Free Delaney's Shadow by Ingrid Weaver

her spell the first moment he’d seen her. “Elizabeth never believed that the money didn’t matter to me.”
    “She doesn’t know you.”
    “She didn’t want to. I loved Stanford, which should have given me some common ground with his daughter, but she never believed that, either. She had trouble accepting the fact that we were happy.”
    “She made no secret of her opposition to your marriage. She was very vocal about it. I believe that’s one of the main reasons Stanford changed his will in your favor. He needed to demonstrate who was in control.”
    “They were a lot alike. Neither of them would accept defeat; they were too proud. I don’t believe he meant to cut her out for good, though.” She sat forward. “Couldn’t we make some kind of settlement to transfer a percentage of the estate to her? I’ve got more than enough for five lifetimes.”
    “I’d advise against it. Unless she drops her suit, it would appear as if you’re attempting to silence her. That would help fuel her allegations. In fact, it would be wise to consider returning to Bedford. That would strengthen your position by reinforcing your claim to the house. It’s been vacant for too long.”
    “The security company does regular checks.”
    “Yes, and the yard service is maintaining the grounds, but it can’t remain unoccupied indefinitely.”
    The idea of going back to the place she’d shared with Stanford left her cold. She wasn’t ready for that. Not yet. “What other suggestions do you have?”
    Leo undid the clasp on the front of his briefcase, withdrew a sheaf of papers, and held them out to her. “We should come out on the offensive. Attack her credibility.”
    “What’s this?”
    “We’re going to sue her for slander and harassment. There are several individuals at Grayecorp who have agreed to testify on your behalf.”
    “Why would they do that?”
    “They’re not entirely happy with Elizabeth’s vision for the company. What’s more, her recent behavior could be viewed as irrational. They’d like to see her out.”
    Rather than taking the papers, Delaney held up her palms. “No. I can’t do that to her. Regardless of our personal issues, I happen to agree with her when it comes to Grayecorp. She’s good for the company.”
    “Speaking as your attorney, I urge you to reconsider. In this instance, it’s impossible to ignore what you call your personal issues. Her public criticisms of you reflect on the company.”
    “She’s just lost her father. I’m not going to be responsible for her losing her position, too. Thanks to Stanford’s will, it’s the only thing she has left.”
    “She’s far from destitute. She has a sizable trust fund.”
    “Yes, from her mother, but nothing from her father. Even I can see that’s not fair. I want to stop her but not destroy her.”
    “Speaking as your friend now, I have to warn you that your sympathy for your stepdaughter is misplaced. You persist in seeing the good in people, Delaney. It’s an admirable quality, but in this case it could hurt you.”
    “Leo—”
    “Kindness isn’t always returned for kindness. Neither is love. You’ve already been hurt enough.”
    “I appreciate your concern, but I still owe Stanford my loyalty. I won’t deliberately ruin his daughter.”
    “You owe him nothing!”
    The vehemence in Leo’s voice surprised her. “He was my husband,” she said.
    He pursed his lips, as if debating whether or not to continue. “Forgive me, Delaney,” he said finally. “I realize it’s your decision. I only want what’s best for you.”
    “I understand. You’re a good friend.”
    His silence went on longer this time. “That’s what I’ve always endeavored to be.” He cleared his throat, then tapped the papers on end to line up the edges, placed them on the table, and closed his briefcase. “I’ll leave these here in case you change your mind. As distasteful as you might find it, taking the offensive is our best