Saved by the Rancher - By Jennifer Ryan Page 0,123

I were on our honeymoon in Denver when we heard she’d been hurt.” He tried to sound sincere. He didn’t want his grandfather to rethink his upcoming retirement. He wanted Merrick International all to himself. Soon, he’d have it. If it’s the last thing he did, he’d have his shares back from Jenna, too.

Jenna shook with fury. She placed her briefcase on the table in front of her and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Is that so, David? You haven’t seen me in years? Liar! Bastard!”

“You got what you wanted. You took my shares in the company and millions in the settlement. What more do you want? You were a gold digger then, and you’re still one,” he spat out.

“Aren’t you going to congratulate me on my engagement?” She’d thrown him with that one. She refused to allow him to continue acting like the last few years hadn’t happened. He simply stared at her, furious. She held up her hand and admired the diamond ring.

“It’s beautiful, don’t you think? Jack and I are getting married. This is Jack, everyone.” She pointed to Jack behind her and gave him a big smile. “He’s a very successful rancher in Colorado. Did I mention, David, we’re expecting? Twins.”

David fumed. Sweat broke out across his brow and his ears turned red.

“Charles, I apologize. You were interested in the business I have to discuss. First, let me say I’m truly sorry to do this to you, but there’s simply no other way. I’m sure if you think about the future, you’ll see what I’m about to do is best for the company. You’ll profit for many years to come. David,” she turned and locked gazes with him, “although you’ll profit from the shares you still hold at Merrick, you’ll be the most hurt by what I’m doing. You’ll be ruined, both personally and professionally. Just know you deserve it and so much more.”

“There’s nothing you can do to me. You couldn’t when we were married, and you can’t now.”

Jenna smiled at him and then at Cameron. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

She opened her briefcase and took out the copy of the newspaper she’d shown Cameron. She walked around the table, passing behind David, and handed the paper to his grandfather.

Charles read the headline and snapped his head toward David. He turned back to Jenna and took a good long look at her. Everyone waited in silence while he read the article. Jenna returned to the other end of the table, giving Jack a wink as she took her position. He and Sam sat at her back keeping an eye on David and the rest of the board.

Charles handed the paper to David’s mother and father. They took one look at it and gasped. Marion Merrick looked at Jenna with tears in her eyes. “No, Jenna. This isn’t possible. He didn’t do this.”

“It’s true. Every picture. Every word. I asked for your help the first time he came after me after the divorce. Back then, he wasn’t quite so physical, but still you wouldn’t believe me, or help me. This family has sheltered him, giving in to his every whim, and in doing so, you’ve condoned his behavior with your indifference. He killed your grandchild,” she finished, driving her point home.

Marion’s gaze fell to her lap in shame. Nathan simply sat like a stone starring at his son.

“What’s in that paper? Why are you all so upset?” David demanded.

Nathan Merrick threw the paper on the table in front of his son. “How could you? You aren’t the man I thought you were. I taught you better than this.” He indicated the paper with a disgusted look on his face. “You don’t hurt people, especially women. What kind of person does this to someone?”

David stared at the headline.

DAVID MERRICK – HUNTER

JENNA CALDWELL MERRICK – THE HUNTED

Several pictures of Jenna were printed beneath the headline, all in color, along with an accompanying article. His whole face turned red with rage. He stood, about to go after her when one of the bodyguards grabbed his shoulders from behind and sat him forcefully back into his seat. Jenna felt Jack’s body heat as he stood directly behind her, his arm banding around her protectively, his hand resting over her belly.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, David,” Jenna warned. “These men have orders to protect me. They’ll do just that.”

“You can’t be serious about this. I’ll sue you for libel and defamation of character. No one will