Saved by the Rancher - By Jennifer Ryan Page 0,122
they made. Three of the most handsome men around, dressed in their best suits, and her in her finest business attire flanked by five other large men, who despite their suits couldn’t be mistaken for anything but bodyguards. They drew everyone’s attention in the lobby of the building as Cameron led the way to the elevators to take them up to the conference room on the thirty-sixth floor.
Nervous, her palms were sweating. Jack still held her hand and leaned in to say, “You’ll do fine. He can’t hurt you. Go in there and do what you came to do. Sam and I have your back.”
The elevator doors opened and Jack released her hand. They exited the elevator and headed to the conference room door. He understood she needed to stand on her own. She entered, Sam and Jack right behind her. Cameron followed along with the five bodyguards, who spread out around the room. Jenna headed to the large table and looked at the other occupants already assembled.
Charles Merrick, Nathan and Marion Merrick, and the other two members of the board appeared surprised to see her. She settled her gaze last on David, seated to Charles’s left at the head of the table, his parents on the right. She noted his furious expression. Mr. Jamison and Mr. Richards were seated beside David’s parents. Cameron took the seat next to David, watching him with a predatory glare.
Jenna stood at the head of the table at the opposite end from Charles waiting a moment to gather her strength. Jack and Sam sat in the chairs behind her against the wall. As she continued to stare at David steam, Charles broke the silence that ensued once she walked into the room.
“Good afternoon, Jenna. We weren’t expecting you. It’s a pleasure to see you. I’m happy you’ve decided to actually attend the board meeting, instead of simply calling in.”
“It’s nice to see you, too, though I doubt you’ll think it’s such a good afternoon when you find out why I’ve come today, Charles.”
She’d always liked him. A shrewd businessman, he believed in hard work and an honest living. He’d never approved of David’s personal life, but stayed out of it so as not to draw David’s temper. He hadn’t liked the fact Jenna won part of the company in the divorce settlement, but he hadn’t approved of David’s treatment of her either. Married for over forty years to his beloved wife before she died of a heart attack, Jenna knew he still missed her, even after her death more than ten years ago. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she couldn’t allow David to run the company when he retired.
“What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were in the hospital,” David seethed.
“I’m sure you did. How’s your new wife. Still alive and in one piece, I hope.”
“You bitch!” He stood and slammed his hands on the table. Every one of the guards tensed. Jack and Sam stepped forward ominously. David fell back into his chair.
“Shut up,” she snapped. “I’m not putting up with you anymore. I warned you in Colorado to leave me alone, or suffer the consequences. I’m here to deliver the consequences.”
“Jenna, we have business to discuss. I’m sure you can deal with your personal issues with David after the meeting, which I’ll remind you is not open to anyone but board members. I’d appreciate it if you’d ask these men to leave the room, while we conduct that business.”
“Charles, respectfully, I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. These men are here to protect me.”
“Protect you from whom? Nobody here will harm you. It’s simply a business meeting.”
“No, Charles, this isn’t just any business meeting. I’m sure you remember the circumstances of David’s and my divorce. My safety is at issue here. The men stay.”
“All right, if it makes you feel better, I’ll make an exception. Let’s get on with the meeting.”
“Charles, I hate to interrupt you, but I have business to discuss before we can go any further. I realize you and everyone else are quite surprised to see me here today, but I have a very good reason for coming. Unfortunately, the consequences David has to face will also affect you and David’s parents. It’s unfortunate, but unavoidable at this point. David pushed me too far. And now, I’m pushing back.”
“She’s crazy. I haven’t seen her in years, except to visit her in the hospital a few days ago after she had an accident. Meredith and