Page 72 of Conquering Oz

“We’re waiting on one more member of our party.” Caitlyn said.

We are? Who?

“And here he is.” Caitlyn stood, and Elodie turned in her seat, watching Oz walk in. Her eyes widened, and her mouth fell open.

What the fuck, Oz?

He rounded her chair, unbuttoned his jacket, and sat beside her. He slowly glanced over, but he wasn’t looking at Elodie. He lowered his chin with his gaze on Caitlyn, who then addressed Julian and his lawyer.

“We’re prepared to settle with payment today.”

What?This was her lawyer, who hadn’t even discussed her own case with her, and now she was speaking on her behalf?And lying!Elodie was not prepared to pay Julian.

“Wait, wait,” she blurted, then felt Oz’s hand slide across her thigh and grip her knee. She swung her head, sending a sharp glare. “I need a word with you.”

“Later.” Oz’s clipped response only added to her anger.

“No,” she snapped and ground her teeth. “Now, Oz.”

His gaze narrowed, and he leaned closer. “We will discuss thislater.” His tone was a stern warning. A non-negotiable demand. In another scenario, she might’ve heeded it. But not this one.

Elodie jumped up from her chair, rolling it back a few inches. She forced a strained smile, addressing everyone in the room. “If you’ll excuse us for just one minute.” She turned, grabbing her pocketbook and scowling at Oz as she walked past the table and out the door. As soon as she made it into the hall, she balled her fists. Her heated blood was racing through her veins. It had been a long time since she’d gotten this fired up.

Seconds later, he walked out with a glare to match everythingshewas feeling.

“What the hell is happening?” she shouted.

Oz stepped closer, hardening his stare. “Lower your voice.”

Oh no, sir.There was a time and place she’d eagerly accept and welcome his dominating nature. This was not one of those times.

“I’ll lower my voice when you tell me what the hell is going on?” She pointed to her chest. “Where’smylawyer?”

“You’ve retained new counsel.”

“So I’ve heard!” She snorted, nodding. “Oz, I don’t have the money to pay him today.”

His gaze softened. “Yes, you do.”

She sighed heavily in pure frustration. “No. I don’t.”

“Elodie.” He arched his brow. “You do.”

Did he need proof? Fine, she’d give it to him. She grabbed her phone from her bag and pulled up her bank app. She quickly punched in her password and turned the screen to Oz when it opened. “No! I don’t!”

Oz glanced down at the screen and back to her. “Yes. You do.”

What the hell was he talking about? She looked down at the screen and gasped. She had over fifty thousand dollars in her account. Her eyes darted over the details outlined in her bank app. She was checking everything from her username to the last four digits of the account number to verify it was hers.Oh, my God.

His hand came over her wrist, and he led her back into the room. Elodie remained in a daze. Oz pulled out her chair and she sat, peering around the room with her eyes landing on him.

Oz took his seat and subtly lifted his chin. Seconds later, the lawyers continued to go over the case and hash out the details. All the while, Elodie sat silently, overcome with her own shock.

What the hell just happened?

****

It took every ounce of his control not to jump across the table and beat the life out of Julian. Oz clasped his hands, glaring at the man. Julian refused to make eye contact. But Oz was sending a direct message. He had a plan B. If litigation didn’t work in her favor then Oz would seek outside ramifications. One thing was certain. As of today, Elodie would be rid of Julian and his threats hanging over her head. Oz would see to it.

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