Chapter 246: At the Break of Dawn

At the break of dawn, Elena Ward was awakened by rustling noises in the yard. Rubbing her eyes, she saw her eldest sister, Rose Jackson, already bustling around the stove.

"Sis, why so early?" Elena asked, pulling on her coat as she stepped outside.

Rose Jackson wiped the sweat from her brow. "We're selling the pigs today. Need to get ready early." She tossed more firewood into the stove. "Didn't feed them last night, so I'm giving them some water this morning."

Daniel Ward returned from the backyard, his pants still flecked with grass. "All four pigs are lively. Each must weigh at least three hundred pounds."

The three children were up too. Luke Jackson rubbed his hands excitedly. "Mom, can we pay for Sam's tuition after selling the pigs?"

Rose Jackson smiled and nodded. "Not just tuition—we'll get you all new clothes too."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the gate. Nolan Brooks entered with a short, stocky man in tow.

"Luke, this is Mr. Sun," Nolan introduced. "He's here to buy pigs."

Luke quickly offered a cigarette. Sun took it, but his eyes kept drifting toward Rose Jackson.

"Heard you're quite the pig farmer, Miss Rose?" Sun exhaled smoke rings.

Rose Jackson smiled shyly. "Learned it all from Nolan."

The group headed to the backyard pigpen. Sun's eyes lit up at the sight of the four plump, healthy pigs. "Wow, these are well-raised!"

He sidled up to the pen, then suddenly reached out and pinched Rose Jackson's arm. "You're quite the capable woman!"

Rose Jackson stiffened, stepping back half a pace. Luke instantly moved between them. "Mr. Sun, keep your hands to yourself while inspecting the pigs."

Sun chuckled awkwardly, withdrawing his hand. "Just got carried away. These pigs are impressive."

Nolan stood nearby, his fists clenched tight.

"Alright," Sun pulled out a calculator. "I'll take all four at ninety cents per pound."

Rose Jackson was about to agree when Nolan suddenly spoke up. "Wait. I'll pay ninety-five."

Sun's face darkened. "Nolan, that's not how we do business."

"Highest bidder wins—isn't that what you taught me?" Nolan smirked.

Elena sensed the tension and subtly tugged Luke's sleeve.

"Fine! Ninety-five it is!" Sun gritted his teeth.

"A dollar," Nolan said calmly.

Sun's face turned livid. "Nolan! Are you trying to screw me over?"

"Mr. Sun," Luke interjected smoothly, "how about we sell two today and save the rest for later?"

Sun shot Nolan a glare, spat out "Ungrateful wretch," and stormed off.

The yard fell silent. Rose Jackson wrung her hands anxiously. "What do we do now...?"

"Don't worry," Nolan said suddenly. "I'll take them. At a dollar twenty."

Elena's eyes widened in surprise. Daniel studied Nolan thoughtfully.

"That's... too generous," Rose Jackson stammered.

Nolan's gaze softened. "Consider it a New Year's gift for the kids."

A small smile curved Elena's lips. It seemed today's sale wasn't just about pigs after all...