My heart beat rapidly as I increased the pressure on my clenched teeth. I shook my head. I didn’t want to reschedule. I wanted to get on the Batplane and fly back to New York. I wanted to talk to my mother about the accusations she’d made during her telephone call with Alton. I wanted to know why she suspected that Alton had a hand in my grandfather’s death. I wanted to know why she referred to Bryce as Alton’s son and why he didn’t refute her.
I took a step back and sank to one of the cushioned chairs at the table, my stomach twisting with each thought. I had questions. I needed answers.
Sleep had been evasive as I mulled over Mother and Alton’s conversation in my head. Sometime during the night I’d made a mental leap. If Momma blamed Alton for my grandfather’s death, could he also be responsible for my father’s?
“Miss Collins, are you all right?” Natalie asked.
“What?” I looked up into her concerned expression. I was sitting at the table with my head in my hands. Her question brought me back to present.
Nox squatted near my knees. “You’re suddenly pale. Are you sure you don’t want to reschedule?”
I shook my head again. Breakfast had been less than appetizing. I was ready for Lana’s cooking or even Silvia’s. The hotel room service didn’t even come close. “No. His voice just caught me off guard. If we reschedule we need to stay here longer. I don’t want to do that.”
“Can I get you something? Water or coffee?” Natalie asked. “I-I’m not sure how long Mr. Porter will be.”
Mr. Owen pulled back the sleeve of his suit coat and looked at his watch. “Mr. Porter will be here in less than five minutes, because that is the time we scheduled.”
“Sir, I-I’m not—”
Nox also stood. “Our appointment supersedes a walk-in, Ms. Banks.”
“I-I’ll see what I can do.”
“Miss Collins,” Mr. Owen said as he sat. “I’ve read over and over your grandfather’s will regarding my phone call with your mother. The way I interpret Article XII…” He pulled a printed document from his briefcase. “Right here.” He pointed.
As is now the case, it is essential that Adelaide Montague remain married to Alton Fitzgerald for the remainder of their earthly lives. As Adelaide’s husband, Alton Fitzgerald will have all rights set forth as the primary stockholder in Montague Corporation. If either party files for divorce or attempts to end the marriage, all Montague holdings revert to Alexandria Collins.
“So it’s all mine. End of story?”
“That would be too simple. Look at the next section.”
This wasn’t the first time or even the tenth time that Nox and I had mulled over this document. I knew I wasn’t an attorney yet, but some of the wording seemed inconsistent to me, at best.
Once the age or degree completion has occurred, in order for A. Collins to inherit the Montague holdings and assets and to fulfill the requirements set forth in this legal document she must adhere to the following:
Being of the legal age of twenty-five (or having completed her college degree), Alexandria Collins must agree to a legal union with a husband who too will represent her and their biological children’s shares in Montague Corporation as well as in the running of private Montague assets.
“And this is where we get into the bullshit about Spencer,” Nox said, leaning back in the chair beside me, no longer reading along.
“Yes,” Mr. Owen confirmed. “I do believe he’s no longer a viable option. Thankfully, your grandfather put the qualifier in that he must prove himself worthy.”
“But the codicil changes everything anyway, right?” I prayed we’d interpreted it correctly.
“It qualifies, but quite honestly there’s room for interpretation. If contested, it could go before a judge and be reheard.”
“The codicil says that the assets will be equally divided between the heirs. That’s Alex and her mom,” Nox refuted.
“Yes. I’ve been reviewing your mother’s prenuptial agreement. Your grandfather may have entrusted his daughter to Alton Fitzgerald, but he didn’t his fortune or his company. The wording is complex legalese. Just like the portion of the will pertaining to you, the prenuptial agreement is vague. In essence, your grandfather forbade their divorce. I’d assume he was concerned that Mr. Fitzgerald would be the one to initiate it. That was why he stipulated the assets going to you. He even made that stipulation in the case of either of their deaths.
I nodded. “Alton told me that Momma wouldn’t die. He said some things are worse than death.”
