"Well, congratulations, little lady. You just bought yourself the most expensive bag of parasites in Bee County."
Claire lowered her card.
Then she turned toward him.
"I bought a bull."
He smirked.
"For the moment."
More laughter followed.
Wade stepped closer.
"Do you understand what an infestation like that can do to a cattle operation? You're risking every animal you already own."
"I understand that he needs professional care and isolation."
"Then you should have left him where he was."
Claire looked toward the sale ring.
The bull had stopped moving.
Its head hung low.
For a moment, it seemed to stare directly at her.
She remembered her grandfather telling her never to make a livestock decision out of pity alone.
An animal's needs had to be matched with a person's ability to provide proper care.
She had considered that before raising her card.
But she also remembered another lesson.
A sick animal was not automatically a worthless animal.
She turned back to Wade.
"You don't have to agree with what I bought."
He laughed.
"Oh, I'm not worried about agreeing with you."
He leaned closer.
"I'm worried you won't have a ranch left by Christmas."
Claire met his eyes.
"Then it's a good thing you're not the one paying my bills."
The men around them grew quiet for half a second.
Then Wade smiled coldly.
"Your grandfather had that same mouth."
Claire's expression changed.
Wade noticed.
He continued.
"He was a stubborn man. Always thought he knew something nobody else did."
"My grandfather knew plenty."
"He knew how to hang on to land that couldn't make money."
Claire's jaw tightened.
Wade leaned closer.
"And you're making the same mistake."
She stepped away.
The auction clerk handed her the paperwork.
Claire signed the purchase documents, checked the condition disclosures, and arranged transport with the independent livestock hauler she'd contacted earlier.
She understood that the bull would need strict separation from other cattle while its health and parasite status were evaluated.
She had already called a veterinarian to arrange an examination.
But as she walked toward the loading area, Wade's voice followed her.
"Remember this day, sweetheart!"
She didn't turn.
"Because when that thing drops dead, don't come asking me for a loan!"
Claire kept walking.
She had no intention of asking Wade Mercer for anything.
Not money.
Not advice.
Not approval.
What she did not yet realize was that Wade's interest in her purchase had very little to do with concern for her finances.