Emily returned home very late after the visit to meet Mr. Shade.
She sat at her well furnished desk, surrounded by stacks of old books and papers. She rubbed her tired eyes.
Emily's eyes scanned the old books and papers scattered all over the room, She was so dizzy that she didn't even notice the door creak open.
"Mrs Emily, I will be on my way home now " Rodriguez's voice broke the silence, making Emily jump in surprise.
She looked up to see Rodriguez standing in the doorway, she was flabbergasted.
"I thought you'd left for the day," Emily said, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Rodriguez slowly walked into the room, his eyes scanning the scattered papers.
"I was about to leave, but then I realized I hadn't spoken to you about something important. And besides, I don't have much to do at home, the ranch is all I'm concerned about "
Emily raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. With Rodriguez kind of generosity
"What is it, Rodriguez? You know I'm just returning,and how did you trail to this place?"
"Have you forgotten, you dropped me off very close to this place"
Rodriguez's expression turned serious.
"Mrs Emily. I have gotten some information that could change everything."
Emily's heart began to race. " What do you mean by change everything?"What did Rodriguez know, and how would it affect the ranch and her relationship with August?" She whispered.
Rodriguez pulled up a chair, his voice laced with conviction.
"August's family has a history of deception. They've been manipulating and using people for their own gain. And I believe they're using August as a bait to get to you."
Emily kept mute in shock trying to understand how Rodriguez got the information, that's corresponding with what her great grandparents wrote.
"But August loves me. He would never hurt me."
Emily managed to speak,still confused.
Rodriguez's expression turned sympathetic.
"That's what they want you to think, Emily. But trust me, I have seen the evidence. August is playing as the inside man, and you're caught in the middle."
"What do I do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rodriguez's eyes gazed onto hers, his voice firm.
"You'll need to distance yourself from August,for now For your own safety. And to uncover the truth."
Emily was silent,her eyes never leaving Rodriguez direction.
Rodriguez's eyes narrowed, his voice calculating. "Now, tell me, Emily, what's your next plan for the ranch? How are you going to handle the sabotage,if shade operation doesn't work?".
"Is best-known to me.okay? You don't have to bother.
But Rodriguez's persuasive manner put her at ease, and she found herself sharing her plans.
"I've been thinking, Rodriguez. I need to take a proactive approach to secure the ranch if shade plan doesn't work. I want to install security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. Will also try to increase the number of ranch hands and establish a night patrol."
Rodriguez's eyes widened, impressed.
"Bravo! That's a great plan Mrs Emily. He said applauding her.
" But how do you plan to fund it? The sabotage has already caused significant financial losses."
Emily smiled..
"I've spoken with some potential investors. They're willing to provide the necessary funds in exchange for a share of the ranch's profits."
Rodriguez nodded, his eyes calculating.
"And what about August? Is he into your plans?"
Emily's expression turned sore.
"August and I are...complicated. But I'll handle him. All I need from you, Rodriguez, is your expertise in implementing the security measures."
Rodriguez leaned forward, his voice probing. "And what about the sabotage investigations? Do you have any leads?"
"I have a few leads, but I need more information. That's why I'm counting on your help, Rodriguez. Together, we can uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice." Emily replied
Rodriguez's eyes gleamed with interest, his questions becoming more pointed. "Tell me more about these leads, Mrs mily.
As Emily shared her findings,Rodriguez listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities.
Rodriguez POV
Rodriguez appeared in a dim room, facing Vincent's imposing figure.
"Sir, I have some information concerning Emily's plans," he said, his voice steady.
Vincent's eyes narrowed.
"Go on."
Rodriguez leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with deceit.
"Emily is planning to install security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. She's also hiring more ranch hands and establishing a night patrol."
Vincent let out a cold laugh "And what about her investigation into the sabotage?"
Rodriguez's smile was stern.
She's getting close, but I've been able to drive away her attention from my involvement. For now, she suspects August's family, but I'll keep manipulating her to ensure she doesn't get too close to the truth."
Vincent's eyes gleamed with approval.
"Good job! Rodriguez. Your loyalty will be rewarded. As long as you keep me updated on Emily's progress and ensuring she doesn't interfere with our plans.
Rodriguez nodded, feeling so excited.
August POV
August's eyes blazed with fury,as he faced his father and Jake in the study room.
