Emily slowly got out of the bed, her head pounding with a dull ache. She stumbled to the bathroom, flipping on the light switch, gazing at the wall mirror opposite her, looking at her reflection.
Dark circles under her eyes, pale skin, dull face, and a faint bruise on her cheekbone. She looked like she'd been through a war.
She washed her face, trying to shake off the fogginess in her mind. From what happened last time?.
She reached for a face towel and dried her face and moved slowly to the small desk in the corner of her room. She pulled out the wooden chair and sat down, pulling out her diary from the drawer.
She began her writing journey, her hands shaky and her eyes forming with tears at first, but growing stronger with each word.
"Dear aunty Claire, I know this message will make you feel heartbroken, but I hope you forgive me
I don't think I can handle the ranch anymore. Those things you feared have finally gotten hold of me. They really got to me this time around. My hands and legs are tied, I can't do anything again.My limbs are getting weaker, I can't stand again for the ranch. I never prayed to back off this way, and so quickly, but the saboteurs have won. They have destroyed everything, everything, Aunty. I'm sorry to disappoint you, I guess I'm not the right person for this."
Keep resting Aunt Claire...
As she finished writing, her emotions consumed her. She dropped her head onto the desk, sniffing and crying uncontrollably. Her eyes, reddish and swollen her body shaking with sobs.
"I have lost everything,the ranch, my confidence, my sense of self. The saboteurs had won, and I'm left with nothing but defeat and shame."
Emily spoke amidst her sob,her voice shaking terribly...
August pov
August drove over to the warehouse where Rodriguez was captured, his mind determined to get find.who is behind the sabotage.
He unlocked the door and pushed it open, but was met with a sight that made his blood run cold.
Rodriguez was slumped in his chair, his body bloated and discolored, with a putrid stench proceeding from him.
August gasped in horror as he realized that Rodriguez was dead. He had taken his own life.
A wave of anger washed over him as he stood frozen, unable to move or look away from the corpse.
He stood transfixed,the smell was overpowering, making his stomach churn. Finally, he managed to tear his gaze away and call an ambulance, his voice shaking with rage.
"You son of a bitch! Go and rot in hell!!" August yelled in anger. His voice echoing in the whole room.
As he waited for the ambulance to arrive, August noticed a white paper clutched in Rodriguez's hand. He hesitated for a moment, inquisitiveness growing all over him.
Then tried to approach the body, but the smell was too strong. He carefully took the paper, using his hands to cover his nose from the stench.
He locked the door and stepped back, allowing the fresh air to clear his head. With curiosity,August carefully unfolded the paper, his heart racing with anticipation.
The message was brief..
"Hey, August. I'll prefer to take my own life than to tell you who my boss is. You'll never find him. He'll haunt you and Emily till you give up. The battle has just begun."
August's anger boiled over as he read the words. He tore the paper to shreds, screaming in frustration. "Sh*t! Sh*t! Sh*t! You son of the devil,screw- you.."
He yelled.his voice echoing off the walls.
"I will find you," he whispered, looking down at the torn paper.
"And I nor Emily will give up for you." His tone hardened with determination.
Some minutes later the sound of sirens outside broke the spell, and August drove out of the scene quickly
Emily's pov
Emily emerged from the cab and paid off the driver, her gaze fixed on the graveyard before her. She wore a black dress, a scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, and dark shades covered her eyes.
The graveyard's silence was frightening, and she stood motionless for five minutes, summoning the courage to proceed. As she walked past the rows of headstones, the silence was oppressive, the only noise heard was only the soft crunch of gravel beneath her feet.
She walked for ten minutes, her shoulders slumping with grief and regret.
Finally, she halted before a grave, An inscription etched on the stone
"Miss Claire Wilson, born on 3rd April 1963. Exit of an icon. Rest in peace."
Emily's composure weakens, as she read the words, and she burst into tears. She sobbed uncontrollably, her body shaking with grief.
"I'm so sorry, Aunty..." she stammered,Tears choked her words, and she struggled to speak, her voice barely audible.
She pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her nose, trying not to disturb the sleeping spirit.
"I failed you, Aunty. I have made up my mind to resign from managing the ranch. I realize now that I was never capable of protecting it and ensuring its independence."
The words tumbled out in a rush.
Emily raised her eyes to the clouds, trying to hold back her tears. But they flowed without obstruction, streaming down her face as she spoke.
