He owned several ranches across Wyoming Territory, along with interests in freight companies, grazing leases, and a small bank in the nearest town, Granite Falls.
His wealth made him powerful.
His manner made him dangerous.
Victor rarely shouted.
He preferred smiling while explaining why the other person had no choice.
He received Evelyn in her father's former study.
The room looked different.
Her father's maps had been removed.
The bookshelves contained business ledgers she didn't recognize.
And a large portrait of Victor hung above the fireplace where Henry once displayed a painting of the mountains.
Evelyn stared at it.
Victor noticed.
“Changes were necessary.”
She nodded.
“Apparently.”
He smiled.
“I hope you're comfortable.”
“The room is adequate.”
“Good.”
He gestured toward a chair.
It was narrow.
Decorative.
And entirely unsuitable for her size.
Evelyn looked at it.
Then back at him.
Victor's smile widened.
“Ah. I suppose we'll need to arrange something special.”
The remark was delivered lightly.
But Evelyn recognized the insult beneath it.
She remained standing.
“I brought my own chair.”
Victor raised his eyebrows.
“Of course you did.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he opened a ledger.
“I want you to copy the livestock accounts and reconcile the supply invoices. Your father taught you arithmetic, I'm told.”
Evelyn nodded.
“He did.”
Victor smiled.
“Useful accomplishment.”
He turned a page.
“And naturally, we'll provide accommodation, meals, and a modest salary.”
Evelyn looked toward the document.
“How modest?”
He named a figure.
It was lower than she'd expected.
She hesitated.
Victor noticed.
“Miss Hart, you're not exactly in a position to be selective.”
Evelyn felt her cheeks burn.
Then she took a breath.
“I'd still like the terms in writing.”
His expression tightened.
For a moment, he seemed irritated.
Then he smiled.
“Very well.”
She nodded.
“And I want access to the older ranch ledgers. They'll help me understand the previous accounting system.”
Victor closed the book.
“Those records aren't relevant.”
Evelyn looked up.
“My father kept them.”
“Yes.”
“Then they might explain certain opening balances.”
Victor studied her.
For several seconds, he didn't speak.
Then he answered.
“Focus on the accounts I provide.”
The instruction was clear.
So was the warning.
Evelyn nodded.
But something inside her had begun to stir.