Free Soft Focus by Jayne Ann Krentz Page B

is Osmand Ringstead.”
    Elizabeth needed no further details. Ringstead was the very powerful, very reclusive, very rich, and very politically connected head of Ring, Inc. From the Ringstead family compound he commanded a large, closely held business empire. He was rumored to be contemplating political office. No wonder Hayden was having problems getting his divorce to go through on his terms, she thought. Few people could go up against the Ringstead power and money and hope to win.
    â€œOkay, I’m impressed,” she said. “Now can I go?”
    â€œI saw Hayden talking to you,” Gillian said, her eyesbleak. “I know how he operates. Has he invited you to go on a long weekend to the coast?”
    Elizabeth managed to conceal her start of surprise. “I don’t know what this is all about, Mrs. Shaw. But I can assure you, I have no personal interest in your husband.”
    â€œLet’s hope for your sake that you’re telling the truth.” Gillian took a step closer. “Because I’m going to ruin him before I’m finished with him. He won’t have a dime left. I’ll get everything. Everything . Daddy promised me.”
    There was more than rage in Gillian’s voice, Elizabeth realized. There was pain. She suddenly felt very sorry for the other woman.
    â€œBelieve me, the last thing I want to do is get caught up in your private affairs, Mrs. Shaw.”
    â€œThis divorce is going to be a train wreck, I promise you. Hayden won’t get away with trying to walk out on me.”
    â€œAs I said, this is none of my business. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going home.”
    â€œHe lied to me.” Hot tears appeared in Gillian’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks. “The bastard lied to me right from the start. I trusted him. I loved him. Daddy liked him. But all Hayden wanted was my money and Daddy’s connections. He used me.”
    Elizabeth longed to turn and run, not walk, in the opposite direction. But she could not bring herself to leave the woman sobbing alone in the hall. She pulled some tissues from the pocket of her coat and went toward Gillian.
    â€œHere, take these.” She thrust the tissues into Gillian’s hand. “There’s a women’s lounge right around the corner. I just came from there. It was empty. Would you like to go inside?”
    â€œHe made a fool out of me,” Gillian blurted into the tissues.
    â€œI know the feeling.” Unable to think of anything else to do, Elizabeth patted her gently on the shoulder. “Maybe a glass of cold water?”
    â€œStay away from him. He’ll only use you.”
    â€œI have no interest in your husband, Mrs. Shaw.”
    â€œI saw the way he looked at you tonight.” Gillian blotted her eyes. “I know he wants you.”
    â€œI don’t want him,” Elizabeth said gently.
    â€œI don’t believe you.” Gillian lowered the soaked tissues. Her voice rose. “Of course you want him. Just like I did. Until I found out what he was really like, that is.”
    Elizabeth was about to argue the point when she felt the familiar tingling. Simultaneously a lean, dark figure appeared in the hall behind Gillian.
    â€œReady to go home, honey?” Jack walked toward her with assured arrogance. His tone was unmistakably intimate, bordering on the possessive. “It’s getting late, and we’ve got a long trip ahead of us tomorrow.”
    At the sound of his voice, Gillian raised her head sharply and quickly blotted away the rest of her tears. “Oh, damn. This is so embarrassing.”
    Elizabeth looked past her at Jack. Unseen by Gillian, he raised his brows and smiled with cool, knowing amusement. He was coming to her rescue, and he knew she didn’t like it. He also knew full well that she was in no position to refuse his help.
    â€œI’m ready, Jack.” She managed a bright little smile. “I was just having a