Page 56 of Harley

“Less than that,” I murmured, nodding at a balding middle-aged man approaching at speed.

Mr Dexter scowled. “Miss Ferguson,” he sneered as he stopped close by.

“Mr Dexter, it’s Mrs Michaelson,” I replied and said nothing else.

Steven had informed me not to offer information and to allow him to do the talking.

“Come this way, please. We’re in the conference room,” Mr Dexter asked.

Everyone stood up, and Mr Dexter glanced at them.

“You are?” he demanded arrogantly.

“Mrs Michaelson’s legal team,” Steven answered.

“What does Miss Ferguson need all you for?” Mr Dexter retorted, stressing the Miss Ferguson.

“To protectMrs Michaelson’sinterests as you’ve divided ones. We can continue this here where your other clients might hear or in private,” Steven stated.

Mr Dexter glowered but led us to a conference room. There, as suspected, sat my parents and Reverend Jefferies. The three of them rose to their feet and glared.

“What is this?” Dad demanded.

“May I ask the meaning of this?” Steven replied.

“We’re her parents,” Dad snapped.

“And you’ve no bearing on Mrs Michaelson’s legal matters. Please leave immediately,” Steven ordered coldly.

“Actually, we do,” Dad retorted. Steven opened a folder and slapped a wedding certificate down on the table.

“That is a legal document of marriage, from South Dakota and signed by Judge Andrews,” Steven pointed out.

“Yes, well, we don’t believe it is legitimate,” Mom said.

“Oh, it is. And Mr Dexter can contact the judge, who will be quite displeased to have his character dragged into contention,” Steven replied.

“We’re more concerned about Oakley’s frame of mind when she wed this Michaelson. She had fled from a wedding to my son and married another soon after? Clearly, Oakley’s mentalcapacity is in question,” Reverend Jeffery interrupted with a condescending look.

Undeterred, I held his gaze as Harley stepped up close.

Steven threw a packet on the table. “Good job I have these, then.”

“What is that?” Mom demanded.

“Those are reports from five doctors that found your daughter sound of mind. Um, no. You’re not entitled to read them,” Steven said and slid them away from Dad as he reached for them.

Dad and Reverend Jefferies drew themselves up to their full height.

“Why bring them?” Dad snapped.

“Because I guessed this might be your play. You’re about to lose access to Oakley’s, Aspen’s, and Archer’s fortunes. Difficult times make for desperate people,” Steven retorted.

“How dare you!” Dad yelled, seething. “I am in control of Aspen’s affairs and Archer’s.”

“Not now Oakley is married,” Stuart interrupted.

“Enough,” Steven snapped, slapping his hand on the table before they could talk. “We are here to get Mrs Michaelson’s trust fund signed over as per the terms of Mr Wilf Ferguson’s will. You have no legal right to be here, nor is your input required. Why you’re here I’ve no idea, but you need to leave. This is a private matter.”

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