Page 55 of Harley

“Indeed. The issue was you were next in line to help manage Archer’s trust fund. But not until you either turned twenty-five or were married. That meant for five years Aspen would be the sole person in charge of the trust fund, which is how your father was able to challenge it. Once Edmond got his name on the trust fund, whatever Aspen didn’t withdraw, he did.”

“Shit, I had a feeling that was happening. Dad was scamming it, wasn’t he?”

“Yes. Then, when Aspen disappeared three years ago when she turned twenty-five, your father withdrew the amount every month. Edmond applied and received guardianship for Archer, should anything happen to Aspen. Aspen fought this, and luckily her lawyer managed to get a time limit set on it. Edmond would only be a backup guardian for Archer until you hit twenty-five or married.”

“That’s correct. Aspen also gave me power of attorney over her own matters, including her mental and physical health. That lacked an age limit,” I said.

“Indeed, that did. And your father didn’t manage to muscle in on that. You alone have sole command over Aspen and her affairs.”

“So, if my dad has locked Aspen up somewhere, I can free her?”

“Indeed, and Aspen will be illegally held. With you being married to Harley, you also now roost Edmond from hisguardianship role and act for Archer. That as per terms of all the legal documents in front of me,” Steven said and sat back.

“Could we set the paperwork in motion for me to claim my inheritance?”

Steven grinned. “Already done so. We’ll need to visit the lawyer who has the documents and file our own with him. But there is nothing stopping you from claiming your dues.”

“Fantastic!” Harley exclaimed.

I nodded. “All we gotta do is find Aspen.”

“Leila is extending the search to all states. There hasn’t been a sign of Aspen or Archer for three years,” Harley said.

“If anyone can locate her, Leila will,” Steven agreed. “Now, on your behalf, I did file paperwork with Mr Feguson’s lawyer. Only Mr Dexter appears to be representing your father, which is a conflict of interest. Desmond Dexter is throwing up barriers and refusing to release the trust fund.”

“Can he do that?” Harley demanded.

“No. I’ve pushed for a meeting, and we’ve got one. Dexter is insisting you attend his office, which he believes gives him the home advantage. I’ve no doubt that this is a trap and expect your parents and Reverend Jeffrey will be present,” Steven replied.

“So, let’s spring it. But Oakley takes a team of lawyers. Let’s make a show of force,” Harley interrupted.

“Not a bad idea. If I take my husband and some extra legal counsel with me, they’ll back down,” I mused.

“Oakley, I doubt it. They’re going to lose control of millions, and then there’s the patent and turbine. You’ve already said the design is worth billions,” Harley replied.

“Billions is an exaggeration, but a cool billion? Yes, it’s worth that, at least. But they need both mine and Aspen’s contribution, and believe me, I wouldn’t hand mine over.”

“So, let’s set the ball in motion. I’ll contact Phoe and see who could be spared for a trip. I’m sure we can grab a panel of lawyers from downstairs,” Steven stated.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I asked Steven.

“Honey, there’s nothing I love more than taking down arrogant asshole dirty fuckers,” Steven grinned.

Three days later

Harley clasped my hand as we climbed out of the limo that he had arranged, and the legal team followed suit. Phoe had sent her head of the legal department, Stuart, alongside Steven and four others. I’d mentioned to Harley it seemed a little bit of an overkill, but he’d grinned and shrugged.

With a determined stride, we marched into Mr Dexter’s offices, and the woman at the front desk looked up with a slightly alarmed expression.

“Mrs Oakley Michaelson for Mr Dexter,” Steven said.

“Um, yes. Please take a seat,” the girl muttered.

We did as she asked, and she picked up the phone and murmured down it. Ten minutes passed, and Steven got back to his feet. He approached the receptionist, and she looked up.

“Our appointment was ten minutes ago. We were here on the dot. There is no reason for Mrs Michaelson to be kept waiting. Mr Dexter has five minutes before we leave and take this to court. His choice,” Steven stated coldly.

Steven sat back down and winked. “Give him one minute, and he’ll be out here.”

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