She kissed him quickly on the forehead. “Get some sleep.”
“Like I could sleep with all this excitement going on,” he whispered, already halfway to nodding off.
“I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.” Bella snagged Dad’s jacket off the back of the bathroom door and ran. The courthouse wasn’t that far away, and since there weren’t any cabs waiting at the curb, she took off on foot.
By the time she got to the courthouse, a line of perspiration made its way down her back. Her reflection in the elevator doors was a fright. She took the fifteen-second ride to slick her hair back into a ponytail at the base of her neck. All the while, she pleaded with the Lord to get her there on time.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Adam
Adam slouched in the wooden chair, his chin nearly touching his chest. A week had passed since Bella had run out of his life. A long, long week full of dismal days and dreary nights. Eating was done without tasting. He didn’t climb. Phase II was on hold until this lawsuit was taken care of, so he didn’t have much to occupy his time. And everywhere he looked around the castle was a reminder of Bella.
Even sitting here in Judge Stavish’s courtroom reminded him of her first day in court. That was the day she’d offered him kindness. Kindness that led to friendship. Friendship that led to love. At least on his part.
Bella may love him, but that wasn’t enough to make him her first priority. And, as egotistical as it may seem, he needed that. In a world where most people only saw his bank account, he needed someone who saw his personal worth. He’d thought that was Bella.
He’d been wrong.
As much as he hated being wrong, his heart hurt more than his pride.
“I submit for evidence …” Charles Alexander’s voice boomed through the courtroom.
Philip poked Adam from behind, jolting him out of his contemplative state and back to the matter at hand. Adam sat taller, clasping his hands in front of him on the table and applying a look of interest to his face.
“… the last will and testament of Duke Moreau.” He handed the document to the bailiff, who in turn handed it to the judge. “Where it clearly states in section 27, subsection D that Adam Moreau is to keep The Rose Apartments at eighty percent capacity.”
Judge Stavish flipped through several sheets. He donned a pair of thick reading glasses and took a moment to peruse the section in question.
Adam swallowed, hating his father for his controlling ways. Even in death, he had to manipulate Adam’s life.
Charles walked in a slow circle as he waited. When he passed Adam’s table, he leaned down and said, “I’ll be sure and show my gratitude to Bella for giving me the will.” He winked, making Adam’s stomach churn. Something flashed, and his eyes were drawn to an engagement ring in Charles’s palm. He snapped his hand shut, the ring in his fist, and continued on his circle.
Adam should have punched him, but he couldn’t bring up the energy to fight. If Bella had chosen Charles—if they’d been in on this from the beginning—then he’d been a fool. A fool and his money soon parted ways, right?
“Go on.” Judge Stavish nodded for Charles to continue. “If he fails to do so, his inheritance, including any gains from said inheritance, will be given to the city of Seattle.”
Adam could hear the politicians salivating. They were not here in person, but their aides occupied the entire back row. Several lobbyists had put in an appearance. No doubt they were ready to snatch up the funds to further their agendas. The wolves were here too, sitting two rows behind Charles. The three of them lined up as if posing for a portrait. He could hear them almost panting with anticipation.
The whole thing was exhausting.
“I’d also like to submit as evidence the stubs for the renter’s deposits returned to every occupant of The Rose Apartments in the last three months.” Charles, the bailiff, and the judge went through the same dance.
“I’m so sorry,” Philip whispered beside him. His uncle insisted on coming to testify on his behalf. No doubt the Charles had subpoenaed the check stubs.
Adam waved off his concern. This wasn’t Philip’s fault. The man had done more than his share of trying to warn Adam, and Adam hadn’t listened. In a sad way, Adam was glad Philip was here. He may not wear fine-cut suits or dine with Seattle’s elite, but he was a solid person who was here for Adam. That was of more value than the castle.
Once the judge had counted through the slips and noted the evidence, Charles continued, “Because he has failed in this stipulation, I move that Adam Moreau’s fortune be turned over to the City of Seattle.” He sat down with a flourish, his back straight and his grin confident. Charles was an excellent lawyer. Not an ethical one, but one who got results.
“Defense?” Judge Stavish shuffled papers around on his desk. The sound filled the courtroom. Adam remained in his seat. When he noticed the silence, the judge looked up. “Mr. Moreau, what have you to say?”
Adam ran his hand through his hair. “Nothing.”
“Nothing?” Stavish said, aghast.
The room erupted in whispers.
Stavish banged his gavel and called for order. “Mr. Moreau, your entire fortune, your holdings, your investments, and yourhomeare included in this trust. Do you have any defense?”
