AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He’s probably right, but I hope I never get to find out.
As Gray’s attorney, I will see to it that mentally he gets through this process. And we will do everything we can to protect his assets. Based on a quick glance at his file and discussions, he appears to have been fair in his dealings with her.
I don’t know why she loves the drama so much.
I would just want it done, too. She’s the one who cheated, and now she wants to see him suffer?
I help Dad up out of his seat. I know he’s embarrassed to accept defeat like this and departing mid-appointment, but he shouldn’t have been here in the first place. It’s absurd. I know Linda is going to hit the roof. I’m surprised she isn’t here already. She obviously hasn’t returned home yet.
Gray comes around to my side of the desk to help as dad straightens himself out.
“I’m fine,” he says, giving Gray an awkward smile. “Don’t you worry yourself, Grayson. We will look after you. I promise.”
Hearing him say that forms a lump in my throat. For all my father’s misgivings, he means well. And he doesn’t like to see good people get hurt either. He’s known the people in Stoney Creek for a lot longer than me. They’re like one big family; which is another thing I really dig about the prospect of a small town. I’m fairly outgoing, not that I’ve had much opportunity or time to meet new people in Boston, nor did I have a big circle of friends. I let work get in the way. But I like the idea of a community.
“I think I should drive you,” Gray offers as we all walk out of the conference room.
“No need,” dad says as we step out into the hall and head toward the reception.
It’s then we see Linda standing there with her hands on her hips, steam practically coming out of her ears. “On second thoughts,” dad says, his face paling when he sees her.
“Just what do you think you’re doing, Mr. Chambers?”
I try not to make a big deal out of what just happened and seeing Gray, but my mind is working overtime. I need a hot minute to process all of it. But right now, I need to make sure my dad is okay, and hopefully he will actually start listening to the people who love him.
I even call Dr. Bristow when we have him safely buckled in the car for a checkup. Linda is driving him straight over to the doctor’s office. Dr. Bristow has been the local GP in Stoney Creek forever, and he’s been looking after dad for years. I don’t think the doc is going to be pleased with what Linda has to tell him.
I honestly don’t even know what he thinks he’s doing gallivanting around a few days after being released.
“Your father sure is one tough cookie,” I hear his deep voice behind me, just after I’ve seen them off. Once Regina and I determine Gray's next steps and our plan, I'll call it a day. I’m worried about dad and I need to be there for him.
I spin around on my heel as Gray stands before me in the staff parking lot. His proximity is way too close, but it also sets my insides on fire.
He runs his hand through his hair with a sigh. “This day just gets better and better, doesn’t it?”
“I know,” I sigh. Still not being able to believe he’s standing here before me. I don’t think I’ve even processed it yet.
“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice concerned.
I bite my lip, but nod. It’s overwhelming seeing dad struggle when he’s always been so capable. I don’t think I’ve processed that part yet either. “I think so. Are you?”
He sighs and shrugs one shoulder. “I don’t know what to make of my situation anymore,” he says honestly. “She won’t stop.”
“I’m sorry she did that. She has no legal claim to Coyote Run at a glance at the prenup. The title deeds may be requested, but since the property is solely in your name and you acquired the land before you knew her, she has no legal claim to it. She’s drawing this out for some other reason.”
My bet is that she’s still in love with him, and because she can’t have him, she’s punishing him. I’ve seen this a few million times.
“For the record, she’s never had anything to do with the distillery,” he says quietly. “I kept Coyote Run separate, as I did my business for a reason. She’s just trying to mess with my head. Maybe I always knew she’d pull a stunt like this…” He trails off, pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to compose himself.
It’s painful to watch him being back in this somber state, but I can hardly blame him.
An hour ago, we believed this settlement was fairly straightforward and ready to conclude. But now this.
One thing I’ve learned during cases like this is that nothing is done until the signatures are dry. I don’t think we’ll be celebrating just yet.
“Unfortunately, it’s not always as black and white. Clearly, she’s done it to hit you where it would hurt the most,” I say, gently.
“It’s a shock, I have to admit. Even from her, after everything she’s done, I didn’t expect her to get this vindictive.”
