Consequences

decisions?”
    “No, I am not implying. I am saying that as Claire’s brother-in-law and attorney I should review the prenuptial agreement prior to her signature.”
    Claire didn’t feel good about this discussion. Maybe she could help. “Thank you, John, for your concern. I do trust Tony—” She immediately knew she shouldn’t have spoken. She stopped.
    Tony continued, “Your concern is admirable. And your persistence is commendable. As Claire’s attorney, not her brother-in-law, I will inform you that we do not plan on having a prenuptial agreement. I want Claire to have half of everything. I do not plan on divorcing her, leaving her, or her leaving me. I believe she should be my partner in every way with everything. She will have half of everything I possess as of December 18.”
    John sat in silence and stared at Tony. He hadn’t expected that information. Finally, he spoke. “Have you consulted your team of legal counsel?”
    “Excuse me? Are you asking as Claire’s attorney?”
    “No, I am asking as your future brother-in-law. I know Claire. I know she is a wonderful woman who is in love. But as an attorney, a man of your wealth should not enter a business deal without a contract, and you should not enter into a marriage without a prenuptial agreement.”
    Tony smiled, amused. Amusement did not imply a good thing. Claire prayed it was all a figment of her imagination, perhaps she was sleeping again and this was a nightmare. Emily sat in awe, dumbfounded by the verbal debate that transpired before her. Tony decided the conversation was over. “John, thank you for your advice. Thank you for your legal consultation. Your care and concern for Claire is duly noted and welcomed. I look forward to more lively debates with you in the future. May I make one suggestion?” John said yes. However, his answer was inconsequential. The statement formed as a question was purely rhetorical. Tony would offer his suggestion either way. “These conversations should and will take place in private.” John agreed.
    They sat in silence for a while. Finally, Emily broke the uneasy stillness and told Claire she would miss her and couldn’t wait until they were together again for the wedding. Then she turned to Tony. “If we are still welcome?”
    His mouth smiled. Claire didn’t need to look to know his eyes did not. “Of course, we look forward to your visit.” Once the car reached their hotel, Eric opened the door and Tony got out first. Emily and John both hugged Claire on their way out. Emily told Claire to call more, and they both shook Tony’s hand as they went into the hotel.
    Tony got back in and Eric shut the door. Tony laid his head back on the seat. Claire still didn’t think she should speak. She wanted to tell him how pleased she was with what he had said. She did trust his decisions and she didn’t care about the money. However, it was obvious Tony wasn’t happy. She chose to remain silent. As the car pulled away Tony squeezed Claire’s hand and spoke, his tone was neither warm nor playful, “I believe it is good that you had a nap this afternoon.” Eric drove them to the apartment.

 
Prolonged endurance tames the bold.
—Lord Byron
     Chapter 28
    During the eight months she lived on Tony’s estate, she never saw visitors, business or personal. The house remained busy with staff and employees. People who clean, cook, and fulfill other responsibilities filled the house. The grounds often bustled with gardeners and maintenance workers, but there were never guests. That was why as they approached the house, winding up the drive, it seemed strange to see multiple cars parked on the brickyard in front of the main steps.
    On the plane and again in the car, Claire received the rules speech. It seemed incredibly redundant. She’d heard it hundreds of times, literally. She knew the words by heart. Follow my rules: number one, do as you are told, do not divulge personal information, actions have consequences, appearances are of vital importance, and public failure is not an option. Apparently, being Tony’s fiancée didn’t exempt her from the rules. As a matter of fact, it made them all that more critical.
    Shelly, Tony’s publicist, released the prepared statement to the press. It simply read,
Anthony Rawlings, entrepreneur and world-renowned businessman happily announces his engagement to Claire Nichols,
originally from Indiana. The two plan a December wedding.
Details are not available at