He had worked for her father for many years, handled all the company’s legal matters, and had been the family’s mosttrusted legal counsel. After her father’s death, he’d transitioned to advising Frank almost without a word. Back then, it had seemed perfectly logical. Nina had never been interested in the family business, and she knew her father would eventually pass it on to Frank. She’d stayed out of it.
But now everything was different.
Nina took a deep breath and pressed call.
“Nina?” Robert picked up almost immediately. His voice, as always, sounded calm and kind.“It’s so nice to hear from you.”
“Good afternoon, Robert,” she said, forcing her voice into steady control, though her fingers tightened around the phone.“I’m sorry to bother you, but this is urgent.”
“Of course. I’m listening.”
“I’d like to… suspend the transfer of the shares to Frank,” she said as firmly as she could, afraid her voice might shake.
There was a short pause on the other end.
“I’m sorry, Nina, did I hear you correctly? Suspend it?”
“Yes,” she confirmed,feeling her chest constrict.
She had no intention of sharing her suspicions with him. And besides, a fear gnawed at her that he might be beholden to Frank. They had worked side by side for years under her father. And she had always remained just the daughter. And then the wife.
“Did something happen?” His voice softened, almost concerned.
He had always treated her warmly, almost like a daughter. A memory surfaced of him bringing her chocolate when she was a child, stopping by her father’s office with documents. Nina felt a little steadier. How could she have doubted him?
“No, of course not,” she said quickly.“I just need time to think.”
“Nina, are you sure? Frank won’t be happy if he finds out. And he’s beenunusually insistent about finalizing this. Most likely he’ll ask again tomorrow or the day after.”
“That’s exactly why,” she said quietly.“Please don’t tell him yet. At least for a few days.”
This time the pause was longer, a beat too long.
“All right. I’ll take care of it,” he finally said.“But if something is wrong, you know you can trust me.”
It seemed he had understood that something was wrong between her and Frank. Nina felt a little ashamed of her impulsiveness, of her suspicion.
“Thank you, Robert,” she said softly.
She ended the call, the weight settling on her shoulders.
Now she had a little time.
The real question was whether it would be enough time to learn the truth — and what kind of storm Frank would unleash when he found out she’d changed her mind about giving him the company shares.
CHAPTER 4
Nina paced back and forth through the house, unable to sit still. No matter how many times she told herself it was all just speculation, that she’d worked herself up for nothing, the anxiety wouldn’t subside.
Her hands were shaking, her heart pounding so loudly that the dull thudding echoed in her ears.
She dropped into an armchair and covered her face with her hands.
“God, Nina, you’ve completely lost it,” she muttered into her palms.
It had to be paranoia. Maybe she really did need to go back to her therapist. It had been far too long since her last visit.
And then she remembered the safe deposit box.
