landon goes completely still.
“I thought you were going to get her out of town, Cade,” Violet accuses.
“And how am I supposed to do that?” I demand.
“I’d like to spend some time drinking with my brother, Vee, without talking about the fuckin’ ranch or…that woman,” Landon mutters. “Can we try and do that?”
Violet glares at him, then turns to me. “Having her here is a problem, Landon. It’s a damn election year. If that old scandal surfaces?—”
“Drop it,” my brother says, his voice low.
