Kentucky Rich by Fern Michaels

don’t much care for him or his son. What I’m asking is, can you work with him knowing he’s in authority?”
    â€œNo!” The single word shot from her mouth like a lone bullet.
    â€œCould you work with him if he answered to you and only you? That means you’ll be stepping into Maud’s shoes. What I mean, Nealy, is, Maud and I decided that you will inherit Blue Diamond Farms. You and Emmie. Everything we have between us will go to you and your daughter with the exception of some special bequests and gifts to a few charities. You will be a very wealthy woman one day.”
    â€œOh, no, Jess, I can’t accept that. You must have kin somewhere. All I want is to be allowed to stay here and work. I never thought . . . never dreamed. No. It’s not right. I can’t accept such generosity.”
    â€œIt’s not up to you. Everything is all set up. Maud wanted it done years ago, right after you got here. She said you were the one who would carry on Blue Diamond Farms. Said you were the one who would give her another Derby winner. I agreed. It’s done, girl. It’s not a yes or a no. All our people, the workers, the families, yes, they love it here, but it’s a job to them. They do a day’s work and get a day’s pay. Yes, they’re loyal, and for that we’re grateful. But there isn’t one who loves this place or understands it like you do. I’ve seen you look at the land, at the fencing, at the animals with the same kind of love in your eyes as when you look at your daughter. Maud saw that. We’re comfortable with our decisions. I know it’s going to take some getting used to. Money is a powerful thing, Nealy. That’s one of the reasons Maud made you learn the business end of things.
    â€œWhen Emmie comes of age, she’ll take her place right alongside you. Won’t matter one whit if she can talk or not. She has the touch like you do. We can’t let that slip away. And before you can give me an argument, Maud and I know who you are and where you came from. That’s why we waited until you were twenty-one to adopt you. We had the best lawyers we could find to make all this legal. One of these days, the girl’s pa might rear up and try to make some claims. Won’t work,” Jess said emphatically. “Got it sewed up tight as a drum. Are you absorbing all this, Nealy?”
    â€œYes, I think so. I guess I’m overwhelmed that you would think so much of me and Emmie.”
    â€œWe love you, that’s the difference. I’ve never seen Maud so happy. The day you got here was the day she came alive, even with all the pain she was feeling. Maud is going to die, Nealy. I don’t know when, but it will happen. I won’t be long for this world once that happens. Don’t go bawling on me now. I’m telling you facts so you can be prepared. When I draw my last breath, I want to know I left things in good hands. Say something, girl.”
    â€œI love you, Jess Wooley. I’ll do my best to measure up. Emmie will, too. What happens if... if... Miss Maud . . . dies before I can bring in another Derby winner?”
    â€œNothing will happen. She’ll know. Maud knows you won’t let her down. Now, let’s get back to Jack Carney. He’s not going to like taking orders from you. Put him in his place early on. If he gets out of hand, boot his ass out of here. That goes for Wylie, too. Never could cotton to that kid. He’s a sly little weasel. Keep him on the straight and narrow, and if he gives you even an ounce of trouble, get rid of him. Can you do that?”
    â€œYes, sir, I can.”
    â€œGood. There’s more on the financial end we need to talk about. We set up trusts for you and Emmie. No one can ever get their hands on the money. There’s a handsome brokerage account. You could live in luxury until your dying day and never touch the principal. These things have nothing to