Now hearing the latest development, I slipped my arm around her shoulders, drawing her close to me as I focused back on Adam. “What do you think changed his mind?”
Adam tapped the thick file beside him. “I had a meeting with his lawyer in regards to the contents of this file. I think he sat with his client and persuaded him it was in his best interest not to pursue such a stupid claim. Brian had contacted him the day he left here with instructions on the adultery claim; I think he was angry when he left your property that day and reacted to it. No doubt once his anger subsided he realized just how unwise his claim was. I imagine his lawyer had something to do with the decision once he saw this and convinced him it would be more prudent to take a different approach.” He paused. “I’m pretty sure he also thought hard on what you had to say to him, Joshua. It was rather … direct. Only a total idiot would ignore that sort of warning.”
I snorted. I was pretty sure the asshole was an idiot. In fact, I was certain of it. Adam grinned at me knowing exactly what I was thinking, winked and then sat back. “His lawyer was rather shocked to find out the only requests were for your few personal items, the donation, the signed letter saying no retribution would be sought, and the cost of your legal fees. The no personal settlement thing was a surprise, I think. Especially given the evidence we have of Brian’s abuse.”
Rabbit looked over at him, her eyebrow arched. “My legal fees, Adam?”
He grinned at her. “I’m expensive, Lizzy. I decided that rat bastard should pay for my services, not you. I also decided extra time needed to be spent on your case. I am going to cost Mr. James big time. Besides the seven million I put forth for the donation.”
Rabbit’s head tilted as she regarded him quietly. “Seven million? I requested five.”
Adam shrugged with a grin. “Typo on the draft. He agreed to it. With his father passing, the bastard can certainly afford it. And, the way it is being distributed he gets zero credit for it. None.”
Rabbit smiled gratefully “Thank you, Adam.”
He smiled back at her. “If the only thing I can hurt is his pocketbook, then I am gonna hurt it badly, Lizzy.”
Both Rabbit and I chuckled. Adam’s face turned serious. “I would prefer to go after him for a lot of money, Lizzy. For you. You deserve it. And I could get it. Easily.” His fingers once again tapped the file. “I doubt there would be much pushback if I tried. You could use it as a nest egg for the future.”
Rabbit shook her head. “No, Adam. I want this over. I don’t want his money. Even if I needed it, I wouldn’t touch it. It came at too high a price for me to ever want it. I want no tangible connection left to him. I’m fine with your fees being covered, I hadn’t really thought of that.”
I couldn’t stay quiet. “Neither Lizzy nor my child will ever want for anything—ever. No matter what, Adam. Lizzy doesn’t need his money. What’s mine is hers, and once we’re married, everything will have her name on it. In fact, I want to talk to you about a few legal items while you’re here.”
I felt her stiffen beside me and looked over but her eyes were downcast. Softly, I squeezed her shoulder and felt her relax, but I could feel that she was still tense.
Adam sighed. “I’ll be honest; it just doesn’t sit well with me, Lizzy, but you’re the client and I’ll do what you want.”
“It is,” she insisted. “Just move it along, Adam. Please.”
Something was off in her voice and I looked back over at her, frowning. But again, she wasn’t meeting my eyes.
I looked at Adam, who sent me back a questioning look before he assured her he would do exactly that.
“So how is therapy going?” he asked, changing the subject as Rabbit got up and began slicing up the pie and pouring coffee.
“It’s been … interesting,” I shrugged. “Trina will be out again today, and tomorrow I’m going to drive us into the hospital for Lizzy’s next ultrasound.”
“Trina comes here?”
I nodded. “She has been here almost every day for the past two weeks. She feels it’s important to start where I’m the most comfortable. She thinks she needs to be with me as I push myself through the act of leaving the property. We have a daily session and she sits with me as I drive, each day going further. The last few days have been good. If all goes according to plan, I will soon be able to drive myself through the gate, and once I can handle that, we’ll expand my comfort zone.” I shrugged rather self-consciously, still feeling the shame of my phobia weighing on me.