"I think it's time to say goodbye to the ranch. I know I've let you down. I'm a coward, a failure...I deserve every criticism. You fought tirelessly for the ranch, risking your life, sacrificing your personal happiness.You had to forsake your life and never got married for the ranch, to focus and fight right from when you had to stand on your own. You started fighting for the ranch till you got to the bus stop where you couldn't fight anymore. You trusted me, and I failed..."
Emily's voice cracked as she spoke, her body wracked with sobs....
"The fight is too much for me...I can't continue. My weaknesses have exposed me to our enemies. I know you're disappointed in me. You can condemn me if you want...I deserve it. The fight that began centuries ago...I'm the one ending it...and surrendering to our enemies..."
Her words ended in a wail, she gently laid her head on the tiles of the grave, her body shaking with regrets. She cried for what felt like hours, her eyes swollen and reddish, her heart heavy with grief.
August pov
August paced back and forth in his office, his phone glued to his ear. He had been trying to reach Emily for hours, but she wasn't answering. He called her countless times, but it kept going straight to voicemail. August got frustrated...
He has sent multiple messages on all her social media page,but their was no reply. He decided to send her a text message.
"Emily, please answer me. I need to talk to you about the ranch. I hope you response to this cause is really urgent."
August couldn't focus on the ranch's affairs. He kept thinking about Emily's state and why she was ignoring him.
He tried to distract himself by calling building agencies to come and assess the damage, but every agency he called kept postponing their visit.
August ran his hands through his hair, feeling confused and perplexed.
He dialed his security agency to come and keep an eye on the ranch. When they arrived, August left the ranch immediately, his mind preoccupied with Emily's welfare.
He drove to Emily's building, his heart racing with anticipation. He arrived and sat in his car for a while, staring up at her window.
Then, he got out of the car and made his way to her apartment He knocked on the door for what felt like an eternity, but there was no response.
He stood there, waiting for Emily to show up. Different thoughts running in and out of his mind,wondered where she could have gone.
"Had she left town? Is she okay?" The questions swirled in his mind, making him feel anxious and worried.
As the minutes ticked by, August's anxiety grew. He knocked on the door again, this time louder. But still, there was no response. He was starting to get really worried. If the saboteurs have gotten hold of her.
Emily's pov
Emily found herself in a warehouse, standing beside August. He looked at her with a determined gaze and spoke with a faint voice.
"Know that I love you and will cherish you till we part no more."
Before Emily could respond, August stabbed himself, and his body began to weaken.
Emily fell to the ground, holding August as his clothes slowly soaked with blood.
"No... You will not die and leave me now everything has ended!" Emily cried out, her face etched with desperation.
August's voice was barely audible, his eyes closing slightly
"At least I know I have unlocked the unending wealth for you, Emily. I love you..."
With those final words, August passed out, leaving Emily shaken and sober.
Emily jerked awake, realizing it was just a dream. She was still at the graveyard, squatting beside her aunt's grave. The dream had felt so real, Emily rubbed her forehead,eyes were swollen from crying.
She slowly lifted her butt up, checking her phone to see that it was already 6 PM. She groaned, trying to shake off the vivid dream, but August's words in the dream kept echoing in her mind.
Emily placed the flower she had come with on her aunt's grave, that was beautifully designed with marbles and tiles. She added the diary paper she had
written,containing the disappointing information on the grave.
With a faint smile, Emily slightly bowed.
"Rest in peace, Aunty." She whispered, pulling her glasses back over her puffy eyes, before turning to leave, the dream still reeling in her memory...
Jake pov
Jake walked into the mall, flashing a warm smile as he waved at Samantha.
She returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with friendliness. As she continued attending to customers.
Jake settled into a chair, his eyes staring at her with admiration.
Samantha approached him, playing a shy smile on her face.
"What's behind the intense gaze?" A hint of playfulness in her voice.
Jake chuckled, his eyes scanning her body.
"Just appreciating the endowment," he teased, his tone light.
Samantha rolled her eyes. "You're such a charmer,she said, smiling.
"So, what brings you here today?"
Jake's grin faltered for a moment before he replied,
"I was hoping to take you out. My dad arranged for your boss to give you the day off."
Samantha's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you manage that?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Jake shrugged, returning the smile.
"Let's just say my dad has connections. He's part of the ownership, and he's planning to sell to your boss soon."
Just then, Jake's phone rang, disrupting the moment He excused himself, answering the call.
"Hey, you useless boy, have you called your brother?"