“Unbelievable,” Nox muttered.
Daryl Owen looked up from the document, his dark eyes swirling with both disbelief and pity as he shook his head. “Okay, well, I interpret your grandfather’s wishes as no matter what, Montague will stay in the family. His stipulation for liquidation and assets going to Fitzgerald Investments was nullified by the codicil.”
“So we’re good?” Nox said.
“Where it gets complicated are the stipulations for Alexandria’s inheritance. He states twenty-five years of age or the completion of a degree.”
“I have a degree.”
Mr. Owen nodded. “And a legal union with a husband who too will represent her and their biological children’s shares…”
“Misogynistic.” I shook my head. “Come on, even the monarchy of England is now recognizing female heirs in lines of succession. If this goes before a judge, he or she would recognize that times have changed.”
“Get out of my way!”
My breath caught in my lungs at Alton’s demand. His voice was coming from right outside the door.
“No, sir,” Isaac responded.
“I said get out of my way. Alexandria is in there and I need to see her.”
We all waited, the entire room holding its collective breath, but Isaac didn’t respond.
“Alexandria!” Alton’s voice boomed from the other side of the door. “If you want your mother to have any chance of a divorce, get out here.”
Nox put his hand on my arm. “Don’t move. You heard your mom on that call. She can handle him. Let her.”
The dread I’d felt at first hearing his voice as we ascended the elevator shaft morphed. Nox was right, my mother had stood up to him. Alton’s world was crumbling and it was time I stopped bowing to his every demand.
Disobeying Nox’s demand, I stood. “I’m not going out there, but if he wants to talk to me, he can come in here, in front of all of you.”
“No,” Nox said. “You don’t owe that pig anything.”
“I don’t. I want him to know I’m done listening to him. I want him to hear it from me.”
Nox narrowed his gaze, scanning me from head to toe. “Are you sure?”
Rolling my upper lip between my teeth, I considered my decision. As I did, I turned to his reassuring light-blue stare. His presence overwhelmed me as it had from our first meeting. It wasn’t stifling, like Alton’s or Bryce’s. I didn’t disappear in his presence. I became more.
With Nox I was safe and strong. It wasn’t the knowledge that he could fight my battle, but knowing that I could. I could stand against the injustices in my life and I’d be supported, because Nox understood that my power didn’t threaten his control.
Nodding, I reached for Nox. As we touched, I stared at the contrast in our hands.
His was larger and stronger, and had given me so much.
His hands had held me, caressed me, and given me delight. They’d taken me where no one else had gone. They’d teased me, bound me, and even spanked me. They’d brought me to tears and to ecstasy.
Nox had taught me to trust with my whole self. It was a gift. With him I knew who I was. With his hands, he’d shown me strength, not in him, but in myself.
“Alexandria!”
Last night on the phone Momma had lit a match to Alton’s world. I heard the panic in his voice. It was time to fan the flame.
Straightening my shoulders, I lifted my chin. “I am. I’m done cowering at the sight of him.
I’m done being a scared little girl. Montague is Momma’s and mine. If he wants anything after the divorce, he needs to learn who’s in charge. The scepter has been passed. It’s time for him to bow.”
Giving Nox’s hand a squeeze, I moved mine to the table and steadied my stance. Though my entire body trembled as if the room had suddenly dropped twenty degrees, I did my best to appear confident.
Alton’s demand came again, this time with threats to Isaac and everyone keeping him away from his daughter.
Nox’s warm hand covered one of mine as he lowered his voice. “You want to do this?”
I swallowed and nodded.
Nox looked to Mr. Owen. “You heard the lady. Open the door.”
When Daryl pulled the door inward, only Isaac’s back was visible. He literally filled the doorway. By the way his jacket strained I could easily imagine his arms crossed over his chest, his protruding brow beneath his shaved head, and the same scowl he’d worn in front of Montague Manor.
“Isaac,” Nox said, “Miss Collins will see Mr. Fitzgerald.”
“Sir?”
