Tristan was seething as she stared at Alan Rogers. He was blocking her way out of the Library at Bellamy Manor. She controlled her anger and her voice was precise and crisp when she spoke to Rogers this time.

"Were you hired by Jason Bellamy to read his will?" Rogers looked down at her with a smile that made her want to slap him and nodded, her reaction gratifying, until her tone changed to one of raw and brutal contempt, then he backed away from her, wary. "You have no other connection to the estate? You aren't a relative, legitimate or otherwise? Not born on the wrong side of the blanket, so to speak?" His face flamed with fury at the insult. "You don't own a controlling interest in the business. So, what exactly is your beef with my not wanting this inheritance, your open rudeness to my aunt and uncle and treating me like a leper? What's got you in such a snit? You are nothing but a low-level employee. Correct? You are a servant?" The Bellamy's gasped in shock. "Isn't that right?"

Rogers looked as if she'd spit on him and his eyes were full of hatred, but he persisted.

"My orders from your father were to secure your signature on an affidavit naming my financial management company as the estate manager and I take my duties very seriously. I have these kinds of arrangements with many of my clients. All of your refusals and made up concern for the family are foolish."

"Is that a legal requirement for validating my claim to the Bellamy inheritance? You manage the estate or the will is invalid?"

"It was your father's wish." Rogers said coldly, "But no, there are no legally binding agreements other than you live on the estate." His tone held a thinly veiled sneer. "Why would you even care? Your father was a very accomplished businessman and he believed my firm quite capable of managing his estate. You will sign those affidavits, Ms. Bellamy. You aren't capable of managing an estate of this size and complexity."

Tristan took a moment to let her anger cool at his rudeness, while her family held their breath.

"Well, Sir, sometimes we get what we wish for." She took the papers from him and scribbled something quickly. "And sometimes, we don't." The attorney looked at the papers in shocked disbelief. "This is one of those times." She stepped toward him. "You are fired."