Did I do okay? You were perfect. I messed up the part about pH levels. You recovered beautifully, and your data speaks for itself. Amelia crouched down to Emma’s level. I’m proud of you. Emma threw her arms around her neck. Lucas watched, something warm and painful expanding in his chest. This was what Emma needed, what she’d been missing since Sarah died.
Not a replacement mother. No one could replace Sarah, but someone who saw her potential and pushed her to reach it. They stayed for the rest of the fair, looking at other projects, eating terrible cafeteria cookies, making small talk with other parents. Lucas noticed the looks, the curious glances, the whispered conversations.
Small towns thrived on gossip, and a billionaire hiding out on a failing farm was grade A material. He didn’t care. Let them talk. Awards were announced at 11:00. Emma didn’t win first place, that went to a sixth grader with a project on solar energy, but she got an honorable mention for best presentation in her grade level.
She was ecstatic, clutching her ribbon like it was made of gold. We did it, she said, bouncing all the way to the truck. We actually did it. You did it, Amelia corrected. I just helped. Same thing. They celebrated with lunch at the diner in town, the only restaurant within 20 miles. It was packed with post-science fair families, loud and chaotic.
Lucas found a booth in the back, Emma sliding in beside Amelia, still chattering about her project. I want experiment about whether music affects plant growth, or maybe about water quality. Finish this school year first, Lucas said. Then we’ll talk about more experiments. But Emma. She subsided, pouting slightly. Amelia caught Lucas’s eye across the table, fighting a smile.
They ordered burgers and fries. Mason made a mess with mashed carrots. Emma drew her next theoretical experiment on a napkin. For a moment, everything felt simple, normal, like they were just a family out for lunch, celebrating a kid’s achievement. Then Richard Caldwell walked in. Lucas saw him first.
That same expensive suit, that same practiced smile. He wasn’t alone. Two other people flanked him, both looking like they belonged in boardrooms instead of small-town diners. Amelia saw them a second later. Her whole body went rigid. Emma, take Mason to the bathroom, Lucas said quietly. But now. Something in his tone made her listen. She grabbed Mason and headed for the bathrooms, confused but obedient.
Lucas stood as Caldwell approached their booth. Amelia, what a surprise. No, it’s not. Amelia’s voice was ice. What are you doing here, Richard? Following up on our earlier conversation, since you won’t return my calls. Because I have nothing to say to you. That’s unfortunate. The board would very much like to discuss your return, negotiate terms that work for everyone.
I’m not negotiating. I won the injunction hearing. I’ll win the next one, too. Caldwell’s smile thinned. You’re being unreasonable. All we want is stability, leadership that prioritizes the company over personal vendetta. Leadership that you can control, you mean. Amelia. Leave, Lucas said. Now. Caldwell looked at him like he was noticing an insect.
This is between Amelia and the board, Mr. Hayes. It doesn’t concern you. She’s at lunch with my family. That makes it my concern. Your family? Caldwell’s expression shifted to something ugly. Is that what we’re calling this? A billionaire playing house with a farmer and his kids? Lucas felt rage flash through him, hot and immediate.
Get out. Or what? You’ll make me? Caldwell laughed. Be realistic. You’re a man with a failing farm and two kids he can barely support. Amelia is worth more than you’ll see in 10 lifetimes. Whatever you think this is, it’s temporary. She’ll get bored and move on. Richard, enough. Amelia stood, her voice sharp enough to cut. You want to threaten me? Fine.
But you leave him and his kids out of it. I’m not threatening anyone. I’m stating facts. You don’t belong here, Amelia. You belong in New York, running your company, doing what you were meant to do. What I was meant to do is whatever I decide. Not what you or the board or anyone else thinks I should do.
So, you’re choosing him? Really? Caldwell gestured dismissively at Lucas. This is what you’re throwing your career away for? I’m not throwing anything away. I’m taking it back, on my terms. Amelia stepped closer to Caldwell, her voice dropping to something dangerous. And if you ever insult Lucas or his family again, I will destroy you.
Not the board, not the company, you specifically. I’ll dig up every corner you’ve cut, every deal you’ve made under the table, every person you’ve screwed over climbing the ladder, and I’ll make sure everyone knows. Caldwell’s composure cracked. You’re bluffing. Try me. They stared at each other.
The diner had gone quiet, everyone watching the confrontation. Finally, Caldwell stepped back. This isn’t over. No, but it will be soon, and you’re going to lose. Caldwell and his people left. Amelia sat back down, hands shaking. Lucas sat beside her instead of across, close enough to touch. You okay? He asked quietly. No. But I will be.
She took a shaky breath. I’m sorry. I brought them here. Not your fault. It is, though. They’re targeting you because of me. Let them target me. I can handle it. Emma emerged from the bathroom, Mason on her hip, looking worried. Is that man gone? He’s gone, Lucas confirmed. He seemed mean. He is mean, but he’s not our problem.
They finished lunch in subdued quiet. The other diners eventually stopped staring, returning to their own meals and conversations. But Lucas could feel the shift. The way people looked at them now, curious and judging in equal measure. Outside in the truck, Amelia finally broke down. Not crying, exactly, just shaking, her breath coming too fast.
