Read Online When She's Bad by Leanne Banks - Free Book Online Page B

decisions concerning the spa.”
    “But I still own majority interest, don’t I?” Delilah said, cursing her lack of foresight in forking over those two measly percentage shares to Helga.
    “Yes, but in the interest of a smooth operating business and avoiding conflict, you may want to include the silent partner in future business meetings and decisions.”
    Delilah frowned. “If I have majority interest, then why do I need to cow-tow to a silent partner who has suddenly decided to become a nosey, noisy partner?”
    The men exchanged sideways glances.
    Jerry tented his fingers together like a church steeple, not a comforting symbol for Delilah. “A silent partner has the right to request audits and question the ability of the current management. The silent partner may request weekly reports on everything from inventory to safety procedures to clean bathroom checks.”
    Delilah’s stomach knotted. “So what you’re saying is I could be nitpicked to death.”
    “I’m afraid so. Your best course would be to cooperate with the silent partner.”
    She sighed. “Okay. Who is my silent partner?”
    A knock sounded at the partially opened door and Lilly Bradford appeared in the doorway. “Hi there. You don’t mind if I come in, do you?”
    Jerry glanced at Bill then both men looked at Delilah.
    Oh, no. No, no, no , Delilah thought, gazing desperately at Jerry. But Jerry gave a slight nod of his head and Delilah saw the awful truth written on his face.
    “I have some thoughts on the current expansion plans,” Lilly said coolly as she entered the room. “Good morning,” she said to the men, then glanced at Delilah without extending her hand or a greeting. “You’ve informed Miss Montague of my partnership status, haven’t you?”
    The room began to spin.
    She’d become the guardian of a six-month-old baby last night and the person who hated her more than just about anything, Lilly Bradford, had just become her business partner. Somebody up there was having way too much fun at her expense.
    Lilly sat down and opened a folder. “The first thing I’d like to review is your educational background.”
    A very sore point for Delilah. She stiffened her spine. “When I was hired, I was told my experience was more important.”
    “And what was your experience when you were promoted?” Lilly asked in a snippy voice.
    Delilah wanted to grab her by her Dumbo ears and jerk her into a knot. “I had already worked at Spa DeMay for a few years. As you know, I was trained by your father,” she said boldly, daring Lilly to make a snide comment in front of the accountants.
    Lilly’s cheeks turned pink. Her eyes sparked with fury. “But your education.”
    “My education is three years of training from your father. I have five years of experience at this spa. What kind of work experience do you have?” Delilah asked, turning the tables on Howard’s daughter with a silent uplifted apology. Sorry, but your princess is getting out of hand.
    Lilly opened her mouth, but nothing came out. “I—I—”
    “You have a college education, don’t you? What was your major? How does it relate to the spa?”
    Lilly began to sweat. When she’d gone to bed by herself again last night, she’d vowed that she would be the perfect choice of a bride for Robert Huntington. After her appointment with the executor of her father’s estate yesterday, she’d concluded that one of her first duties as prospective fiancée was to get the trash out of her life. Delilah Montague needed to go.
    Even now, though, the woman made her feel uncertain. Lilly had every reason to feel confident and in control. She owned almost half of what Delilah wanted. She could make Delilah’s life a living hell while Delilah couldn’t do a thing to her. Except make her feel insecure, ignorant and inexperienced.
    I am an ice cube , Lilly told herself. She can’t get her claws in me . “We’re not here to discuss my qualifications.”
    “If we’re going to discuss