A Farm Girl's Reckoning

Hanna Carter was an ex-special forces soldier, the Queen of the Battlefield. Before he died, her father, General Cane, asked her to return to the ranch and live a quiet life. She buried her past, married Jake Thompson, and raised their five children. For years Jake's family lived off her sacrifice.

Jake returned from the army with Olivia and asked for a divorce. He planned to marry Olivia. He called Hanna a farm wife and said they no longer belonged in the same world. Olivia wanted the ranch as her wedding venue and called herself the lady of the house. Jake ordered Hanna out with the five kids and offered five hundred dollars a month. Hanna refused to leave her home.

Hanna revealed the ranch belonged to her father, not Jake. Jake presented divorce papers that surrendered all ownership of the ranch, land, property, and livestock to him. Hanna refused. Olivia struck one of Hanna's children. Hanna struck Olivia back. Jake threatened Hanna with his military connections. Hanna filed a complaint. Lieutenant Petro dismissed it. General Ethan Shaw, Hanna's former comrade, arrived, relieved Petro of duty, and took the case. The military tribunal froze Jake's accounts pending an investigation into the theft of another service member's property.

Jake and Olivia plotted to force Hanna to sign the transfer. Olivia did not want the five children in their lives. Jake gave Hanna a deadline. Hanna audited the ranch accounts: three hundred head of cattle at eighteen hundred dollars each, wool from twelve hundred sheep. She filed an asset investigation with the military tribunal.

Jake drew a gun and demanded the signature. Hanna fought back. Her answer: "You will never ever take Maple Ranch from me."