She says nothing but reaches for my hand over her shoulder and squeezes it, causing Morgan to narrow her eyes. I turn my attention to my mother and offer her the same courtesy. I am making a statement to the women here by placing Rose before all of them because that is her standing now. She is the most important woman in my life, and my mom wouldn’t have it any other way.
As Morgan settles into the seat opposite Rose, I’m glad that the table is round because I am flanked on both sides by my family, all facing the woman none of us is happy to spend time with.
The waiter arrives, and we take time to order, and only when he walks away does Morgan turn to Rose.
“I wanted to speak to you about your inheritance.”
We say nothing, offer no reaction and merely stare at the woman with no interest.
I note her expression is one of smugness and wonder what she is keeping up her sleeve.
“I’m afraid to inform you that when your father died, he had left a new will naming me as the sole beneficiary, so your prank in marrying this man has only served to chain you to a bastard for the rest of your life.”
If anything, I’m impressed that she doesn’t hold back, and Rose stiffens beside me and then leans forward, her posture one of defiance, causing a brief smile to light my mom’s lips.
“I imagine you have solid proof of that.”
Morgan nods. “I took the liberty of bringing you a copy so you can read it for yourself.”
She reaches into her oversized bag and pulls out a leather-bound folder, pushing it across the table toward Rose.
Rather than open it, Rose slides it across to me and says unemotionally, “Julius, would you please be so kind as to read this.”
“Of course.”
I settle back and proceed to devour the document as Morgan says smugly, “You will note the dates and the signature. Your father made the changes after he decided you were all too naïve to trust with his dynasty. He realized that it would require a strong woman at the helm, and it was his saddest realization that his daughters were weak, foolish and spoiled. They would never be up to the job, and as we all know, the Diamond Dynasty was his one true love, and I, as it happens, came a very close second.”
Mom speaks up.
“We only have your word on that, Morgan, and forgive me for not holding that credible.”
Morgan’s glare could cut one of the diamonds she deals in, as Mom shakes her head. “If that is the case, why arrange this lunch? Why request my attendance when this is something you could have entrusted to your lawyers?”
“Because Rose is family, Sophia and you, above everyone, should understand the importance of that.”
“Yes, family. I understand everything it involves, and I know it doesn’t mean making my kids’ lives a misery. Treating them like servants and arranging a dismal, painful life for them at your command. I know a lot about family and as it turns out, I don’t believe you have one.”
Morgan’s eyes flash, but the waiter returns with ourdrinks, and as soon as he leaves, Morgan hisses, “You’re right, Sophia. I don’t have a family, which is why I am going to such lengths to cut ties with my husband’s.”
She fixes Rose with a sneer.
“So, as you can see, there is no reason for us to meet again, and if you ever see your sisters again, you can tell them the same. There is no fortune, no diamonds, except for the sum of one dollar in a checking account in each of your names.”
Her triumphant glare could shatter the windows of this establishment, and as she stands, I say evenly, “I would remain seated if I were you, Morgan.”
“I don’t follow your orders,Julius.” My name is said with spite, and I raise my eyes, directing my anger into my frown, and she drops into her seat slightly more nervous than before.
“This document is fake, and I can prove it.”
I relish the alarm in her expression before she shuts it down and attempts to brush my comment aside.
“You are lying, and I have every confidence you will lose if you challenge me on this.”
I close the folder and lean back, nonchalance my weapon, stripping away her triumph through fear.
“You see, Morgan, a magician doesn’t reveal his secrets and operates under smoke and mirrors.”
“What are you talking about?”
