Page 186 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2

I leaned over and pointed out the very last transaction on the page. My index finger stabbed at the letters and numbers. “Do you see this? The balance was cleared by a third party who wished to remain anonymous. Is that even legal? You broke the law, Matt. I’m going to report you.”

He did a double take, his lips parted in alarm before he compressed them tightly. Matt straightened up from his half-seated position on the table’s edge.

I tilted my head up in order to hold his gaze, and moved back to avoid getting a crick in my neck. “Why would you do this? Are you planning on taking my building? You can’t do that. I don’t care if you’ve cleared the balance of the mortgage. It’s in my name and I’ll fight you in court if you try to claim-”

“Is that the type of man you think I am?” Matt asked as he took offthe spectacles and hid them away in his jacket. “Do you actually believe I would do something like this?”

I didn’t need to ponder his question or my answer before responding with a tart, “Yes.”

Matt’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

“I won’t let you get away with this,” The warning had no effect on his rigid demeanour.

Matt kept staring at me.

“And if this is your way of trying to control me,” I huffed. “To manipulate things so I don’t ask for a settlement in the divorce, you don’t have to do it because I don’t wantanything from you. And where are your women execs? That’s workplace discrimination if you don’t have any. I’m telling…” My voice trailed off at the thunderous expression building across his face.

Matt took a step towards me. “Firstly, I did not do this. It’s an unknown 3rdparty who as of right now you can’t prove has anything to do with me,” He slammed the paper on the table. “Secondly, I have the best solicitors money can buy. You weren’t going to get a penny from me in any circumstance,”

“I don’twantyour money,” I spat. “And you’re sure as hell not getting mine.”

Matt continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Thirdly, Bradley Industries is well-known for its stance on actively encouraging equality in the workplace. And finally, my personal property portfolio is large enough to not need your piddling building as an addition.”

“It’s not piddling, it has historic background,” I uncurled my hands from the fists which had unconsciously formed. “And I’m not giving back a cent. The mortgage company doesn’t care who paid it! The building and freehold rights are mine, Matt. Legally, it’s all mine.”

“We’re in England,” he drawled. “It’s penny, not cent,”

“You know what I mean,” I groused in frustration.

Matt sighed then vigorously ran both his hands through his swept back hair. “Madi, I didn’t do this, but I might have an idea who did. Look, leave it with me.”

The abrupt change in him made me anxious. Why was he suddenly being nice?

“I meant what I said, Matt,” I started fiddling with my hands. “I don’t want anything from you, but you can’t expect me to returnthose funds.” I frowned, explaining what he certainly already knew. “At least not immediately. I would have to re-mortgage the building to release that equity. A-and, it’s just, I mean, we’re talking millions here.”

“I know.” Matt nodded quickly.

“You didn’t do this?” My eyes searched his face anxiously. “You’re not going to try and claim ownership along the lines of implied trust?”

Matt inhaled sharply, a reluctant little quirk danced along the edges of his mouth. “What doyouknow about implied trust?”

“I am a businesswoman and property owner.” came my self-righteous reply.

He bit his lip and fingered the corner of one eye. “You Googled it, didn’t you?”

“Maybe.” I hedged before admitting, “Yes, but I already knew about implied trust. I Googled how to counter sneaky legal attacks and only because I couldn’t get through to Geoffrey.”

The unhappy sound he made reminded me of the fact he’d never been a fan of Geoffrey. I pushed that thought away and focused on ensuring my future was safe.

“Promise me you won’t try to screw me.” I demanded, but the hand I held out was a gesture of truce.

Matt observed my hand for a moment before slowly wrapping his own around it. “I promise.”

We shook on it, but Aunt Cleo didn’t raise a fool. “Can I get that in writing?” I asked with the tiniest of smiles.

“Maybe.” His eyes lingered over our clasped hands then he levelled me with an unwavering look. “You’re not going to cause any issues when it comes to our divorce?”

I shook my head quickly. “No. I don’t even have a lawyer as yet, to be honest. Your solicitor said we had to wait a year, that we don’t meet the requirements for an annulment.”

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