Now the penny dropped. Pru wasn’t particularly concerned about Elizabeth but she was concerned that Harry was happy and that Harry didn’t leave. Pru felt Elizabeth was key to that. An idea was slowly forming in Elizabeth’s head. ‘I think I know what you’re saying,’ she said. ‘But I think I deserve something in return.’

Pru arched her eyebrows and took her hand away. ‘Right, let’s get down to business. What is it you want?’

‘I want a share in Conmere. I want to be able to vote on matters concerning Conmere.’ There, she’d said it. She could tell by the look on Pru’s face, she wasn’t expecting that. What the hell? Elizabeth had had enough, waiting for Owen to sort this out, and if she could get Pru to agree, well, she could use that video evidence against Owen in some other way if and when the opportunity arose.

‘A share in Conmere in addition to Harry’s?’

‘Yep. I want an equal stake.’

‘Impossible.’

‘Nothing’s impossible.’

‘I’ll never give a share of Conmere to anyone else.’

‘That’s fine. I can just walk away and probably take Harry with me. I can also take down what you’ve spent years building. I know enough about all three of your sons to discredit them and to have at least one of them arrested.’

Pru looked at her for a long moment. ‘I underestimated you. My fault.’ She tapped her knee with her finger as she pondered some more. ‘I actually admire you. I thought you would be easy to manipulate. I do like you, Elizabeth, and now I think I like you even more.’

‘So?’

‘So, I’ll need a formal request in writing from you. Something I can take to the board – in other words, my sons. I’ll need to convince them it’s a good idea. I’m sure we can come to an arrangement.’

‘Great,’ said Elizabeth. ‘And just so we fully understand each other, I’m deadly serious about it.’

‘So am I.’ She smiled. ‘Maybe just let your mum know you’re all right. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard the message you left. I’m sure she’ll be worried. Give her a call or email to let her know you’re OK.’

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Conmere, Friday, 17 May, 7.00 a.m.

Steph woke the next morning not to the sound of her seven o’clock alarm, but to the sound of her mobile ringing. It took her a moment to work out it was her phone and when she looked at the screen was surprised to see it was her mother. Steph contemplated ignoring it. After yesterday, she wasn’t sure she wanted to speak to her mother for a long time.

‘Hello.’