The Missing Heir(83)

                “Done,” said Max.

                “Hold on,” said Roth. “We haven’t heard from Julius.”

                Julius’s chin came up. He looked a bit like a deer in the headlights. It was clear he didn’t know where to jump.

                “Julius reports to Max,” said Cole. “Max has made his decision.”

                “That’s not how it works,” Roth shouted.

                “That’s how it works now,” said Cole. “This meeting is adjourned.” He turned his attention to the president, clearly dismissing everyone else. “Max, do you have a second?”

                “I do,” said Max.

                Fury in his eyes, Roth rocked back from the table and stomped from the room.

                With an admirably contained smirk, Bartholomew closed the door behind them all, leaving Cole, Amber and Max alone.

                “At the risk of speaking out of turn,” said Max, “that was fun.”

                Amber blew out a breath and slouched down in her chair. “That’s not the word I would use.”

                Cole gave in to the urge to place a hand on her shoulder. “You did great.”

                “He is out for blood.”

                “He was always out for blood,” said Max.

                “You don’t think he’d ever take it out on Zachary, do you?”

                The slight tremor in her voice told Cole just how brilliantly she’d been acting while the vice presidents were in the room.

                “He won’t have the chance. Because we’re going to win.” Cole refused to contemplate anything else.

                He turned his attention to Max. “They’re resuming the custody hearing on the twenty-eighth.”

                “Next week?”

                Cole nodded.

                “Who’s representing you?”

                “Since Amber is supporting my petition for custody, Destiny has agreed to represent me. She knows the background and circumstances better than anyone else I could hire.”

                Max’s brow furrowed. “She’s not the most experienced choice.”

                “Her firm has assigned a senior partner for support. And they’ve earmarked their top research team. I’m guessing they want my future business.”

                “Then that’s the best of both worlds,” said Max, his expression relaxing.

                “That’s what we thought.” Cole covered Amber’s hand with his.

                Hers was cold.

                Max spoke up. “You know Roth’s out there soliciting the support of the minor shareholders.”

                “He’s got the advantage in that,” said Amber, sliding her hand from beneath Cole’s.

                “He does,” Max agreed. “They all know him. And Samuel’s vote of confidence goes a long way. And, I’m sorry to be so blunt, Amber, but they all knew Coco. That doesn’t work in our favor.”