Page 16 of Pitch for You

Anger coursed through my veins. I couldn't let someone like Roger take away my family's dream, the place where I belonged. No matter how hard he pushed, I would stand my ground. For my family, for Max, and for myself – I would fight to protect our legacy.

A few days after the heated confrontation, I stood in the ranch's office, pouring over unpaid bills and overdue invoices. My heart raced as I realized how dire our financial situation had become. With my mother gone, I inherited not only the ranch but also its mounting debts. The pressure weighed on me like a heavy saddle, threatening to crush my spirit and determination.

“Ms. Walters,” Roger's voice called from the doorway, causing her to jump. He leaned against the doorframe, his smirk as slick as his hair. “I see you've been busy.”

I bit back a retort, green eyes narrowing. I refused to let him get under my skin, not when there was so much at stake. “What do you want, Mr. Adams?”

“Can't an interested buyer just check in on a potential investment?” he asked, feigning innocence. “Besides, I come bearing gifts.” Roger stepped forward and placed a thick envelope on the desk. “This is my offer, Sofia. More than fair, considering the state of things here.”

My hands shook as I opened the envelope, revealing a generous sum that could save the ranch and alleviate the debts. It would be enough to give me a fresh start, a life beyond the ranch's boundaries. A life in the city where I wouldn't have to worry about crop failures or livestock prices.

“Think about it,” Roger urged, sensing my hesitation. “With this money, you and Max can move to the city, start anew. You won't have to struggle anymore, trying to keep this place afloat. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, Sofia.”

I clenched my teeth, resisting the temptation to lash out. “No,” I muttered, pushing the envelope back towards him. “You don't get it, do you? This ranch means everything to me. Money can't replace the memories we've made here.”

“Really?” Roger asked. “Even when you're drowning in debt? Even when you're barely able to keep this place running?”

“Especially then,” I shot back. “This land isn't just some business opportunity for me. It's my family's legacy, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect it.”

Roger scoffed, rolling his eyes in disdain. “You really think you can do it all on your own, don't you? You don't see that I'm offering you a way out – a chance to start fresh, without the burden of your family's dreams weighing you down?”

“Your so-called 'way out' is nothing but a trap,” I retorted, voice shaking with anger. “You don't care about me or my family – you just want our land, and you'll say anything to get it.”

“Fine,” Roger snapped, his facade of politeness slipping away. “If that's how you want to play it, just remember – you're the one who's making this difficult. I've offered you more than a fair price, and if you keep refusing, I'll just have to find... other ways to convince you.”

My heart raced as I stared him down, mind racing with thoughts of what those “other ways” might entail. But I couldn't let him see my fear – not when so much was at stake.

“Get off my property,” I snarled, taking a step towards him. “And don't you dare threaten me again.”

“Threaten?” Roger smirked, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just trying to help you see reason, Ms. Walters. But if you insist on being stubborn, well... don't say I didn't warn you.”

With that, he walked out, climbed back into his car and drove away, leaving me standing in the fading sunlight, body trembling. Roger wouldn't give up easily, but I couldn't allow myself to be swayed by his manipulations.

As I turned to walk back to the ranch house, I whispered a silent promise to myself: no matter what, I would fight for the land and our legacy – even if it meant going head-to-head with a man like Roger Adams.

I slammed the door shut, chest heaving. The wood and glass rattled in their frames, echoing my tumultuous emotions. I leaned against the door for a moment, trying to catch my breath and gather her thoughts.

“Mom?”

“Hey, sweetheart,” I managed to say, forcing a smile as I turned. “Everything's okay.”

“Is that man gone now?”

“Roger? Yes, he's gone.” I knelt down and pulled him into a tight embrace, inhaling the scent of his hair and feeling thewarmth of his body. He was my reason for fighting so hard to keep the ranch.

As I held him, my thoughts raced. Roger had been relentless, and his threats hung heavily in the air. Letting him get his hands on the ranch would be a disaster, not just for the family's legacy, but also for all those who depended on the land for their livelihoods. But with the mounting debts and financial pressures, what choice did I have?

“Promise me we won't lose the ranch, Mom,” he whispered, clinging to me.

“I promise, baby,” I murmured. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Good,” Max said, nestling his head against my shoulder. “I don't want to leave.”

The weight of my promise to him settled heavy on my heart. I needed to come up with a plan, and fast. As I stood there, an idea began to form in my mind. It was risky, but it just might work.

“I need you to go play outside for a bit. Mommy has some important phone calls to make.”

“Okay,” he agreed, slipping out of my embrace and bounding into the sunlit yard.

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