"I know what's been going on at the ranch, and I want the truth. Are you two behind the sabotage?"
James said, leaning backwards."What are you talking about,?"
August's jaw clenched. "Don't play dumb. I've seen the evidence. The torn fences, the damaged equipment,... it's all too clear."
Jake's face, reddened with anger.
"You're accusing us because of our enemy that's hilarious,you're so blinded by your feelings for her that you're willing to betray your own family!"
August stood his ground.
"I'm accusing you because I know you two have a history of shady dealings. And I know you, Jake, you have a grudge against Emily."
"We are doing what is necessary to protect our interests, August. And if you continue to pursue this, you'll be going against your own family." James replied angrily.
"I have started going against my family wish the day you plot to hurt Emily." August intervened.
Jake's voice, rising in anger.
"Yeah, back off, August.Besides, Emily's not worth it. She's just a useless little thing playing at ranching."
August's anger increasing, but he kept his temper in check. "I won't be a part of your evil plot against Emily. I'm going to an end to that."
The room was silent....
"If you're claiming innocence ,then why is our own ranch experiencing no issues or damage, while Emily's ranch is being targeted repeatedly? It seems suspicious that our ranch is being spared while hers is being sabotaged". August continued..
Jake, smiled.
"Ah, that's a good question, August. You see, our ranch is well protected. We have measures in place to ensure our interests are safe. But Emily's ranch
He let a loud laugh escape his mouth.
"That's a different story. She's been poking her nose into places it doesn't belong, and now she's paying the price."
Jake sneered. "Yeah, and if you keep taking sides with her, August, you'll be paying the price too."
"You're threatening me now right ?He asked, being sarcastic.
James leaned forward. "We're not threatening, August. You know we have a lot at stake here, and we'll do whatever it takes to protect our interests. Even if it means taking down anyone who tries to fight us."
"Dad,I can't believe you are supporting the sabotage." August voice low.
James shrugged,
"That's not our problem, August. We haven't caused any damage to the Whispering ranch, so we're not responsible for the sabotage."
"She is probably facing the punishment for theft " Jake added.
August's frustration grew wider.
"That's no point in lying! What's happening now is too real to be a coincidence.
"So tell us what is the point?"James asked his voice gentle.
"The point is that you're somehow involved in this, and I'm going to expose you."
Jake held up his hands, with a defense look written all over.
"Hold on there, August. Remember, making a case without any proof is pointless. So make your research well before you start accusing people."
James shook his head. "Your brother is right,you specifically forbade Jake your brother from coming to the ranch, remember? So how could we have been involved in the sabotage?".
"Dad, even if you are not involved which I strongly disagree, you see this thing here". His hands pointing at Jake."His got his plans and ways."
"You are just a coward,you have always been one."
August's face burning with anger.
"How dare you! I'm trying to do the right thing."
Jake retaliated. "The right thing? You mean the way you are trying to please Emily? Newsflash, August: she's not worth it. She's just a silly little girl playing at ranching. You should focus on what's important. Our family's interests.Not some foolish crush you have on a girl who's never going to love you back."
"Get out," he growled. "Get out of my sight."
"Oh, I'm so scared, cause August is so angry. Jake giggled
"But I'll leave. For now. But this isn't over."
NEXT DAY.
August arrived at the ranch, shivering in the chill of the early dawn.As he walked towards the ranch house, he noticed Rodriguez standing by the door, a black hoodie slung over his shoulder.
"Hey, Mr August," Rodriguez called out, his voice warm and friendly."Damn is so cold".
August nodded, his teeth chattering slightly.
"Yeah, it's freezing."
Rodriguez held out the hoodie. "Here, I got an extra hoodie here. Why don't you take it? So lt could keep you warm."
"Nah,you don't have to I will try to manage
,is not something too serious."
"I insist,man". I have a spare. You look like you're about to freeze to death."
August reluctantly put on the hoodie." Thanks" August replied feeling a bit warm.
Emily and Samantha were strolling ,surveying the damages, and the evidence they have gathered so far.
Samantha's eyes narrowed. "This was no accident, Emily. Someone's trying to destroy your ranch."
Emily's face,strong. "I know. And I think I know who. the culprit is,it's August and his family and I have no doubt they're behind this."
Samantha's expression turned thoughtful.
"Emily, how sure are you and what made you think so low of August that you spoke high of some days ago?".
