“Prairie Gate Resources is prepared to make a serious proposal for the property.”
He named a figure.
It was higher than the amount he'd mentioned months earlier.
High enough to make Sarah's stomach tighten.
The sale could settle the immediate farm debt.
Provide money for a modest house closer to her job.
And leave something for Eli's education.
She hated that the offer was tempting.
Victor noticed.
He smiled.
“We understand this property has sentimental value.”
Sarah looked toward the barn.
“Yes.”
“But there's also a practical side to consider.”
She nodded.
He continued.
“The area is entering a difficult cycle. You have no large irrigation allocation, the creek is nearly dry, and your equipment will require major investment.”
Sarah's expression hardened.
“I know what our problems are.”
Victor raised one hand.
“Of course.”
Then he glanced toward Eli.
The boy stood near the barn, holding Grandpa's notebook.
Victor smiled.
“And that's your son?”
“Yes.”
“Hardworking young fellow.”
Eli didn't answer.
Victor pointed toward the garden.
“That's quite an unusual arrangement.”
Eli looked toward the stones.
“My grandfather designed it.”
Victor nodded slowly.
“Interesting.”
Then he turned back to Sarah.
“Would you mind if I walked the property?”
She shook her head.
“Not today.”
His smile tightened.
“Just a quick look at the northern section.”
“Mr. Dane, we've already discussed that. I'm not authorizing an inspection.”
For a moment, he stared.
Then nodded.
“Certainly.”
He opened the folder again.
“This is simply a preliminary offer. No obligation to accept today.”
Sarah took the document.
She scanned the first page.
Then frowned.
The offer included not only the farmhouse and fields, but also broad rights concerning access, subsurface investigation, and future water-related development.
The language was complicated.
She looked up.
“Why does your company want these rights?”
Victor smiled.
“Standard terms for a potential infrastructure corridor.”
“Then why is there a separate section concerning groundwater and spring discharge?”
His expression changed.
Only slightly.
But enough for Eli to notice.
Victor looked toward the paper.
“Our engineers evaluate multiple potential uses.”
Sarah nodded.
“Have they found water here?”
The man hesitated.