“Alexandria, come out here,” Alton demanded. “We’ll talk in private.”
“Isaac,” I said calmly, “if Alton wants to speak to me, he can come to me.”
Instead of stepping aside, Isaac pivoted into the room. His back flattened against the wall. His arms were still crossed just as I’d imagined, and his expression was as intimidating as I’d ever seen. Though it was meant to cause fear, his sneer made me smile.
I turned back to the open door. “If you have something to say, come in here and say it.”
“Alexandria, this is a private family matter.”
With Suzanna by his side and Ralph behind him, his face glowed a deep shade of crimson.
My smile grew. “Suzanna isn’t family.”
“Alexandria?” She elongated my name, each syllable dripping with Southern guilt. The tone alone said she was hurt by my comment and insulted by my audacity. It was the way proper ladies condemned one another, verbal cues that spoke more than words. Usually they were accompanied by a smile on their face and a drink in their hand.
I tilted my head innocently as my eyes met hers. Then straightening my stance, I turned back to Alton. “This is your last chance. Speak now or forever hold your peace. We’re leaving today and won’t be returning until we are needed to testify.”
“On Bryce’s behalf… right?” Suzanna said. “Dear, he needs you. He’s distraught. Come to Carmichael Hall. You know—”
“Mr. Fitzgerald?” Mr. Owen interrupted.
Alton’s chest puffed as he took a step through the doorway. “Alexandria…” The restraint in his voice was impressive as he kept his gray eyes on me. “You always have been a spitfire.”
“What do you want, Alton? What could you possibly say to me now that your marriage is over and your world is crumbling?”
“No, that’s where you’re wrong. It’s your world and your mother’s that is crumbling. My world is intact. This is Savannah. I rule Savannah.”
I shook my head. “Every dictatorship comes to an end.”
“Really, Alexandria. The Montagues aren’t a dictatorship; they’re an American monarchy and your reign doesn’t need to end. Don’t let your mother’s delusional and irrational decisions stop you from what was at your fingertips.” He took a step closer.
Though Nox’s shoulder was against my side and his woodsy scent soothed me, my vision was beginning to narrow. My heart beat faster as the red faded and Alton’s confidence grew.
Fighting my childhood training, I maintained my ground. “My mother isn’t delusional. She’s clearheaded for the first time.”
“No, dear. It’s too late for that. I filed papers long ago.” He tilted his head toward Ralph. “He can show you. Your mother signed them. She can’t file for divorce. She’s not mentally stable. She lost the legal right to make that or any other decision years ago. Her behavior recently, her stay at Magnolia Woods… it all supports how truly ill she is.”
He twisted the figurative knife, doing what he did so well. He planned and plotted. He prepared for every turn of events. Yet if that were the case, why had he been yelling at Ralph?
I shook my head. “No. She’s free from you. She’ll never come back.”
“That’s up to you.”
“I’m not marrying Bryce!” My declaration came out louder and shriller than even I liked.
Alton nodded, a smile gracing his thin lips. “You’ve made that clear. I have an alternative for you, a way to give your mother the freedom she thinks she wants without allowing her to end up destitute.”
“She will never be destitute,” Nox’s deep voice infiltrated my nightmare. “Neither will Alex.”
“Alexandria, you are the heir to more money than these criminals can fathom. If you think that either one of them is interested in anything other than your bank account, you’re mistaken.”
His tone was slow and calm. He’d moved closer and closer until only the shiny table separated us.
My hands slid on the table’s surface, perspiration leaching from my palms despite the goose bumps on my skin.
“That’s not true,” I countered. “I love Lennox and…” I took a deep breath. “…for the first time I’ve seen what Momma looks like in love.”
He shook his head. “Delusional. I wonder what drugs she’s taking now. Is she washing the pills down with wine? It’s her favorite pastime.”
“Stop it! She’s not. She’s strong.”
“The choice is yours, Alexandria. I’ll let her go. I’ll even give her some money in the settlement, so that when that criminal gets tired of her, when he learns how truly boring her company can be in and out of bed, at least she’ll be able to afford a roof over her head.”