His dad's voice boomed on the other end,
"He's not home yet, and I'm calling him, but he's not picking up. And where did you go? How could you leave me at home all alone without dinner?"
Jake listened patiently, his expression calm.
"Really, I'm not aware he's not around. Maybe he's with that girl," Dad don't panic they must be having a good time as always. Remember she cling unto rich men,Relax and I will order food for you."
But his dad was beyond reason.
"Shut up! Your brother's line is going to voicemail, and you're spewing nonsense. How sure are you that he's with that girl? I've warned him not to have anything to do with her. We are enemies."
"Dad, relax. We'll just arrest her. She cast a spell on your beloved son."
James voice remained stern.
"Where are you?" he demanded.
"I went to see a friend," Jake replied, trying to keep the conversation light.
"For business purposes?" James asked, his tone skeptical.
"No," Jake replied, his patience wearing thin.
"I knew it,You're just a prodigal son, gallivanting around. Useless boy. Call your brother now and give me a call. We need to make sure he's safe."
"Yes, I will." Jake replied with a hint of annoyance.
The call ended abruptly...
He turned to Samantha, his expression apologetic. "Sorry about that. My brother's getting mixed up with the wrong crowd."
Samantha nodded..
"It's fine, I think you should just warn him," she urged.
Jake nodded grimly. "I plan to, that girl is just troublesome."
Samantha stood up, "Well, I should get changed, before leaving."
Emily's pov
Emily trudged up the path to her front door, her feet heavy with the weight of her own sorrow. She had been crying all throughout the day,her eyes felt puffy and sore.
As she approached her apartment door, she noticed a figure slumped against the frame, fast asleep.
As she got closer,she realized the figure was August, his handsome face relaxed in slumber.
Emily's heart skipped with guilt as she gazed at him, her sadness momentarily forgotten. She wondered what he was doing here, and why he was sleeping on her doorstep.
Emily's eyes welled up with tears again as she gazed at August knowing she's hurting him emotionally. She felt a pang of gratitude towards him for being there.
She gently shook his shoulder, trying not to startle him.
"August," she whispered...
August stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked up at Emily, his expression softening as he took in her tear-stained face.
"Hey," he said, his voice low and gentle. "I was worried about you."
Emily nodded, feeling like a lump formed in her throat.
"I'm okay," she lied, her voice cracking.
August sat up, his eyes never leaving hers.
"No, you're not," he said, his voice full of compassion. "But I'm here for you, Emily. I'm not going anywhere. "Emily, you didn't show up at the ranch today," August said, his voice laced with concern. "I've been waiting for hours.
Emily was silent..
"The architects for the renovation said they won't be able to start until next week. And many of your cattle are sick. You need to come see them. I think they need you". His tone, filled with emotions..
Emily shrugged, trying to act strong.
"I'm not interested, August. As far as I'm concerned, I no longer have a ranch, and I don't know what you're talking about."
"What's going on, Emily? Are you saying you're giving up?" His expression filled with shock.
Emily nodded, her voice strict.
"Yes, I am."
August took a step closer, his eyes pleading.
"This isn't like you, Emily. You're a strong and courageous woman. Remember your aunt's effort before giving up, how tough it was for her before she passed away. What do you think she would say if she knew you were giving up?"
Emily's eyes welled up with tears again.
"I've spoken to my aunt, August. I've asked for her forgiveness. It's up to her to forgive me. But as for the ranch, I'm done."
August's voice rose in urgency. "Can't you see, Emily? If you give up the ranch, they'll come after your life too. You can't just let them win. You have to fight for what's yours."
Emily's Emily's expression twisted in pain.
"I won't let any more lives be lost because of that stupid ranch. All the lives lost, all the bloodshed... it's all been for nothing. I won't let anyone else suffer for my own stubbornness".
"Don't say that, Emily. You're not a coward. You have all it takes to fight for the ranch,stand up for what's yours. I'll stand by you, no matter what, even if it means dying".
Emily's voice cracked as she yelled, "Just stop it, August! I won't let anyone else die for this ranch."
August blocked her path as she tried to enter her house.
"Emily, remember the love we share. You're punishing me."
"Leave me alone, August. I'll talk to you when I'm ready." Her voice, low and shaky.
As Emily shut the door behind her, August stood frozen, his heart heavy with disappointment and worry..
Jake pov
Jake and Samantha stood on the rooftop, gazing out at the breathtaking view as they sipped their cocktails. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of champagne, making the evening even more enchanting.
"Thanks for this," Samantha said, raising her glass in appreciation.
