She clears her throat. “If we were to go to court, their side could request documents related to the deal, and the court would force us to provide them. That could include documentation of your claim to ownership by inheritance.”
Nico’s eyes harden, trying to show no fear, but it’s too late. “I have nothing to hide.”
“Don’t you? Where do you want me to start? The fraudulent will or the attempted murder contract?” Jack asks.
Maybe it says something about my life, since the wordsfraudulent willcatch my attention more thanattempted murdercontract.
I cross my arms. “No one believes Theo was left out of that will, Nico. No one who knows Frank Donahue.”
“Letting a few hundred thousand go was easier, faster, and,” Jack chuckles, “quite frankly, a hell of a lot cheaper than fighting you in probate court.”
“The statute of limitations has run on any will contest.”
“Proving you kept Theo out of the picture while that clock ticked will be as easy as calling Deny to the stand, and you know it, or at least your attorney does.” Jack gestures toward the woman sitting very still beside Nico. “So, keep your will, even though everyone knows it’s a lie. But you won’t make any more money off Donahue’s Bakery. And you will leave Theo alone.”
“Who is Theo to you? An employee? Surely we can discuss this like businessmen.”
Katherine clears her throat. “You said something about attempted murder.”
“We know you paid Deny to keep Theo Donahue running for his life for the past few years, and we know you did it to keep him away from challenging Frank Donahue’s will,” I say. “He did an exceptionally good job. If someone were to hear about it, it would seem like you couldn’t care less if Theo was dead or on the run. Deny, you will find, is no longer an asset you can rely upon. But if anyone else comes around trying to make Theo’s life difficult—if they even make him moderately uncomfortable—you will find this meeting one of the best encounters you and I ever have. Is that clear?”
Nico tries to stare me down, but falters. “He had no right to any of it. He isn’t a Donahue and never will be. No will changes that.”
“Nico.” Katherine puts a hand on his arm. “Be careful what you say.”
“Or what?” He sneers. “They have the business. Does them no good to come after Theo’s half from the will when they already have it all.”
I straighten. Half. Frank really left Theo half, and I can’t wait to tell him.
“You need to leave now.” That cold voice comes from none other than Bishop Frost, who leans against the wall to the conference room with a deadly ease. I didn’t hear him come in, and I can tell Nico didn’t either. Quinn is here too, and he moves closer to us. Theo stands in the door, eyes locked on mine until I give him a smile.
He heard Nico, and he knows. Frank never meant to cut him out.
“Gladly,” Nico snaps.
“Here.” I slide Theo the papers I kept, the second deal I made today.
“What’s this?”
“You are now the proud owner of Donahue’s Bakery, baby. I just bought it and sold it to you for the dollar I asked you for in Jack’s office.”
“I thought that was for the vending machine.”
“It wasn’t.” I plant a quick kiss on his mouth. “Don’t know your birthday, so consider the rest a gift—early or late. You can tell me later.”
Chapter 22: Matt
I know how altering just a little thing—more, less, or something new altogether—can change everything. I have built my professional life upon the art of those nuances. So the difference in Theo in the weeks following Nico’s visit shouldn’t be a surprise. All that hurt and baggage and harm. Gone, or well, maybe closure if not truly gone. The financial worries, which I remember well from the kitchen-table bills with my grandmother—gone.
He’s not a different person, just more vibrant. He’s still quiet, but the weight he carried isn’t there anymore. This is like falling in love with the same person twice in a lifetime.
“Theo’s on his way?” Perrin asks, sliding beside me on the outdoor couch at the Big House. I raise an eyebrow at him being a nosy ass, and he gestures at the phone still in my hand. “The smile was a dead giveaway.”
“He just finished up at Maxine’s and is headed this way. I left him my Four-Runner.”
“Uncle Matt!” Piper plops down half on me before I see her coming. “Mom said I can do a new video today. And Liam.”
“Sweet.” I give her a high five and fist bump Liam. “Let’s do a longer one today, ok?”
