AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I also know that your mother has not long left to live”.
He had paused seeing the flash of pain which had again crossed her face, more tears rising to her eyes as she had fought hard to keep them from spilling over, something inside him reacting to her vulnerability.
“I truly am sorry Mina”.
Nodding softly, she had once more dragged the back of her hand over her cheek, her hands visibly trembling.
“Well I guess that you would have found out eventually” she had finally stated, the hurt clear on her voice.
“You asked me yesterday why I had waited so long to …how did you put it…crawl out of the woodwork”.
She had pulled on her sunglasses in a vain attempt to hide her upset.
“I never wanted my connection with Alexander Mentis to come to light Mr Dupris. If I had not needed this money, then I would never have approached you or your family…but at least now you know why I have…and also that I will keep my word and I will sign anything you ask, and never bother you or your family again”.
Nikos had watched Mina, silently taking in the way she was trying so desperately to keep her composure.
“I only want to make my mother’s last few months happy ones Mr Dupris. That is all”.
She had spoken in almost a whisper, her lovely face vulnerable as he had frowned softly, lifting his cup and taking a sip. He had wanted to despise the woman before him, to find fault in the daughter of the stepfather he had hated so much. However, she was solely concerned about her mother, prepared to sacrifice everything to make her happy. For the first time since meeting her, he had felt a twinge of pity for the young woman, chastising himself and once more reminding himself who she was. She was the bastard child of a man he had loathed. Hardening his features he had once more looked over at the young woman before him.
“The villa your mother is in just now is one of my properties Miss Lane” he had said, once more becoming so formal, seeing the surprise on her face.
“Your name is not on…” she had began as he had interrupted her, knowing what she was about to say.
“It is managed by a rental company on our behalf”.
Mina had once more fallen silent.
“I have contacted them and secured it for the next year…in my name and my name only”.
His mouth softer “I thought perhaps a little longer might be wise”.
Mina had looked at him, her expression one of complete surprise and hope, a smile forming on her luscious lips.
“You…Oh my God…I don’t know how to thank you”.
A note of relief now clearly present in her voice “Mr Dupris…It has been such a worry … I really want to thank you”.
Nikos, however, had raised his hand to stop her.
“Like I said Miss Lane, I gave your proposal some thought and have decided that I have another one to put to you”.
Mina had hesitated, her relief still so evident her face now shining with the most dazzling smile, one which was sending strange sensations through him. He had thought her lovely before, but now she shone and it was all he could do to not stare at how beautiful she looked. Pulling himself together, his voice had been harsher than he had meant it to be.
“I have a different proposal for you. Your mother can remain at the villa and I will ensure that she has round the clock medical support when it becomes necessary…and you will still be given one million pounds”.
With a wide smile she had shaken her head.
“Really Mr Dupris…there is no need to give me money…you have no idea how much I appreciate what you are doing” pulling off her sunglasses once more to wipe a small happy tear from her large shining green eyes.
Nikos had swallowed, suddenly feeling bad about what he was about to do. Once more reminding himself of who she was, although the vision of her at that moment, so relieved and happy to be in a position to make her dying mothers final wishes come true had made him feel very uncomfortable.
In a low strong voice he had looked closely at her.
“I want you to come out and declare to the world your relationship to Alexander”.
He had watched as the smile had fallen from her face, her smooth complexion growing pale, as she had stared back at him in horror.
“W.what…what do you mean?…I can’t” she had stuttered in dumbfounded disbelief.
“I told you I would remain unknown…I promised to sign anything. Why would you want?…”
Mina could only stare at him, stupefied at his words, her eyes staring wildly at the man before her. This man who sat so still and composed his expression one of grim determination, knowing that he was not joking as she so badly wanted him to be.
Once more picking up his drink, his hands still and strong as hers shook uncontrollably he had continued.
“Your father had a child from his first marriage, Alexander also. He has equal rights to the company that I have pulled up and turned around. Now that it is once again the thriving organisation that it was, he sees a way to get VERY rich VERY fast”.
Looking over at the young woman still watching him with shocked eyes, he had finished.
“Your half-brother has forced a meeting of the board for a month’s time, at which he will demand the sale of the company to one of my main rivals. Now while the vote may go my way…I am not a man who likes to take chances Miss Lane. Your appearance means that you now have one third right to the company. It also means that when it goes to vote you will have the casting decision”.
Leaning forward he had held her eyes with his.
“I want you to come forward and to vote with me to ensure that my company is not sold from under me. The villa your mother is staying is not far from my own home, so I propose that you come and stay with me until the vote. Then you may move in with your mother and I will ensure that you are paid handsomely for your support”.
Shaking her head vehemenantly Mina had muttered.
“No, no, no…I can’t do that …I do not want to do that” her once sparkling eyes now full of hopelessness and pleading.
“Please Mr Dupris…do not ask that of me. Coming forward…I will be hounded by the press…you know that. Another scandal for the tabloids”.
She had seen as his lips had pressed together firmly, his brows frowning.
“That is why I ask that you come and stay with me. In my home I can offer you some protection…and it will mean that the press will leave your mother alone”.
Dropping her eyes once more to the perfect view of the water and the slowly sinking sun, the sky breaking into glorious colour, silence had descended on the two of them, Mina trying hard to pull herself together to allow the tranquil setting to bring some calm to her shocked body. After several minutes she had once more turned to him.
“And what if I refuse?” her voice almost inaudible, Nikos sighing softly.
“If you refuse, then at the end of the month, your mother will be asked to leave and no matter who else you might approach, you will find that the villa will no longer be an option for you to rent”.
Looking at the man before her with eyes full of such pain she had whispered “You would do that to a dying woman? A woman who just wants to spend the last of her days in the one place she was most happy?”
He had looked back holding her gaze steadily, his expression grim and firm.
“I would do whatever it takes to protect my company Miss Lane, whatever it takes”.
Once more looking away she had nodded her head softly, her shoulders slightly stooped, her voice defeated.
“It seems you have left me with little choice Mr Dupris, I will do what you want”.
While feeling relief that she had agreed, Nikos could not help but feel the discomfort of guilt which tugged so deeply at him his voice once more soft but businesslike.
“I have already contacted a medical crew who specialise in home support. They will be waiting to help your mother whenever her condition requires it”.
Still not looking at him, he had seen her nod softly in understanding.
“Tomorrow I will organise for your belongings to be brought from your hotel to my home, but I have also ensured that you receive an allowance so that you can update your wardrobe to meet the expectations of the board”.
At this she had frowned, her head flying around to look back at him.
“I don’t understand…what does it matter how I look?”
She had seen as he had flicked his eyes over the summer dress she wore, his look telling her more than she wanted to know.
“You will find yourself in many business situations Miss Lane, and there will be many social functions you will be required to attend. While you look lovely, you are not exactly dressed for these occasions and I suspect you did not pack for them either”.
With a scowl, she had felt her insides shrivel at his disdain, before giving a weary sigh, her hand pushing the hair from her face.
“No, I guess not Mr Dupris” her mouth clamping shut, her eyes falling to her clasped hands. His hand covering hers had made her jump in surprise, her look flying up to his, seeing as he had removed his glasses and was now looking intently at her.