"Samantha,I don't tell lies,I ran some investigations".
"So dis you get any proof". Samantha asked.
"I won't say I have very convincing evidence,but everyone knows they are fighting to take over this place."
That wouldn't surprise me,but we need proof before we can accuse them,but if you ask me i think you are wrong, so reconsider your actions."
Emily nodded. "You know,I didn't expect you to believe me,but I've made up my mind and that's final".
"Fine, you can believe what you want". Samantha said in a concluding manner.
Emily nodded. "Let's keep investigating. See if we can find any evidence that points."
As they walked, they stumbled upon a piece of torn fabric laying in a broken fence post.
Samantha's eyes lit up.
"Look at this! This could be a proof!"
Emily threw closer as Samantha examined the fabric. "This looks like it came from a black hoodie."
"So, what did you think?" Emily asked
"Maybe,I think the person who came for the last operation was putting on a Nike design hoodie."Samantha said taking a close watch at the pieces.
"Then the hoodie suddenly got stuck and got torn". Emily added rubbing her jaw, her assumption corresponding with the incidence.
"We need to keep this proof safe, but we can't let it blind us. We need to start looking at the bigger picture." Emily added.
Samantha's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, we need to keep this evidence safe, but we also need to start investigating anyone who wears a black hoodie. At least to get a little hint of who is terrorizing us and it's a lead we need to follow."
Samantha nodded in understanding.
"You mean, like a disguise?"
Emily nodded. "Exactly. We need to be smart about this, Samantha.Let's keep the proof safe, but let's also start checking out anyone who wears a designer hoodie.
Emily and Samantha were deep in their discussion, Suddenly, Rodriguez burst into the room, a look of urgency on his face.
"Miss Emily, August has arrived at the ranch," Rodriguez said, his voice low and serious.
Emily's eyes narrowed. "What is he doing here?"
"I think that August is in trouble. I think he needs our help If we don't go to him right away, I'm afraid he might lose his life as well."
Emily and Samantha rushed to August's location, her heart racing with concern.
But when she got there, she was taken aback to see August standing in the fields, his chest bare and his muscles revealing." He was calmly tending to the cattle, his expression serene.
Rodriguez's face twisted in anger and frustration. His plan of setting August up with the hoodie has failed miserably.
Emily in a state of confusion...
"What's going on, Rodriguez? You said August was in trouble." Her voice rising with anger.
Rodriguez's eyes darted to August, then back to Emily.
"Uh, I mean... Mr August wanted to see you,"he lied.
August's head jerked up, his eyes trailing in their direction.
"What's going on here?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.
Emily's eyes flashed with suspicion. "Rodriguez, what's going on? Why did you lie to me?".
"Rodriguez what's the problem?". August asked
Rodriguez's face turned bright red as he realized his plan had backfired. He stuttered, trying to come up with an excuse, but nothing came out.
August, sensing the tension, stepped forward. "Hey, let's just calm down here. Rodriguez, I think you've done enough."
Rodriguez's eyes gazed to August, a mix of gratitude and shame on his face.
August turned to Emily, his eyes gentle.
"Emily, I think we need to talk. And I think Rodriguez here was trying to help, in his own way."
Emily still confused. "What do you mean?"
August smiled.
"Let's just say Is a plan, I asked Rodriguez to bring you here so we could talk. I didn't expect him to be so...creative."
Rodriguez's face turned happy as he realized August was covering for him unintentionally.
Samantha, noticing the atmosphere, stepped forward.
"Hey, why don't we leave these two alone to talk? Rodriguez, you can come with me."
Rodriguez nodded gratefully and followed Samantha away.
August turned to Emily, his eyes serious. "Let's talk, Emily.
"Emily, since our quarrel, I've realized how much I miss you. I love you, Emily." His voice,soft and tender
Emily felt a pang of guilt, but she couldn't let him see how much she still cared.
"August, we shouldn't be having this conversation."
"I do mean it, Emily. I can't imagine my life without you." His eyes filled with so much emotion.
Emily tried to step back, but August's hand shot out, embracing her waist.
"Don't go, Emily. I have missed you."
Emily was silent trying to wriggle free,
August's grip only tightened. He pulled her close, his lips claiming hers in a passionate kiss.
Emily's resistance melted away, her heart weakened to the love she tried to deny. August's arms wrapped around her, holding her close as their lips devoured each other.
