CHAPTER THREE

INVESTORS AND RAYMOND 

Sharon couldn't help but roll her eyes as Lenny's gruff voice interrupted her task. "Shar, leave the damn cow's udder alone. You're gonna scare the poor thing to death."

She shot him a playful glare, the corners of her lips twitching into a smirk and she said, "Relax, Lenny. I'm just trying to help out. Besides, I think Old Betsy here enjoys the attention." 

Lenny shook his head, his weathered face creasing with amusement. "Sure, Shar. You keep telling yourself that," he said, chuckling under his breath. "Now, get out of here and continue sorting your books.”

“Ugh.” she stumbled to her feet and moved to go back inside the office. It’s been four months since they started sorting the accounts, and yeah, let's just say they are still knee deep in debt. But it's a gradually process and they will eventually get there

Lenny has been more than a friend to Sharon. He has been there for her since day one, let's say he is more like a brother she never had.

Later this evening, Sharon is going to be visiting Sally, who supplied their fertilizers, to arrange a system to pay off the debt they were owing. But till then, she needs to go through the files of excel documents the bookkeeper they had hired had made for them to keep track of their payments and debts to pay

“Do you mind if I join you, Shar?” Lenny asked.

"No, Lenny, you also have a lot to do here, I can handle things here, please go help Sally out'

"Okay then, take care" Lenny said as he walked away leaving Sharon alone in the study 

By three o’clock, a knock to the frame of the open door startled her out of the sea of numbers, and she looked up to find her mom holding a tray of freshly made sandwiches. The sight had her mouth watering, reminding her of what time it was. 

"Hey dear, how are you holding up?" Kylie asked, and she placed the sandwiches on the table

"Making progress," Sharon answered, but as she was about to continue speaking, Sally ran into the room, a worried look on her face 

"Sharon, we have intruders on the farm," Sally said as Sharon stood to her feet and followed after Sally

As Sharon reached the group of men and women dressed in expensive suits, she said, "who are you and what are you doing on my property?"

"We are here to purchase your farm at a generous price, state your offer" one of the men said as a frown formed on Sharon’s face

"This farm is not for sale, so you all should leave before I call the police" Sharon said but the group were persistent after all Raymond told them not to come back unless they had purchased the farm

"Ma, our boss is a very generous man. He would like to purchase this farm, so name any price, we can afford it" the man said

"Are you deaf or something? The farm isn't for sale" Sally yelled as the man turned to glare at her

"Mind your business, this is of no concern to you" the man said as Sally glared at him

"She has every right and I will not change my mind the farm isn't for sale" Sharon said, "it's best you leave or you will force our hand"

"Ma, you're making things difficult, we can do this the hard way or the easy way, it's your choice, but let me warn you my boss can be very ruthless" 

"Is that a threat?" Lenny said as he stepped in front of Sharon and Sally 

"Not a threat, just a warning" 

"That's it, Lenny give them a proper welcome to Montana" Sharon said as they all smiled and in a matter of minutes they were covered in mud, Lenny had thrown the bucket filled with mud and pig dung on them making the group run out of the farm screaming 

"That serves them right" Sharon said as they all laughed and went back to work 

******

"Sir we have a problem" Wes said as he walked Into Raymond's office 

"What is it?" Raymond asked 

"The ground were unable to get the farm" Wes replied 

"Why? It was just one woman, how incompetent can they be" Raymond mumbled under his breath as he ran his hands through his hair in annoyance 

"She didn't agree no matter how many times they asked and she even threw mud and shit on them" Wes explained, his disgust evident in his tone 

"Do I have to do everything myself?" Raymond grumbled to himself as he got to his feet, "prepare my transport, we're going to Montana, I'm going to get that farm at all cost"

"Right away sir" Wes said as he ran out to do as he was told..

"Sharon, your have just made a very big mistake" Raymond said as he stared at the picture of Sharon on the documents, "I'm going to make you regret ever going against me"

As Raymond's sleek black car sped along the highway towards Montana, his mind filled with plans for acquiring the farm. He knew Sharon was a formidable opponent, but he was determined to succeed at any cost. 

Meanwhile, back at the farm, Sharon and her team were discussing their next steps. They knew the man that wanted to buy the farm wouldn't give up easily, and they needed to be prepared for whatever he might throw their way.

"We need to beef up security around here," Kylie suggested, his brow furrowed in concern. "We can't let those goons catch us off guard again."

Sharon nodded in agreement. "Agreed. I will talk to some friends if they can help and are willing to take foodstuffs as payment for watching the farm for a few hours" Sally added

"Thanks Sally" Sharon said grateful for their help

As they continued to talk about the farm and how to save it, the sound of approaching vehicles caught their attention. Sharon's heart raced as she peered out the window and saw a strange car pulling up to the farmhouse.

"Someone is here," she said, her voice tense with apprehension.

Sharon and her team marched outside to confront the stranger and his entourage. This time, they were ready for whatever he had in store.

Raymond stepped out of his car, his expression a mask of cold determination. "Hello miss Sharon, I'm Raymond the man whose men you embarrassed a few days ago"

"What do you want? I already gave them my answer" Sharon spat as Raymond chuckled softly an amused expression on his face 

"Sharon, I'm giving you one last chance to sell me this farm. Otherwise, I'll have no choice but to use whatever means necessary to acquire it."

Sharon squared her shoulders, her gaze unwavering. "I've already told you, Raymond or whatever your name is. This farm is not for sale. Now, I suggest you turn around and leave before things get ugly."

Raymond's lips curled into a sneer. "You'll regret this, Sharon. Mark my words."

With that, Raymond and his associates retreated to their

cars and drove away, leaving Sharon and her team victorious once again or so they thought