Page 19 of Naked Truth

“But the other lawyer said—”

I might as well not have spoken, because the man simply continues, his voice a shade harder now. “If you do not sign, I have the authority to set into motion lawsuits by three separate groups within the extended Hernandez family alleging fraud, breach of contract, and questioning the soundness of mind of Señor Hernandez.”

These words send a horrified chill through me. “What?”

“In addition to the current will, which is binding if his granddaughter never returns, Señor Hernandez also created a succession plan codicil that leaves all his possessions to you in the event of your return, instead of his identified heirs. That document was drawn up in a time of great grief, shortly after the untimely death of your mother—”

“You mean shortly after she was murdered,” I snap back, anger suddenly burning inside me. “I will not sign your papers without Señor Hernandez here. And if he doesn’t approve, I won’t sign them at all.”

The lawyer regards me stonily, and for the first time I see the hint of real excitement in his eyes. “Well, then you should understand that your decision may well cost Señor Hernandez his entire fortune. The family parties who are contesting your right to his inheritance are wealthy in their own right, and they’re willing to spend their money on this issue.”

I stare at him in mute horror as he continues, dimly realizing that two of the lawyers now stand on either side of the sitting room entrance, effectively blocking my exit.

“For them, this is about honor, and true family, and they will happily make our law firm exceptionally rich over the next twenty years as this gets dragged into court after court, delay after delay. By the time it is finished, Señor Hernandez will have nothing left—” his lips twist. “But the granddaughter who bankrupted him.”

“No,” I protest, putting my hands to my ears as a shout sounds from deep in the house. Another of the lawyers stands, and as his jacket shifts I realize he’s carrying a gun. A gun!

“Valentina!”

I leap to my feet as Raoul’s voice carries down the hallway, fierce and sure. “Valentina, answer me.”

“Raoul! I’m in here!” I dash forward, but another of the lawyers is right there, and he holds me in place, his heavy hand on my arm as Raoul strides into the sitting room. Raoul takes one look at the man’s hand on me—

And he explodes into action.

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