“I’m not giving her the agency,” Richard muttered. “She doesn’t know anything about advertising.”

“We don’t want the agency, Richard,” I said. “I want you out of my life.”

Gloria tapped the documents on the table.

“Here is our proposal,” Gloria said. “You sign a complete walk-away settlement.”

“What does that mean?” Croft asked.

“You waive all claims to the modular house components,” Gloria said. “You agree that the Westlake Hills land and everything on it, past or present, belongs solely to Alexandra.”

“And in exchange?” Richard asked.

“Alexandra waives her claim to your advertising agency,” Gloria said. “And she won’t pursue the four hundred and fifty thousand you took from the joint accounts.”

“That’s a massive discount for you, Richard,” Gloria added. “You keep your firm, and we walk away.”

Richard stared at the papers.

“You’re bluffing,” he said. “You don’t have the stomach to drag this through a public trial.”

“Try me,” I said. “My father left me that land, and I’ve already moved the house. I have nothing left to lose.”

Croft pulled Richard’s chair back slightly and gestured toward the corner of the room.