And although I still couldn't forgive the silence, I could understand why Julian loved him.
I squeezed his arm.
“Then don't let Raymond take that away from you.”
Julian looked at me.
“Do you think he'll try?”
I looked toward the ducks.
“Oh, I think Raymond has already tried.”
Three days later, Raymond asked to meet me privately.
Celia advised against it.
So I agreed to meet him in her office.
Raymond arrived wearing an expensive gray suit.
He sat down as though he owned the building.
“Margaret.”
“Raymond.”
He glanced at Celia.
“I had hoped this would be a family conversation.”
I smiled pleasantly.
“It is.”
Celia remained seated.
Raymond sighed.
“Very well.”
He opened a folder.
“I'm prepared to withdraw my challenge.”
My pulse quickened.
“On what terms?”
He smiled.
“Seven million dollars.”
I stared at him.
Then I laughed.
I couldn't help it.
He looked offended.
“Something funny?”