Emily's fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, deeper into the kiss. They stood still as they savored the love they'd been denying for so long. The kiss was so intense.
As they finally broke apart for air, August's eyes burned with desire. "I love you, Emily."
Emily's voice was barely a whisper. "I love you too, August."
August's eyes widened in shock as Emily's slap connected with his cheek.As Emily's words cut deep.
"You're the enemy,"her eyes blazing with anger and hurt.
August's face contorted in pain as he watched Emily turn and walk away, leaving him standing alone. "Emily, I thought you just said you love me. Why are you making me go through this emotional pain" August thought aloud. His worries, getting hold of him.
Rodriguez eyes pierced through the window his face contorted in a mixture of anger and desperation, he realized his plan to drive a permanent wedge between Emily and August had crumbled.
Emily burst into the ranch room,
"Rodriguez! Rodriguez! Rodriguez!" Her voice was urgent, her eyes reeling with emotion.
Rodriguez jerked to reality, his eyes focusing on Emily's distressed face.
"What is it, Miss Emily? What's wrong?"
Emily's words tumbled out in a rush.
"Samantha's gone! She said she couldn't take it anymore.I slapped him! I don't know if I did the right thing." Her eyes streaming in tears.
Rodriguez's expression turned sympathetic.
"Tell me what happened."
"I still love him." Her voice clear.
Rodriguez was shocked his words dripping with venom.
"Love him? Ha! August only cares about himself,He wants to use you for his own gain. You deserve so much better than a selfish, arrogant man like him."
"I love August,I won't deny it and it will be hard to let everything we shared go to the trash,I can't keep this attitude for too long."
Rodriguez's smile was cold. "You're a smart woman, You just need to see August for what he truly is. And remember our target is to get rid of the ranch enemy."
Emily's eye filled with emotion. She kept gazing at Rodriguez tears falling from her eyes.
Jakes POV
Emily unlocked the door to her house, exhausted from the emotional turmoil of the day. But as she stepped inside, her eyes widened in shock.
Jake was sitting on her couch, his eyes fixed intently on her.
Emily panicked as she froze in the doorway,
"Jake.."Emily stammered, trying to hide the tremble in her voice. "What are you doing here?"
Jake's eyes, stunning with hatred and disgust.
"I've come to confront you, Emily. You've been playing games with my family, manipulating my brother and using him to get what you want. It want you to put it to and end. His voice commanding and cold.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Jake."
Jake's laughter was cold and mocking....
"Don't play dumb, Emily. I know all about your little scheme to take control of the ranch, and I know you want to use August to fulfill that selfish desire of yours".
Fright equipped Emily,as she had to think fast, to come up with a way to deflect Jake's anger...
"Jake, please listen-" Emily began, but Jake cut her off.
"No, Emily. It's time for you to listen. You're not going to manipulate my family anymore thats final". His fingers stretched towards her face
Emily's eyes blazed with anger.
"I think your family are the ones trying to manipulate the Wilsons, and now you're trying to steal it from me?
Jake's face reddened with rage. "How dare you, you old-digger trying to take what's not yours!"
Emily's voice rose. "Gold-digger? You're the one who's trying to take what's not yours! My family's legacy, our land, our home – your family wants to take it all!"
Jake sneered. "Legacy? Ha! Your family's legacy is nothing but dust and debt. We saved this ranch from ruin, and you're just trying to ride over".
His eyes flashed a warning. "Stay away from my family, Emily, and anything to do with August. If you try to meddle, you'll have me to fight with. And trust me, you don't want that."
"You think I don't know you're trying to sabotage my family's ranch? But let me tell you, Jake, I'll fight with my last breath to reclaim what's rightfully ours. And when I'm done, you'll be the one behind bars, not me."
Emily retaliated.
Jake snorted. "You're just a foolish woman playing at games you don't understand. You think you can take on my family and win? We'll crush you like the homeless bug that you are."
Jake's face twisted in anger, he slammed his fist on the coffee table, making Emily jump.
"You're playing with fire, Emily! You'll regret the day you ever crossed my family!".
He stormed out of the room, leaving Emily trembling in fright.
Emily's heart raced as she listened to the sound of the front door slamming shut .
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her self.
Jake drove away in a high speed. Shortly,he disappeared out of sight.