"No problem," Jake replied, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "So, tell me more about yourself."
"There's not much to say, but I'll tell you this, I have this one rarest character I stand up for people I care about, and I despise castigation. I hate it when people discriminate against others, thinking they're superior."
Jake's eyes lit up with interest. "I admire that about you, Samantha. You're a true warrior."
Samantha chuckled, "I'm just passionate about justice. Like this one guy who's been pestering my friend... he's a scumbag, always insulting and belittling her. I got fed up one day and gave him a piece of my mind."
Jake's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You? You're a quiet, peaceful girl... I wouldn't have pegged you as the confrontational type."
Samantha laughed.
"Don't let my appearance fool you, Jake. I can stand up for myself and those I care about."
"So you can stand and fight for me as well?" He teased..
As they chatted, They learned more about themselves He found himself drawn to her strength and personality.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Jake's voice came up.
"Have you ever fallen in love before?"
Samantha's expression turned wistful.
"Yes, I have... but it was a secret. The person didn't know how I felt."
Jake got interested in the topic.
"Why didn't you tell him?"
Samantha shrugged. "He was already in a relationship... I didn't want to complicate things."
Jake nodded understandingly. "I see.
"And what about you? Have you ever liked someone?" Samantha asked..
Jake's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I've already got my eyes on someone," Jake admitted, his gaze drifting off into the distance.
"But I wouldn't say I'm in love... yet. To be honest, I've been told I'm a bit of a arrogant jerk, and that I'm completely clueless when it comes to romance." He flashed a wry smile, his eyes glinting with self-deprecation.
"But I'm pretty sure the girls who say that,are just jealous. I mean, who needs romance and charm when you've got confidence and a quick wit, right?".
"You're a bit arrogant, Jake... but I think you're interesting." Samantha admitted.
Jake's face turned serious, his voice low.
"So, what if I told you I like you?"
A strange silence eluded the place.Samantha's smile faltered, her eyes searching Jake's face.
"I... I don't know what to say."
Jake's smile was gentle. "You don't have to say anything now. We can talk about it another time."
"Thank you for understanding." Samantha said gently.
As they finished their drinks, Jake wanted to spend more time with Samantha, to grow the connection between them. And he was certain she felt the same way.
August pov
August emerged from the shower room, his face pale and dull, all his mind occupied with his conversation with Emily.
He walked slowly to the mirror, his eyes gazing blankly at his reflection. He groaned, holding his head in his hands, trying to shake off the troubling emotions.
He reached for his phone and dialed Emily's manager's number, but it went straight to voicemail. He tried again, but still, no answer.
Immediately, his phone rang, breaking his thoughts. He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Tyson.
"Yo, cuz! What's shakin'?" Tyson's voice boomed through the line, his tone dripping with swagger.
"It's been ages, bro! I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me, or that you'd joined a monastery or something!"
August forced a cheerful tone, trying to match Tyson's energy.
"Good! What happened? We haven't heard from you in almost 10 months. You know Dad was worried sick about you."
Tyson's voice turned rebellious.
"Ah, man, I've been through hell and back, bro! False accusations, conviction, denial of phone privileges... it's been a wild ride, let me tell you!"
But their was no response from the other end.
"Yo cuz, hello" Tyson spoke getting curious..
August jerked back to reality. "Ohh!so sorry I was carried away a lil bit." He apologized.
.
"What's going on,are you okay? You don't seem to be happy you heard from me." Tyson asked.
"I won't lie to you Ty, I'm so sad,Emily... she's been going through a tough time. She's lost her spark, her passion... everything. And I feel like I'm losing her too."
Tyson's tone turned rallying.
"Hey, hey, hey! We got this, cuz! We're gonna shake things up, bring the fire back! You, me, and Emily - we're gonna conquer this thing together!"
August's voice cracked. "Thanks, Tyson,you have always been my supporting hand.I need you here. I need your help to get Emily back on track."
Tyson's laughter boomed through the line, infectious and wild. "You know I'm always down for a challenge, cuz! I'll be there next week, and we'll kick some butt together. We'll get Emily rockin' again, and we'll take on the world!"
As they wrapped up their call, August felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things would get better with Tyson's support. Maybe Emily will have a rethink and restore her sparkle.
"Yeah, my beautiful cousin. You are welcome. Keep it real, cuz!"
After so much discussion,the line went dead, leaving August mood alittle light..
Jake pov
Jake burst into August's room, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"Hey August, where have you been? And why was Dad disturbing my date?"
