After the Storm (manxman)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

(Luis' indoor pool and jacuzzi)

Luis

With a heartfelt sigh escaping through my slightly parted lips, I threw my pen down of the stack of notes I'd been making for the past few hours. I brought both hands up to my face and rubbed my tired eyes. Myles and his team of legal assistants were busy implementing our previously discussed plans against the Ex-Randall's, and so far everything on that front was going as planned. The woman and her spineless excuse for a son don't have a valid claim on any part of Jackson's estate, but their greed won't let them give up their pathetic attempts to try to get something they aren't entitled to.

Michelle Randall had signed away all her rights to her late husband's money not only once, but twice. The first time was when she'd signed the prenuptial agreement before she exchanged her wedding vows with Jackson Senior, and again when the man divorced her. She had greedily accepted to the more than generous divorce settlement's payment amount. If she'd been smart, she would've sought out a financial planner and an attorney to manage her financial affairs.

If she'd made the right decisions from the start of their relationship, then both her and her son could have lived comfortably for the rest of their lives. But greed and frivolousness, and just plain stupidity on her part has left them almost broke and desperate for cash. That wasn't my problem and it will never be my problem. They've now tried to make it my concern by doing something as underhanded and petty as to bringing into question the state of Jackson Junior's mental and physical health before his death into this impossible equation. And that is something I won't stand for.

As much as I'd disagreed with Jackson's decision about revealing his true diagnosis. I tried to encourage him by telling him that maybe his story would help others facing the same issues he was living through. But the right to do so has always his, and I have respected his decision to this very day.

My head snapped up at the knock on the office door and I called out for whomever it was to enter. Thomas poked his head through the door as if checking my mood before he smiled and swung the door wide open. He carried a laden tray over to my desk, and I shuffled my papers out of the way for him to place the tray in front of me.

"Master Stephen was very adamant for Melba and I to make sure you're eating at the appropriate times. He said we're to actually use force if necessary and if that didn't work we're to call his office and they'll immediately locate him for us." He gleefully informed me as he removed the covers off my dinner plates with a flourish.

Shaking my head, I couldn't help but to laugh as the man wiggled his bushy eyebrows at me. His darling wife, Melba seemed to adore my man and I can't blame her, the sexy bastard was too charming for his own good. He's even managed to coerce my staff into doing his bidding. So I did the only thing I could in a moment like this. "Well Thomas, I thank both you and Melba for taking such extraordinary care of me as usual. I know you would despite my boyfriend's encouragement."

"Eat up. I wouldn't want to have to lie to Master Stephen when he calls to check if you've eaten." Thomas replied, giving me a jaunty salute before striding out of the room.

Looking at the spread in front of me, my stomach actually grumbled making it painfully clear that I hadn't eaten since earlier in the day. I picked up my knife and fork and tucked into the perfectly roasted chicken breast along with the steamed vegetables. My mind wandered back to the plans I was tentatively making. I just needed Myles to have his end of the arrangements in place before I can implement the things I wanted to set in motion. For the time being though, I needed to have a conversation with my annoying sister in hopes of getting both her and my mother off my case.