CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR – SLEAZY BUSINESSMEN

Hank eyed Carmichael with the open skepticism he reserved for city slickers and tax collectors. "I'm all ears, son. But if you're looking to invest in livestock, I'll warn you upfront--" "Actually, I'm more interested in investing in real estate," Carmichael interjected smoothly. "Namely, your little farming operation here." A tense silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint creak of leather as Hank shifted his bulky frame behind his desk. "What exactly are you proposing, Mr. Carmichael?" "It's quite simple, really." Carmichael reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and withdrew a slim briefcase, flicking it open with a casual gesture. "I want to purchase the entirety of your holdings. All assets, all land titles, all inventory." Scarlett sucked in a shocked breath at the brazenness of the demand. She wasn't the only one - several of the ranch hands had stopped pretending not to listen, their faces a mix of disbelief and outrage. Hank, for his part, simply thre