Page 78 of Falling Hard for the Billionaire Cowboy

"I have to go to the city," she says finally. "I need to face this head-on. And I need to do it on my own, Austin."

I nod, understanding but hating the idea of her facing this alone. "Okay. But promise me you'll be careful."

The day Hayley leaves for the city, I try to be brave for her, keeping my emotions in check. But as soon as she's gone, I make a phone call.

"Wade," a gruff voice answers.

"It's Austin. I need your help."

"What can I do for you, boss?"

I take a deep breath. "I need the best investigative team you've got. I want them to dig deep into a corruption case, focusing on a man named Hank Ryder. I want to know everything – any past crimes, any dirt we can find. I want him to go away for a long time."

There's a pause on the other end. "Consider it done. Anything else?"

"Yeah," I say, my voice hard. "Make it quick."

Over the next few days, I use every bit of power, wealth, and influence I have to get the information I need. When the report comes in, my suspicions are confirmed. His rap sheet is a mile long – fraud, embezzlement, blackmail. He's been flying under the radar for years, but not anymore. Not only that, but there are also six witnesses who will give their testimony if needed.

I have to make two last calls.

"District Attorney's office," a crisp voice answers.

"This is Austin Johnson. I have information for you."

As I lay out the evidence we've gathered, I can almost hear the DA's eyes widening. By the time I'm done, there's no doubt in my mind – Ryder's going down, and Hayley will be safe.

Then I call her attorney with the same information along with a promise to scan everything within the hour. After his initial stunned silence, he thanks me profusely and asks for all the paperwork to be couriered to his office instead.

I hang up the phone, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Relief that Hayley will be protected, anger at what she's been through, and an overwhelming love for this strong, beautiful woman who's captured my heart.

I may be a cowboy at heart, but for Hayley, I'll move heaven and earth. And heaven help anyone who tries to hurt her again.

But what if it's me? What if I hurt her with my interference?

The answer to that question comes sooner than I expected.

Chapter thirty-one

HAYLEY

“Order! Court is now in session! Order.”

Today is the third day, and like the two before, I am once again being asked to testify my accounts of certain events.

I'm about to take the stand once more when my lawyer abruptly stands, addressing the court.

"Your Honor, before the witness takes the stand, I have new evidence to submit," he announces, his voice echoing through the courtroom.

“There’s new evidence?”

“What is it?”

“Who is it against?”

“I know she is guilty!”

“Order! Order!”

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