Page 97 of Fighting

Last, River flanks her other side, making the tiny woman appear to have two large bodyguards. He finishes with “And I represent the Hendrix family.”

“Thank you, gentlemen,” Gran says, bobbing her head between the men next to her. “Please, everyone, take your seat. I’d like to call to order this unique gathering of the KMH Family Trust.”

“Inside the folders on the table, you’ll find the final proposals from the competing parties. Using town feedback, Mateo has made some updates since Jim’s presentation.”

As Caleb continues to turn redder, a confused Landan turns to Grant. “What are they talking about?”

Wide eyed, Grant looks to Jim. The blood drains from Jim’s face, and he’s left ashen and rapidly blinking.

Gran gives a haughty laugh, and looks at the trio, then says, “Landan, did you not know the ripple effect you and Grant set off? Grant’s poor decision-making at nineteen had Glenn uncertain he was ready for this level of responsibility. Over the years, he has not earned the ability to fully take over the family business. You may have some financial benefits, but you do not have a say.”

Glenn nods serenely as he looks at his folded hands on the table before him.

“This is ridiculous!” Landan screeches before storming out of the room.

Blinking, Grant looks from her to his father to the doorway his wife left through.

“Go after your wife, son. You’ll be packing up soon, anyhow. Better to keep one wife happy in this lifetime.” Glenn urges, maintaining his downcast eyes and shaking his head. “Our hope is that Mateo isgranted permission to purchase the Morgan properties, while Cathleen”—he nods at Gran—“will transfer her shares to her grandson?—”

Jim whoops.

“To my grandson, Liam,” Gran cuts in firmly.

“Me?” Beside me, Liam’s eyes go wide.

“You are a good man,” Gran says with a warm smile. “And you already take good care of the farm. I’m too old, and your dad here will be retiring soon enough. It’s time to hand this over to young blood. Will you be okay staying put?” she asks, a twinkle in her eye.

“I was never planning to go anywhere else,” he says with a dip of his chin. “Thank you, Gran.”

I catch Liam’s gaze and raise my eyebrows as if to saycan you believe this?

He gives me a stiff nod, answering,of course—we’re awesome.

I try not to chuckle. This is the perfect future businesspartnership.

I glance at the doorway again, hoping to see her blond curls, but still nothing.

The room erupts into whispers over the announcements. Caleb turns from red to purple, and his tantrum includes shouts that we are all a bunch of nobodies. I scurry to watch from the open doorway as he knocks over anything he can in his path, then finally exits through the front door and stomps down the steps.

Good riddance, asshole.

forty-four

Nessa

Inhaling a steadying breath,I stare up the front steps of The Featherweight.

Beside me, Pru winks and presses a coin into my hand. “An agate worry stone so that you can be confident in speaking your truth.”

“Thanks,” I mumble as I turn the smooth stone in my hand.

During that moment, Satan stomps his way down the stairs, screaming about using every lawyer at his disposal. His face has turned an angry shade of maroon, his words venomous.

I hope this is the last I see of him. If it isn’t, I’m ready to handle it the right way next time.

“Perfect timing, thank you. Pru, Gabe. Do you have the paperwork and notary kit to finish the transfers for our family and the contract between Mateo and Glenn?” Gran asks.

My dad and Pru unpack supplies as Stef slips her arm through mine and leads me to the bar. Lily waits on a stool, and Delia stands behind the counter with a towel slung casually over her shoulder.

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