I didn’t try to hide the disgust from my face. “You’re the one who’s delusional. You’re the one who will be without a roof.”
“Alexandria,” Ralph said. “I have the medical and legal power of attorney. If you’d like Daryl to look at it, that can be arranged. The documents support what Alton is saying.”
I shook my head, trying to keep my thoughts straight. “You wanted me to marry…” My stomach twisted, bile bubbling at the words I was about to say. “…your son!”
Alton’s eyes opened wide as Suzanna’s closed.
“That is not common knowledge. I did, but I was wrong. It isn’t too late,” Alton said.
“Too late? It is. He’s going to prison. He killed a woman.”
“Dear, he didn’t.” Suzanna’s words faded away as Alton and I continued our stare down.
“Hear my proposal.”
Straightening my neck allowed much-needed air to fill my lungs. “Make it quick.”
“I’ll give your mother the divorce. I won’t make a public spectacle out of her mental state. We’ll keep it a family matter. You don’t need to marry Bryce. However, you will need to marry. Without a marriage you can’t inherit. I’ve generously decided to allow you to maintain your inheritance. Instead of marrying Bryce, once the divorce is final, you’ll marry me.”
THE SMALL ROOM exploded in a chorus of retorts.
Suzanna’s skin paled until it filled with red, her blood running to parts unknown and then rushing to the surface. She wobbled on her too-high heels until she found her voice. “What the hell? Her? What the hell?”
Her distaste for foul language was forgotten as she spewed and sputtered. She repeated the question, each time louder, though no one answered. She wasn’t alone. Nox was on his feet, rage permeating his words and oozing from his stance. He wanted Alton out of the room, demanding that Daryl file an immediate restraining order.
Isaac’s eyes were wide as shock registered on Ralph’s and Daryl’s faces.
It was chaos, yet through it all, Alton stood steadfast, his hands now on the table, his beady gray eyes seeing only me. With each passing moment, his thin lips moved to a smile as he slowly scanned me up and down, seeing as far as the table wo
uld allow.
My flesh quivered as if his gaze could literally touch me, could see beneath my clothes.
“As I said, a spitfire.”
I reached for Nox as he lunged forward. “Everyone, stop.”
The turmoil quieted though it hung thick in the air.
“Alexandria, it’s your chance to keep what you should never lose and help your mother in the process.”
The first laugh was more of a cough. I feared that it might be filled with the bile that his proposal had produced. It wasn’t. Instead the ring filled the room. With each breath my laughter grew until it poured from my soul. I was manic as tears of hilarity filled my eyes. “Delusional? You’re the one who’s delusional.”
Alton straightened his shoulders. “I’ve always said it would be fun to tame you. Bryce couldn’t handle you, but I can.”
“Out!” Nox yelled. “Get the hell out of here and stay the fuck away from her. If you get within fifty feet, screw that—one hundred yards—you’re a dead man.”
I reached out to Nox’s arm, stilling his words and his threats.
“Ralph can draw up the agreement,” Alton said.
“No.” I turned to Mr. Owen. “You and Ralph take care of whatever needs to happen. We’re done. Obviously it’s my mother’s husband who is in need of medication or maybe hospitalization. I think both medical and psychiatric evaluations are warranted.” I turned back to Alton, doing my best to ignore the glare coming from Suzanna. “You’re a desperate man and desperate men do desperate things. Here’s my advice: go fuck your whore and visit your son before he’s put away for life… or sentenced to death.”
The crimson returning to his cheeks was oddly comforting.
“My mother and I are done.” I reached for my purse as Nox placed his hand in the small of my back.
When Alton didn’t move, Isaac stepped forward. “Sir, step aside.”
As Alton turned, I saw my stepfather in a different light. He wasn’t the monster I’d allowed him to be. He was a pathetic tyrant, a bully of a man. When faced with Isaac’s girth, his wrinkles deepened and he shrunk into his expensive suit.