Page 121 of Nash Falls

“I have no knowledge of—”

“Yeah, just stop right there because you said all that needs to be said in the way of your knowledge or lack thereof,” snapped Rhett.He eyed Lindsey Cole, who looked enough like Margot Robbie to arouse Rhett’s baser instincts. She had managed a tiny smile at his retort to her boss.

Mindy said, “Well, if he was sleeping with her, she’s been handsomely paid for it.” She was obviously over the moon at her good fortune, since her side deal with Rhett was no longer needed.

“Any other questions?” asked Robins, who looked highly offended by Rhett’s comments and none too happy with Mindy’s words, either.

“Not unless you can find a few billion for me,” replied Rhett. He rose. “So when am I getting kicked out of my office?”

“Close of business today. The will is clear on that.”

“I’ll be sure to give Elaine the old Temple rah-rah speech and wish her luck.” Under his breath he said, “All bad.” He eyed the young lawyer. “You have a card, Ms. Cole?”

She hesitated, glanced at Robins, but then handed him one.

“I’ll be in touch,” he said. He turned to Robins. “I guess I’ll have to make do with my personal fortune and my locked-in percentage of the firm’s ownership and profits, which is, thankfully, beyond the reach of my old man. So I’m going to leave here and have my own little party since the asshole’s no longer around to jack me just because he wants to.”

“Sir, really,” exclaimed Robins.

“Oh, and just FYI, I will be advising Elaine Fixx and the CEOs at all my father’s other companies to drop your firm as corporate counsel. I’m tired of overpaying for below-par performance.”

Robins looked like he had bitten his tongue off. “Mr. Temple, I can assure you—”

“Oh you have, Harv, you’ve assured me so much it’s taking all my willpower not to beat your fucking face in.” He stalked out.

“Wait!” exclaimed Robins. “We’re not done!”

But Rhett was already gone.

Mindy looked at Robins and Cole, and smiled. “I miss Barton so very dearly, but it’s so heartening to know that he thought so muchof me as to make sure I was taken care of after histragicpassing.” She produced a tissue and rubbed her eyes with it.

“Um, there is one more thing, Mrs. Temple, as I just indicated,” said Robins in a delicate tone.

Mindy said eagerly, “Yes? Did he leave me something else? I am partial to the Gulfstream jet. It’s so roomy.”

“Actually, the entire distribution to you is premised on your being pregnant with Mr. Temple’s child. Naturally, you will have to be tested for this.”

Mindy’s smile dimmed. “And if I’m not?”

“Then your prenup will kick in.”

“But that only provides for twenty million.”

“Onlytwenty million?” said a wide-eyed Cole.

“What happens to the money if I’m not pregnant?” asked Mindy, ignoring the other woman’s comment.

Robins said indignantly, “I’m afraid your share then goes to Rhett along with the house and the Gulfstream. I would have told him so if he hadn’t… if he hadn’t walked out… prematurely.”

“Areyou pregnant?” asked Cole.

Mindy swiveled her gaze to the woman. “Yes I am, actually.”

“I’m sorry I have to ask this, butisthe child Mr. Temple’s?” said Robins.

“Yes, it most certainly is,” answered Mindy quite truthfully.

CHAPTER