Page 77 of Silver Fox's Secret Baby

When she left, Alex said, “It basically confirms that Lucas Thompson asked her to visit your mother regarding the will but that Mr. Thompson gave her the papers to sign.”

My head snapped up from reading the papers. “What?”

He nodded. “It appears that your lawyer was working with your father to change your mother’s will. Mr. Thompson likes to play it fast and loose with the law and gambling, making him a prime target for someone like your father.”

My gut roiled. My mother had trusted Lucas. So had I. I thought back to our conversations. “No wonder he kept saying everything looked legal and that he couldn’t find anything suspicious.”

“Yep.”

I sat with this knowledge. “I’m not sure what to do now.” My brain was scattered, unable to focus. Maybe the coffee the server brought would help.

“Well, I suggest you get a new lawyer and file those papers contesting the will. In the meantime, we’ve contacted law enforcement, and as of seven this morning, your father and Lucas were being arrested for felony will and trust beneficiary fraud. They’re looking at stiff fines and some jail time.”

For the first time since last night, my heart felt light. “Really? What does that mean for me and Pax?”

“We’ve contacted Lucas’s law firm and obtained the original will and documents for your mother’s estate. They’ve offered to help with this pro bono, but you still might want to find another lawyer.”

I nodded as I tried to figure out what this meant for me in the near future. I knew estates could take time to settle, but if my father and Lucas were in jail, did that mean their illegal papers were now null and void?

“Do you think I can go back to my mother’s house?” I asked.

“I’d check with a lawyer, but I don’t see why not. The thing is, your father and Mr. Thompson will likely post bond, so they’ll be free. You might be safer at Henry’s.”

“I really need to find my own place.”

“If that’s the case, I can arrange to have a couple of men watch the house to make sure your father doesn’t harass you. In the meantime, here are all the documents you need. I’ve included the name of the investigator who will likely be in touch. There are a few lawyer referrals as well. Plus, the papers you need to prove your case.”

“Alex, I don’t know how to thank you.” I wondered what the bill would be. If I received my inheritance, I wouldn’t need to worry, but the legal process moved slowly and I imagined my father would still fight me.

“I was happy to help. You’re like family.”

Family. The word sent a sharp pain through my heart. I wasn’t family. Not really.

"I appreciate it, Alex."

I sat for a moment after Alex left. With my father detained and proof of my right to the house and my mother’s assets, I could move back into my mother's home. Although the pain around Henry still crushed my chest like an anvil, I did have a small sense of relief. Moving back to my mother's home meant a fresh start, a chance to rebuild my life.

I left the café and returned to Henry’s house, deciding now was the best time to pack up and leave. I’d let Marie know we were returning to my mother’s house, but she didn’t need to leave her visit with her sister. I decided Henry would let her into the house to pack her things later tonight or tomorrow. But me? I had to leave now. I couldn’t breathe in that house.

When I arrived, Knightly met me with a warm smile. Clearly, he didn’t know the truth either.

“It looks like my father has been arrested and I can return to my mother’s home,” I told him.

“That’s good news, although I’ll admit, you and young Paxton will be missed.” Yeah, right. Pax would be missed, but not me when they learned the truth. “Do you need help with your things?”

I shook my head. We hadn’t arrived with much and wouldn’t leave with anything more. “No thank you, Knightly.”

I headed up to the third floor. I started by packing up Pax’s things, but then it occurred to me that this would still be a home for him. I decided to leave a few clothing items behind for when he came to visit. I packed up all the toys we’d brought. Henry had plenty of toys here already.

With Pax packed, I went to my room and gathered my things, tossing them in my bags. When I finished, I stood in the room, several bags at my feet, ready to leave. Remembering Henry’s words threatening me if I left, I knew I needed to leave him a note. Or maybe I could just rely on Knightly to tell him where I went. I hoped Henry didn’t think I was trying to abscond with Pax. A chill ran up my spine thinking about a custody battle with Henry. With my mother’s inheritance, I’d be well off, but Henry was beyond rich. He was the one percent of the one percent. He was prominent. Respected. I couldn’t fight that.

"Done packing?" Knightly's voice startled me as he appeared in the doorway.

“Yes.” I forced a smile, unwilling to let him see how much the situation pained me.

“You won’t be waiting for Mr. Banion?”

I waved my hand nonchalantly. “I’m sure Henry will be glad to have his home back,” I said lightly.

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