August's face remained stern, his eyes fixed on the floor, refusing to consider Jake's questions.
Jake chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I spoke with Tyson, and he told me everything. You've been fooling Dad, haven't you? Keeping Emily's cows, cattle, and equipment to save her ranch. I'll just let Dad know."
August's expression turned fierce as he stood up from his bed.
"Hey! Hey, Jake! Where did you hear that lie from?"
Jake sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.
"Go I thought you suddenly got dumb,so it got to Emily now and you can speak". His voice hilarious.
"You say lie?You're the one who's been lying, August. You're a coward, even in death. Tyson told me the truth, and I'll make sure Dad knows."
August raised his hands in defeat.
"Okay, fine. Tyson told you, but please, not now. Emily is suffering from emotional damage. Don't add to it. You know how Dad can be."
Jake snorted, his expression dismissive. "Rubbish! I told you I'd deal with you. When I asked you for money, what did you say?"
August hesitated before responding.
"I'll send you $100. Just don't add this to Emily's hurt, I'm begging." His voice was sharp.
Jake's grin turned sinister. "That's not enough. I want $1000. Or I'll tell Dad everything."
August's voice was laced with resignation. "Fine, I'll send it. Please, just consider..."
Jake gave a sly smile as he turned to leave.
"Mission accomplished,I'll be expecting the notification. And as for Emily, her doom has just started. You two are so boring."
As Jake exited, slamming the door behind him, August muttered curses under his breath.
"Shit! Shit! That boy has finally caught me off guard. It's all my fault. I should have told Tyson to be mindful of Jake."
August paced around his room, hitting his head faintly to come up with a solution.
"What can I do? My brain needs to come up with something, fast."
Vincent pov
Vincent's P.A Nathan returned, clearing his throat to announce his presence.
"Sir, the crew is assembled and ready for the meeting."
Vincent turned away from the window, his mind refocusing on the task at hand.
"Excellent. Let's get started." He said following him out of the office..
As they entered the meeting room, Vincent's crew looked up at him and gave a slight bow.
He took his place at the head of the table, Emily's phone still clutched in his hand.
"Friends, we have a unique opportunity before us. Emily's partner will be meeting her at the old oak tree tonight, under the assumption that it's a private meeting."
Vincent paused for a moment. Everywhere dread silent.
"But we'll be there too." He continued..
The crew exchanged excited glances, sensing the potential for sabotage.
"Here's the plan," Vincent continued. "We'll bug the area, get evidence of whatever proposal Emily has in mind, and use it against her. With any luck, we'll be able to turn her partner against her."
They all nodded, agreeing to put the plan into action. "Let's get to work," Vincent said. "Tonight, we take the second step towards taking down Emily and claiming the ranch for ourselves."
Vincent's smile grew wider as things were falling into place.
"When Emily's manager arrives, we'll be waiting. We'll make sure to...persuade him to see things our way."
"We'll offer him a deal he can't refuse," Vincent continued. "Either he works with us to take down Emily, or...accidents might happen."
"What if his a very strong opponent and refuses?"
Shade asked.
Vincent's smile turned cold. "Then he'll become a liability. And we can't have that, can we?" They all agreed, knowing that Vincent wouldn't hesitate to eliminate anyone who stood in his way.
"Let's get everything ready," Vincent said, his eyes glinting with anticipation.
"We'll make sure that by the end of tonight, Emily's manager will be eating out of our hands."
12:00AM
At midnight, Emily's Manager, Mr Marcus, drove to the old oak tree, looking around nervously, waiting for Emily to show up.
Vincent and his crew emerged from the shadows, surrounding James.
"Thanks for coming, Marcus," Vincent said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We've been waiting for you."
Marcus tried to step back, but Vincent's crew closed in, trapping him.
"What do you want?" Marcus demanded, trying to hide the fear from his voice."Is this some kind of set-up?"
Vincent smiled...
"Oh, we just want to have a little chat. About your future, and Emily's."
Vincent signalled, and the rest of his workers moved in, forming a tight circle around Marcus their faces masked.
"You see, Marcus, we know all about Emily's plans to expand the ranch. But it's so sad it won't be possible, but I know she's going to enforce with August and build the ranch again.and we're willing to use you for the action...but for a price."
Marcus hesitated, unsure of the action to take..
"Here's the deal," Vincent continued.
"You work with us to sabotage any plans Emily is making to grow the ranch again, and we'll make sure you get a nice chunk of the profits.
