head of his own veterinary practice and millionaire bachelor got blown off.
“Trey?”
He looked up to see Gretchen’s wary expression. “Sorry.”
“Mr. Payton will see you now.”
He stood but his mind remained fixated on the image of Sasha Clayton’s perfectly sized backside. It took him twenty paces to get his libido in check and his mind on business. When he exited the waiting area, at least he had his common sense back.
Chapter 3
Sasha’s pen hit the table at the same time her bottom lip dropped. “Excuse me, Mr.…” Sasha blinked owlishly at the attorney. She sat at the head of a long conference table. A half dozen lawyers faced her. The first shock of the meeting was discovering that Uncle Camden had been cremated and his ashes spread over the Atlantic Ocean.
“Greenberg.” The lanky gentleman with deep-set blue eyes and wispy silver hair responded.
“Could you repeat what you just said?”
“Save for a sum of a three million dollars bequeathed to various charitable trusts, two million to his trusted friend and butler, funds set aside for the progeny of his animals, the balance of Camden Ridgestone’s thirty-five-million-dollar estate is yours with a few stipulations, of course.”
Fully aware of the six sets of eyes on her, Sasha slumped in the leather armchair and struggled to keep her breakfast of eggs and croissants from rising up and spilling onto the nicely polished table.
“Are you alright?” another attorney asked.
She shook her head from side to side and honestly replied. “No.”
“Don’t worry. The stipulations are quite simple. You are to take on the duty of caring for the animals, take his seat on a few of the charity beards and you cannot give the fortune away.”
Twenty-five million dollars. The amount swam in front of her eyes as she struggled to comprehend two things. First, how did Uncle Camden have that kind of money? Second, why in the world did he leave it to her? She’d spent half of her life believing that her godfather was a normal researcher with a British accent. It was only after her father and godfather had fought that she had discovered that there had been a lot more to Camden Ridgestone than they’d ever known. Like the fact that his well-to-do family had not completely disowned him. And that Camden had secretly funded her parents’ research expeditions and Sasha’s college education.
“I can see that this comes as a shock.”
Sasha barely suppressed the urge to glare at the white-haired attorney who’d long since given up on covering his receding hairline. The man had a gift for understatements. A hundred questions rose to her lips but Sasha settled on one. “Why?”
“Why?” Mr. Greenberg repeated with a puzzled look.
“Why me?” she croaked.
“Oh, that. Well, there are numerous reasons that are not my place to explain.” He opened a leather portfolio and drew out a sealed envelope. “Camden left you this letter and I believe that it will provide you with answers.”
The attorney slid it across the table in her direction, and then stood along with his colleagues. “We’re just going to give you some time to take this all in. If you need anything, just pick up the phone and one of the secretaries would be happy to help.”
“Thank you.”
“There will be paperwork to sign. The main thing is that you begin your role as caretaker to Camden’s animals. With your permission, I can have someone deliver your things from the hotel to the house.”
“No, thank you. I can do it myself,” Sasha replied as her head began to ache.
When the door closed behind them, she reached over and picked up the envelope, gingerly as if she held a rare specimen. With the corner of her fingernail, she flipped up the unsealed edge and drew out the thick pieces of off-white parchment.
Dearest Sasha,
Her heart gave a squeeze and fresh hot tears flooded into her eyes. Sasha closed the lids and drew in a deep calming breath. She wiped the tears away and forced herself to continue reading.
Don’t panic, and remember to breathe. I’ve always been curious about your incredible dislike of surprises and I’m sure this bequest will be unexpected. But it is for the best. Of all the people in the world I trust, you, your father and your mother are highest on my list. And of all the people that I have loved, you, Sasha, deserve all the riches of the world although you’ve never wanted them. I leave this life without a child or close relatives. I’ve given my life to nature conservation and I’ve tried to be a good person. Now I hope that you will do the same. I leave you the bulk of my possessions. Do with the money what you will, but take care of my animals. All of them have kept me company and given me unconditional love. I could do no less than to leave them in your more than capable hands.
By the time she finished the letter, Sasha’s hands shook. The enormity of the situation hit home as the missive landed on the table. From one hour to the next, she’d become a heiress and a pet owner. She didn’t know which was worse. Her father had taught her to despise the rich. And despite her love of animals, she’d never owned a pet. She’d moved around too much during her childhood.
She looked down at the list and did a quick sum. She was now in possession of a fortune, a dog, cat, an iguana and a pod of tree frogs.
“Just checking in.” Mr. Greenberg stood next to the table.
She opened her eyes and stood. “How long have I been here?”
“A little over half an hour.”
She shifted in her seat as the attorney sat in the chair next to hers. Sasha wasn’t physically tired but mentally she stood on the edge of exhaustion. “I’m sorry.”
“No problem at all, young lady. Did you have a quick rest?”
“I didn’t sleep. My head is still spinning.”
“Well there’s no rush. You have a lot to take in. It’s not every day you inherit millions.”
“What about Uncle Camden’s family? Aren’t they going to argue against this?”
“It’s been taken care of. Your godfather is the poorest member of the Ridgestones and since he cut ties after moving to the U.S. and giving up his British citizenship, they’re not going to say a word.”
“Pardon my ignorance, but how did Uncle Camden amass this fortune?”
“Pet food.”
“Excuse me?”
“Your uncle helped span a small dynasty of high quality, veterinary recommended pet food.”
“I knew he had money, but this…” She shook her head. “I have no idea what to do now.”
“You’ve got plenty of time to figure this out. And until
