Page 73 of Conquering Oz

“No interest,” Oz said, his glare locked on Julian. He shifted in his seat and looked to his lawyer.

“It’s standard,” Julian’s lawyer said.

Caitlyn tapped her pen on the table. “Yes, if there’s a contract in place. But Ms. Martin never signed anything. Why would she? She was under the assumption this was a loan from a friend. It was Mr. Shipman who changed the rules, therefore interest won’t be considered.”

Oz had a large pool of lawyers to choose from when seeking new counsel for Elodie. He specifically chose Caitlyn for one reason. She would debate and argue until she got exactly what she wanted. And she had an interesting way of going about it.

Julian leaned over, whispering something in his lawyer’s ear. Oz knew what was coming next.

Julian’s lawyer straightened and addressed the table. “My client insists on being paid interest.”

Her lawyer glanced over, and Oz saw from the corner of his eye Elodie turned to her, expecting Caitlyn to ask her if it was acceptable. But Caitlyn wasn’t looking at Elodie. She was looking to Oz. He didn’t make eye contact and kept his stare on Julian. Oz shook his head.

“Well, it seems, we’ll be going to court then,” Caitlyn said.

Julian paled and darted his gaze between her lawyer and his own.

Caitlyn settled back in her seat, smiling. “I’ll make sure we get a court date as soon as possible. In the meantime, it’s been brought to my attention Ms. Martin will be retaining counsel for another matter regarding this case. I’d like you to advise your client once this goes to court, it opens everything up. Anything discussed via text or email will be considered evidence. You also might want to let him know a sexual harassment conviction carries a stiff penalty. Catch a judge on a bad day, it could even mean jail time.”

Oz steeled his features, resisting the urge to smile.The woman is good.

“What?” Julian slapped his hand against the table and scowled at Elodie. “I didn’t sexually harass her.”

Elodie straightened in her seat. “Youtextbooksexually harassed me. And I have proof. And witnesses. You want this to go to court, Julian? Let’s go.” Elodie smirked. “Iwelcomeit.”

Oz discreetly dropped his hand to her thigh and gave a firm squeeze. This was the reason he was paying the lawyers. Though he couldn’t deny his pride in her standing up for herself and going after Julian.Good girl.She glanced down at her leg and slowly settled into her seat.

There was a silent and tense few minutes. Julian had turned in his seat facing his lawyer. Oz couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he’d learned a long time ago the importance of reading lips.Take it, Julian.

A minute later, Elodie was signing the paperwork.

The second Julian and all the lawyers walked out, and the door locked in place, Elodie whipped around in her seat. Her case may have been settled, but it wasn’t over.

“We need to talk,” she said.

Oz would answer all her questions but not here. He never discussed business at a location he didn’t control. There was no way of knowing who could be listening. He stood. Expectedly, Elodie followed suit. She rounded her chair, rushing past him and blocking his path.

“Oz.”

He leaned closer, resisting the urge to touch her. “We will discuss this at my office.”

“No, I need to know right now.”

“Elodie.” He growled. “My office. We’ll discuss the deal.” He paused. “And your voicemail.”

She straightened, drawing in a deep breath and parting her lips. Before she could say anything else, he held his finger up, silencing her. And surprisingly, it worked.

He walked around her, heading toward the door. “Meet me at the club in thirty minutes.”

Elodie flattened her lips, nodding and refusing to make eye contact. And Oz knew why.

Oh, we will be discussing your voicemail, love.

Once he reached the parking garage, he pulled out his phone and called Nash. He had a meeting scheduled with Garner and wanted to make sure all parties were present.

“Yes, sir?”

“Have you confirmed with Garner and Ace?”

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