Page 190 of Ironwood Ranch Cowboys

Vivian’s expression doesn’t shift. “People are simpler than they pretend to be.”

“No,” I say. “You just think they are because you’re used to controlling them.”

Tessa watches me carefully now, evaluating.

Vivian folds her hands together again, posture immaculate. “You’re involved with three men whose lives are tied to one of the most visible legacies in this valley. That creates instability.”

I bark out a laugh before I can stop myself. “Pretty sure the secret money laundering ring created instability first.”

Tessa goes very still.

Vivian’s smile finally fades completely. “There are realities you don’t understand yet.”

“Then explain them.”

“Ironwood survives because the Harlan family protects it.”

“No,” I say. “Ironwood survives because the people working themselves half to death there love it.”

Her eyes narrow. “Careful.”

I feel my pulse quicken anyway. Not because I’m scared. Because now I’m angry enough not to hide it.

“You know what I think?” I say. Neither woman interrupts. “I think you’re furious the brothers are making decisions without you.”

Vivian’s expression hardens fractionally. “I think you mistake guidance for control.”

“I think,” I continue, “that you’ve spent so long treating them like assets you forgot they’re people.”

Tessa exhales slowly beside her.

Vivian looks at me for a very long moment. Then the mask slips. “You’ve become a liability.”

There it is.

The real voice.

My heartbeat thunders harder.

Vivian leans forward. “Ironwood does not belong to Silas. Or Cody. Or Duke.” Her gaze locks onto mine. “Ironwood belongs to the Harlan name.” The room suddenly feels too warm. “And names survive by removing threats.”

Okay. There it is. An actual threat now. My fear finally catches up with me then, cold and electric beneath my skin.

But underneath it, there’s a hardness. Because suddenly I’m not thinking about myself anymore, I’m thinking about the brothers.

About Duke telling me Vivian controlled their childhoods.

About Cody treating trust like it’s fragile enough to break in your hands.

About Silas carrying responsibility like punishment.

And I realize something awful. They grew up with this, with her. No wonder control feels like survival to them.

I lift my chin slowly. “Silas inherited Ironwood.”

Vivian’s expression changes in a way that makes the air leave my lungs. “How naïve you are.”

Tessa murmurs, “Vivian⁠—”