Savannah began to cry. “We didn’t know—”
“Ignorance does not excuse cruelty,” Bennett said firmly. “Legally, your inheritance is revoked. Charlie is now sole beneficiary of an estate valued at over $48 million.”
Ryan collapsed into a chair.
Ethan stared at the table.
Charlie raised a hand.
“Wait,” he said.
He stepped forward.
“I don’t care about the money,” Charlie said quietly. “I never did. But I care about my family.”
He looked at his siblings — really looked at them.
“You have one choice,” he continued. “Leave now in your luxury cars and never come back. Keep your pride.”
He paused.
“Or leave your keys on this table. Take off the suits. Work this ranch with me for one month. No titles. No air conditioning. No shortcuts. Up at 4 a.m. every day.”
Ryan swallowed hard.
“One month?”
“One month,” Charlie said. “If you can live the life you mocked — and respect it — we’ll split everything evenly. Not because of money. Because you’ll have earned understanding.”
The silence stretched.
Then Ryan slowly removed his keys and placed them on the table.
“I don’t want the millions,” he said, voice breaking. “I want my brother.”
Savannah slipped off her heels. “Teach me to plant something,” she whispered.