Page 189 of Ironwood Ranch Cowboys

I lean back in my chair. “Pretty sure the embezzlement caused the disruption.”

Tessa’s eyes flick toward me.

Vivian just smiles. “You’re intelligent. I appreciate intelligence. It’s rare.”

Compliments from her feel like being stroked by a snake. “I’m getting that feeling a lot lately.”

“Silas says you’re talented.”

I keep my face neutral. “That’s nice of him.”

“And Cody respects your work.” More loaded ammunition wrapped in silk. “And Duke likes you very much.”

Okay, what the hell is this really about?

Vivian lifts her water glass delicately. “You’ve become… entangled.”

I force myself not to react.

“With respect,” I say evenly, “I’m not sure my personal life is your business.”

Vivian smiles again. Cold this time. “Oh, Annie. Everything involving Ironwood is my business.”

An unpleasantness crawls down my spine.

Tessa finally speaks. “The Harlan family has spent generations building stability in Colter Creek.”

I glance toward her. “By stability, do you mean control?”

Neither woman answers immediately, which feels like an answer.

Vivian sets down her glass with a soft click. “You’re temporary. You came here for contract work. A stepping stone. A financial opportunity. Nobody faults ambition.”

I stare at her, because suddenly I understand exactly what this is.

Not a meeting. A transaction.

She thinks I can be bought.

Vivian reaches into the leather portfolio beside her chair and slides an envelope across the table toward me.

Thick. Heavy. Money.

A laugh almost escapes me from pure disbelief. “You cannot be serious.”

“It’s generous,” Tessa says calmly.

I don’t touch the envelope. “I don’t want your money.”

Vivian tilts her head. “Everyone wants security.”

“Is that what you’re worried about?.”

“You would leave Ironwood quietly,” Vivian continues smoothly, as if I haven’t spoken. “No scandal or unnecessary complication. Your contract concludes early, you receive compensation, and everyone moves forward cleanly.”

Like I’m an employee being phased out of a company restructuring. Like I’m disposable.

Anger blooms hot and immediate beneath my ribs. “Wow. You really think this works, don’t you?”