Chapter Twenty-Nine
Maddie walked into the law offices of Feinstein, Bowers and Dickerson. The crisp, clean lines and modern décor gave the lobby an edgy, contemporary vibe. Not what she’d expected given George’s conservative attorney.
“May I help you?” A thin woman with short blond hair and lacquered nails sat behind a white square desk.
“I’m Maddie Scott-Smith. I have an appointment at three with Frank Dickerson.”
The blonde nodded, and rose. “Mr. Dickerson is expecting you. Follow me.”
Maddie trailed the tall woman and wondered how she could even stand in her four-inch stiletto heels, let alone sashay down the hall. It was the first coherent thought she’d had in…well, she couldn’t remember.
She’d existed in a state of suspended animation over these last two weeks. A casual observer watching herself go through the motions of her grandfather’s wake and funeral, and settling his estate.
The woman stopped at the last door and knocked. Turning the knob, she poked her head in and spoke in low tones. She moved back and gestured for Maddie to step into the office.
Maddie walked in. Frank Dickerson seemed to hold court from a sleek metal desk. He smiled and pointed to the empty leather chair. Maddie frowned at the man seated in the other. “What are you doing here?”
Bryce jerked his head to her, a smug smile on his face.
“Mr. Beaumont claims your grandfather left him Scott Hill Winery.”
“It’s not a claim. It’s a fact.” Bryce gestured toward the sheath of papers Frank held in his hand. “It’s all there in black and white.”
George left Scott Hill to Bryce? The casual observer watched as her body moved. “I wasn’t aware my grandfather changed his will.” Was that calm, detached voice hers?
Frank narrowed his gaze. “Me either.” He donned his glasses and read. “This is dated June of last year. George signed this almost fourteen months ago.”
She and Bryce had gotten engaged last June. Had George made the changes believing Bryce would be Maddie’s husband? The engagement had been a farce as far as she’d been concerned. Even Bryce had agreed on that score. But, her grandfather wouldn’t have known that. Maddie gritted her teeth. How could Bryce expect to hold George to anything he’d promised back then?
“I don’t understand why George didn’t consult with me at that time. I’m his attorney.”
Bryce shrugged. “I can’t answer that, but I’m sure you’ll find everything in the new will in order. Now, if we can get on with this, I have a vineyard to run.”
“Not so fast young man. First off, I’ll have to review this and make sure this document is legitimate, and second, Maddie will most likely contest it.”
Damn right she would. Bryce wasn’t entitled to any of George’s estate. “Why are you doing this, Bryce? My grandfather would never have included you in his will if he’d known the truth about our engagement.”
Bryce stiffened, and bright color flooded his cheeks. “This has nothing to do with our engagement.”
She didn’t believe that for a minute. “Then why?”
“It’s none of your business. George made his decision. He left me Scott Hill.” He pointed to Frank’s desk. “And made it all legal.”
A burst of anger tore through her like lightning, frying everything in its path. The sudden feeling after numbness for days energized her. “I have a right to know.”
“Oh, please. You betrayed him. What did you expect he’d do when he learned the truth?”
Betrayed him? Fourteen months ago. Her eyes widened as comprehension dawned. Oh my God.
“That’s right,” Bryce sneered. “He knew all about you carrying on with his archenemy from the beginning.”
Maddie gasped. Impossible. She’d kept her relationship with Wyatt secret.
“No way would he let a Leone inherit his beloved vineyard.”
Maddie wasn’t a Leone. But Jacob is. At least Jacob was half Leone. Part Scott, too, but that didn’t matter to George. He hated the Leones. All of them, and he’d done exactly what she feared from the beginning. He’d disowned her and Jacob. Blood roared in her ears, the heavy beat deafening. Her grandfather had known the truth, and he’d manipulated her from the start. She’d worked her ass off trying to prove her worth and for what? It wouldn’t have mattered what she’d done. The minute she’d slept with Wyatt, George shut his mind to her forever. He’d never let a Leone possess Scott Hill Winery even if he disowned her to ensure that.
The full impact of what Bryce had said settled over her. George had already known about her and Wyatt when Bryce blackmailed her into getting engaged. “You two were in on it together.”
Bryce turned away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Like hell. “The engagement, Bryce. You and my grandfather hatched your little plan to split Wyatt and me apart, and he gave you Scott Hill as payment.” Of course. It all made sense now.
Bryce scowled and crossed his arms over his chest like a child ready to throw a temper tantrum. “So what if he did? Bottom line, Maddie, he gave me the vineyard, and I intend to keep it.”
“Actually,” Frank held up a hand. “George didn’t leave you his winery.”
“Bullshit. I won’t sit here and—”
“This document is not legal.”
Bryce snatched the papers, flipped through them, and stabbed his finger at one of the pages. “This is George’s signature. Here’s mine. We had it witnessed by the notary public in town.” He shoved the document at Frank.
“Yes, but a will requires two witnesses in order to make it executable. This form only has one who does not benefit from its terms, therefore it’s not legal. There’s nothing I can do for you.” Frank turned his attention to Maddie. “Since Bryce’s will is invalid, the will your grandfather made after your grandmother’s death stands. He left his estate to you with a few minor bequests.”
“No way! George left me the vineyard fair and square.”
“Mr. Beaumont,” Frank held up a hand. “That may have been his intent, but he didn’t document his wish properly. If you choose, you can hire counsel and contest the legal will we have on record.”
Bryce jumped up. “You can be damned sure I will.” He snatched up his briefcase and stomped to the door. “Don’t think you’ll get my winery, Maddie. You won’t.”
Something inside her snapped. Maybe it was the stress of the last few days, or maybe it was learning the lengths George had gone to to keep his beloved vineyard away from her, she wasn’t sure. Only one thing was certain. No way would George or Bryce get what they wanted. They wouldn’t manipulate her anymore. “Try and stop me.”
“You can count on it.” Bryce slammed the door shut.
She stood and gazed at Frank. “Do whatever you have to do.”