page1 (2/2)

“Well, you know the Jacksons have been trying to get hold of that land out in West Valley, the plot they always said was theirs, right?”

“Yeah, I’ve heard about that,” Brandon said, coh his hair The Jacksons and the Bel back to the early 1900s, mostly over land disputes and other politics, soold-rush era Of course, Jonah Belrandfather, back in the early 1900s settled things out and had opened up his first hotel but it wasn’t easy He’dthat time The land was eventually sold to another coain Another company decided to build a resort there but failed so the Belmonts reclaimed the facility and revamped it into one of their latest franchises in the hotel chain Because of the breathtaking mountain view and ranches, they’d converted the place into souests Much different froh-rise hotels in the various major cities

“Here, read this” Chase handed Brandon his cell phone The screen showed a page froossip website

LEGAL DISPUTE OVER BELMONT RANCH RESORT

According to sources in the area, the Belmont Ranch Resort is in deep financial trouble after claims of a dispute over the hotel’s land Half of the ranch land apparently belongs to Jackson’s Travel Lodge heirs…An additional claimthat the newly renovated resort, which was acquired by the Belmonts in a hostile takeover fro on unstable land…The source, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisal froineers who carade the real estate as safe…

“What the hell!” Brandon muttered

“My words exactly Those sons of a bitch are trying to shut us down out there, saying that the facility is not safe at the location where it is Saying we bribed engineers to give us the green light so the project renovation could go ahead And on the land dispute fair and clear in court years ago Why are they dru up that old ne?”

“Those lon…” Brandon hissed

“It’s crazy,” Cole added “They can’t get aith this They could be liable for defamation I’d kill them if Dad ever found out about this It’ll send hiht now Theto do to him?”

“Well, now you see why I have to go out there,” Chase said “I’ve already contacted our lawyers to deal with the libel”

“I’ll get n,” Brandon added, fury in his controlled voice

“Hey, what are you young le with the guests,” Aunt Maya said, as she approached her nephews “Oh, and you’ll never guess who’s here!”

“Who?”

“The Santigo family They’ve been placed on the list of who’s who for new billionaires after their tech business took off Their sons have been dee on you guys You’ve been blessed with the Belenes And then the Lee fa,” she said, scanning the hter but everyone knows she’s not really into men, if you knohat I ot a name is here Bradley from the Belmont Cab Company is here with his faing Talk about…” Aunt Maya paused fro of news on everyone’s business there, and then she frowned “You guys look like you’ve been in serious discussion and I know it’s not about na I know I overdid it with the spices and the oregano was a bit ht”

Chase grinned “Aunt Maya, there’s nothing wrong with your lasagna”

“Well, you know your father wants nothing uests You know, ever since you all started these appreciation dinners to let hiive everyone a chance to tell hiotten to his head” She placed her hands on her hips “Can’t say I bla that we can’t just save nice words ‘til after folks pass on Who knows if they can hear wherever they’re going Got to do it here and now Good idea, boys It’s really catching on in the Bel appreciation parties for no reason for his grandmother, and well, it’s the talk of the town”

“Hey, you know Dad iven so much to this community The whole Belmont line has,” Chase said

“Well, they didn’t narandfather for no reason He was a pioneer in the economic development of this place back in the day”