"Ms. Clark." Cole stops a respectful distance away, gesturing toward where Addie stands with the colt. "Impressive showing today. That colt of yours just proved what I've been saying—you've got real potential here."
Mae doesn't respond. Just waits.
"With the right financial backing," Cole continues, voice smooth, "you could build on this. Expand the operation. I'm prepared to make a very generous offer—"
"Ranch isn't for sale," Mae interrupts. Her voice is pleasant. Dangerous. "Never was. Never will be."
Cole's smile tightens but holds. "I understand you're protective of your family's legacy. But Ms. Clark, one good ride doesn'tguarantee the future. Winter's coming. The bank still holds your note. I'm simply offering security. Stability."
"We're doing just fine without you," Mae says quietly.
He shifts tactics, leaning in slightly. "I admire your determination. Truly. But sentiment doesn't pay bills. Let me help you—"
"And whatever happened with those fence lines a few weeks back?" Mae's voice stays level, but steel runs underneath now.
Cole goes very still. His expression flickers—surprise, then calculation, then that careful neutral mask sliding back into place.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he says.
"Good." Mae holds his gaze. "Because we can't prove it. Yet. But we're watching, Mr. Maddox. Very carefully. You understand me?"
The air between them goes taut.
Cole's jaw tightens. He glances around—at the celebration, at the people watching, at Addie still glowing with her win. When he looks back at Mae, the friendly mask is gone.
"I was trying to help," he says, voice colder now.
"We don't need your kind of help." Mae takes a small step forward. Not aggressive. Final. "You're not welcome here. And you're not welcome on my property. Ever. Are we clear?"
For a long moment, Cole doesn't move. Then he nods once, sharp and controlled.
"Crystal clear."
He turns and walks away, back stiff, hands in his pockets. Mae watches him go all the way to his truck, doesn't move until his taillights disappear from the lot.
I reach her side. "Mae?"
She turns to me, something satisfied in her expression. "Just making sure certain people understand where things stand."
I follow her gaze, understanding settling. This wasn't just about shutting down another offer. It was about showing Cole Maddox that Clark Ranch isn't dying. That we're not prey anymore.
"Think he'll try again?" I ask quietly.
Mae considers. "Eventually. Men like that don't give up easy. But he won't be coming around here anytime soon."
She squeezes my arm once, then heads back toward the celebration, leaving me standing there with the knowledge that we just closed one threat.
Even if others are waiting.
I turn back to the celebration, heart still racing from the confrontation. But the moment of satisfaction fades when I scan the crowd again.
Looking for him.
The crowd parts for a moment, bodies shifting, and suddenly there's a clear line between us.
Eli stands at the edge, hands in his pockets, watching the celebration with an expression I can't read from here.
For a second—one suspended second—we just look at each other.
