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Chapter 37

Colton

FIRED UP AND hell-bent on causing trouble, I’d invited Bill to the ranch under the guise of something completely different. Today, I had every intention of confronting his dumb ass and laying out every single piece of evidence Eleanor had uncovered.

It was Tawnie’s idea to invite Bill to a “thanking the board” meeting. She even created a full itinerary, detailing all the ways we’d be expressing our gratitude to the members for their contributions.

She knew—just as I did—that there was no way in hell he’d pass up an opportunity to have his ego stroked, to sit there and soak up praise like he was some goddamn saint.

That thought had me smirking, nearly laughing to myself, because what he was actually walking into was the complete opposite.

After I tore into him, I’d be giving my official statement—the one Eleanor had written and walked me through.

Call it a double whammy. I’d get my adrenaline pumping, burn off all my anger on Bill, then step up and make my statement about everything that had happened at Stone Ranch.

As of today, it was officially being put to bed.

Instead of letting Stacey keep Bill’s blood money, I’d called her personally and made her an offer—double the amount for her trouble, on one condition—after the press release, she had to send his funds right back to him.

I made it crystal clear I wasn’t paying her to stay quiet. If she wanted to speak on the matter, she had every right to do so. However, I’d also be making my own statement, ensuring her name and any identifying details stayed out of it.

This wasn’t about covering anything up.

It was about owning every damn thing that had happened under my watch.

I sat calmly in my high-backed desk chair, fingers steepled, waiting for his grand entrance.

Bill was coming up to my office.

I didn’t need to humiliate him in front of others—I had no interest in theatrics. The power I held was enough without a public spectacle. Besides, the last thing I wanted was to add more fuel to this already raging fire.

A sharp click of the latch sounded before the door swung open, revealing the man I’d been waiting for.

His dress shoes clacked against the hardwood, each step deliberate. His perfectly tailored suit did little to disguise the round swell of his stomach or the way his skinny legs looked out of proportion beneath it.

I stood, forcing myself to play the bigger person.

Extending my hand, I offered him a smile—cool, controlled.

“Bill, good to see you,” I said smoothly.

He hesitated before clasping my hand, his grip limp, his gaze flickering over me, taking in the casual jeans, T-shirt, and boots. A stark contrast to his polished look. I saw the moment it registered, the moment the alarm bells started ringing in his head.

“Here, take a seat,” I said, gesturing to the armchairs in front of my desk.

He was going to need it.

I settled back into my chair, sitting tall, hands folded neatly on the desk. To my right, a stack of papers sat tucked inside a folder—evidence of his bullshit, lined up and ready to go.

Bill moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the room before quickly schooling himself. Clearing his throat, he unbuttoned his suit jacket and lowered himself into the chair.

“I have to admit,” he started, smoothing his palms over his thighs, “when I received the email saying you were asking the board to meet here, I was a bit shocked.”

I tilted my head, raising a brow in mock surprise. “Oh? And why’s that?”

“I was under the impression you weren’t a fan of the board.” His tone was measured, but he was fishing. “So when I heard you wanted to thank us…” he trailed off, waiting for an explanation.

I shrugged slowly. “Well, I don’t mind most of the board…”