But if you refuse...well, let's just say accidents can happen." He gave a sly smile.
Marcus swallowed hard, realizing he was trapped, that the whole text message was planned.
"Where is Emily." He managed to voice out.
Vincent let out a loud laugh, "There is no Emily here. He said his voice cold and strict.
But that's not all,"Vincent added, pulling out a folder full of documents. "We have evidence of Emily's...extracurricular activities. And if you don't play the ball well, we'll make sure she goes down for it."
Marcus' eyes widened as he realized the extent Vincent has gone with his plans.
"What do you say, Marcus?" Vincent asked, his eyes glinting with triumph. "Are you with us?"
Marcus shook his head, trying to appear braver.
"I'll never betray Emily's trust. She's been like a sister to me."
Vincent chuckled. "Ah, Marcus, Marcus, Marcus. You're so naive. Emily doesn't care about you or anyone else. She only cares about herself and her precious ranch, are you aware?"
Mr Marcus stood firm, despite anxiety growing within.
"I won't do it. I won't help you sabotage and ruin her."
Vincent's smile grew wider.
"Oh, I think you must. You see, we have something that will change your mind."
Chad one of his crew members stepped forward, holding a small device.
"This is a recording of a conversation between Emily and one of her...associates. It's quite incriminating." He said playing the recorder.
Marcus' eyes widened as he realized what he was hearing. Emily's voice, talking about something illegal.
"No, that's not possible," Marcus stammered.
Vincent leaned in,
"Oh, but it is. And if you don't cooperate, we'll make sure the authorities hear it too." Vincent mimicked.
Marcus felt he was in a delicate situation. He couldn't let Emily go down for something she did that will cause her doom. But he also couldn't betray her trust. Finally, after some minutes of contemplation, Marcus forcefully nodded
"Okay, fine. I'll do it. I'll help you sabotage Emily's plans."
Vincent's smile returned, triumphant.
"Excellent choice, Marcus. Welcome to the team. Let's go in ."
As Marcus left with Vincent escorted by his members, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with the devil himself.
"So how do I carry out my plans?". He asked .
Vincent outlined the plan to Marcus, who listened with a growing with a forebodement of unease.
"Your role is simple," Vincent said.
"We need you to subtly undermine Emily's decisions, make her look incompetent to the other ranch hands. We'll provide you with the details, but essentially, we want you to: Delay important tasks, making Emily miss deadlines Misplace crucial documents, causing her to waste time searching for them Spread dissent among the ranch hands, making them question Emily's leadership."
Marcus felt a knot in his stomach, hating himself for agreeing to this.
"And what about the expansion plans?" The manager asked.
Vincent smiled.
"Good boy! You know, those are the easiest to sabotage. We'll make sure the necessary permits are delayed, or 'lost' in the system. We'll spread rumors about environmental concerns, making the investors nervous. And, of course, we'll make sure Emily's own mistakes are amplified, making her look like a fool."
Marcus nodded, his conscience guilty of the betrayal.
"Don't worry, Marcus," Vincent said, patting him on the back. "You're doing the right thing. Emily's too soft, too weak. She'll never be able to run this ranch like I can."
After much outlines and plot,Marcus was permitted to leave the meeting, with a threat not to tell anyone
or report to the cops .He agreed to all their terms and conditions to spare his life.
Vincent's crew was watching his every move, waiting for him to drive away.
August pov
August trudged through the ranch, his eyes cast down at the ground, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He looked devastated, and moody.
As he approached the cattle enclosure, he mechanically began to feed them, his movements lacking their usual enthusiasm.
He stopped in front of Emily's sick cattle, their dull eyes gazing up at him.
August reached out his hands, rubbing it softly, his words barely above a whisper.
"Hey there, little ones... I know you're not feeling well, but I promise I'll take care of you. I'll make sure you get all the necessary treatments." He spoke his touch tender.
"I'll love Emily, I swear it. I'll make sure she comes back to the ranch, and we'll take care of you together."
August spoke his eyes welling up with tears as he gazed at the cattle.
"Eat up, little cuties... please get better. I need you to be strong, for Emily's sake."
As he continued to feed and care for the cattle, August's sadness seemed to deepen, the ranch was boring with Emily.
The thought of Emily's liveliness consumed his mind and the troubles of Jake had stirred up.
The cattle, sensing his distress, nuzzled him gently, as if trying to comfort him.
"I'll fix this, I promise... I'll make it right." He muttered.