DYNASTY - kayce dutton

chapter thirteen

REAGAN SAT at her desk, her home office illuminated by the soft glow of the sun shining through the blinds casting shadows stretched long across the walls. The ranch outside was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of wind through the trees, a stark contrast to the turmoil that seemed to be brewing on every front. She leaned back in her chair, flipping through the mountain of paperwork she'd amassed over the last few weeks, most of it revolving around the land dispute with Dan Jenkins. It wasn't just about the ranch anymore—this was war, and she wasn't backing down.

Her phone rang, cutting through the silence. She glanced at the screen, frowning when she saw the name.

Jamie Dutton.

Reagan sighed and answered, "Jamie, what is it?"

His voice exploded through the line, sharp and furious. "What the fuck did you do?"

Reagan sat up straight, her patience already thin. "Excuse me? What the fuck is your problem?"

"Jenkins served my father papers," Jamie spat, his words dripping with anger. "A retaliation of sorts. My guess is your family's next."

Reagan let out a slow, almost amused sigh. "Oh, Jamie. Your tiny brain couldn't possibly comprehend what I have up my sleeve. Your father was prepared for this—he's the one who gave me the green light to bait that motherfucker Jenkins."

Jamie's silence lingered for a moment before he responded, voice tight with frustration. "He didn't inform me of this."

Reagan couldn't help the smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh, the drama. Jamie, your daddy issues are the least of my worries. Take it up with your father. He'll explain everything you need to know."

"This could blow back on both of our families," Jamie snapped, the tension in his voice rising. "Do you have any idea what kind of a mess you're stirring up?"

Reagan rolled her eyes. "Jamie, you're not telling me anything I don't already know. Your father trusted me with this for a reason. He knew exactly what he was doing, leaving Jenkins to me. Meanwhile, you've got your campaign to think about. I'd suggest focusing on that and letting the grown-ups handle this."

There was a pause on the other end, and she could practically hear Jamie grinding his teeth. "This isn't over."

"Oh, I know," Reagan replied smoothly. "But it's under control. I'll deal with Jenkins, and you go play politics. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do."

She ended the call without waiting for his response, tossing the phone onto her desk. Reagan leaned back in her chair, a smug smile playing on her lips. Jenkins may have thought he was clever, but he had no idea what kind of storm he'd just walked into.

She had baited him, and now the game was fully in her hands.

Reagan leaned back in her chair, a smirk pulling at the corners of her lips as she thought about Jamie's call. He didn't understand, but then again, how could he? She had baited Jenkins perfectly, and Jamie was just catching up. She grabbed her phone and texted Jamie, her fingers flying over the screen before calling him back.

"Let me spell it out for you since you seem so clueless," Reagan said, her voice dripping with mock patience as Jamie picked up. "Jenkins thinks he has us cornered because he served your father papers? That's cute. Here's what you're not seeing, Jamie—I baited Jenkins into reacting exactly how I wanted him to."

She could almost hear Jamie fuming through the line. "What are you talking about?"

Reagan sighed, ready to enjoy explaining her strategy. "I knew Jenkins would come for us once I hit him with the environmental injunction and the cease-and-desist on his land. He's arrogant, used to getting his way without people pushing back. By filing those papers first, I forced his hand. He retaliated just like I knew he would, and now he's caught in a legal snare."