CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY TWO – MONEY MATTERS

Lillian Jones paced the length of the luxurious study, her features a stony mask that belied the turmoil churning within. Pausing beside the bay window, she stared sightlessly out at the meticulously manicured grounds surrounding their sprawling estate. This place, this home that had been in her family for generations...would she be forced to sacrifice it all to these unthinkable demands? The thought made her feel physically ill. "Darling, please – you're going to wear a trench into the floor." Richard's gentle voice broke through her reverie, and she turned to find him watching her with poorly concealed concern etched across his weathered features. "I'm sorry," she murmured, raking a hand through her carefully coiffed silver tresses. "I just...I can't seem to calm my mind." Richard rose from the plush leather armchair and crossed to her in three long strides, gathering her into his comforting embrace. She sagged against him, drawing strength from his solid, reassuring presence as