“There are permit discrepancies here,” I say, tapping the page, “and here. The water allocation doesn’t match the acreage.”
He scans them, humming softly. Then he shakes his head.
“They look correct to me.”
I blink. “That can’t be right. Hollis Ranch’s landmass doesn’t nearly align with this level of water usage.”
He lifts a hand. “You’re here on behalf of Hollis Ranch?”
“Yes.”
A smile flickers. “Gage Hollis never cared much about permits.”
The casual dismissal hits harder than an outright refusal.
I lean back slightly, crossing my arms.
His expression falters—just a fraction.
And that’s when I know.
Whatever is happeningin Bell River, it’s bigger than Gage. Bigger than me. And my father’s fingerprints are all over it.
“Well, as part owner, I care,” I say, meeting his gaze head-on. “And that’s more than enough reason.”
He leans back in his chair, clearly not used to being challenged—especially not by me. His mouth opens, probably to dismiss me again, when a soft knock interrupts us.
The door cracks open. A woman peers in. “Mr. Killem? Mr. West is here to see you.”
His expression shifts—too quick to miss. He nods, already standing. “Excuse me.”
And just like that, I’m dismissed.
I sit there alone, arms crossed tight over my chest, irritation simmering beneath my skin. Maybe it’s me. Maybe I did misread something. Maybe I’ve walked into this halfcocked, convinced there’s a problem because Iwantthere to be one.
I exhale slowly and glance around the office, my eyes catching on a large, mounted map along the far wall.
Curiosity gets the better of me.
I stand and walk closer.
My stomach drops.
The Horizon Group logo is stamped across the corner—clean, corporate,unmistakable. I know that name. Anyone working in environmental studies does. They’re a massive development firm out of Austin, infamous for swallowing land whole and spitting out high-rise condos and “luxury communities.”
And based on the highlighted parcels creeping toward Bell River?
They’re coming here.
“Well,” I murmur to myself, “of course.”
A chill runs through me. Does Gage know about this? Is that why he’s been so territorial—so hostile? Not just protecting land, but protecting it from being taken?
Maybe I came at this wrong.
Maybe what he needs isn’t another argument.
Maybe he needs proof I’m not the enemy.
