Bob rose from his place. “I would like to thank you, my lady, for giving me the opportunity to reflect on my decision overnight, because I have decided to choose the three properties along with the three million pounds. I’d like to thank my wife for her most magnanimous gesture, and to wish her every success with running the company.”

Uproar broke out in court. Apart from Bob Bingham, only two other people didn’t look surprised: the judge and Sebastian Clifton.

Chapter 16

16

“WHAT POSSESSED YOU to do something quite so stupid?” said Virginia.

“I just wanted Robert to know how fair I considered the settlement was.”

“Well, that backfired spectacularly.”

“But I never thought for a moment he’d let go of his beloved company.”

“And I’m not convinced he has,” said Virginia. “Those two are up to something.”

“Those two?”

“Yes, I should have realized that Sebastian Clifton would have an ulterior motive for being in court. He may have taken me by surprise this time, but he won’t get away with it again.”

“But he’s only a child.”

“A child who is fast gaining a reputation in the City as a whiz kid. And never forget, he’s the son of Emma and Harry Clifton, so he’s not to be trusted.”

“But what’s in it for him?”

“I haven’t worked that out yet, but you can be sure he’s after something. However, we can still stop them both in their tracks if we move quickly.”

“But what can I do, now I’m penniless and homeless?”

“Pull yourself together, Priscilla. You own a company worth fifteen million pounds that only last year declared a profit of over a million.”

“But for how much longer, now Robert’s no longer around to manage it?”

“You needn’t worry about that. I know exactly the right person to take his place. He has considerable experience of management, has served as the director of a public company, and, more important, he’s available at short notice.”

*   *   *

Sebastian, Bob, and Clive Bingham met in Seb’s office later that morning to discuss what needed to be done next.

“The first part of our plan went smoothly enough,” said Seb. “But it won’t be long before Virginia works out what we’re up to. So we’re going to have to move quickly, very quickly, if we’re to get all the pieces off the chessboard in time.”

“Then I’ll have to drive up to Grimsby this afternoon,” said Bob.