Page 63 of The Secret Castle in the Highlands

He squinted through his pale-blue eyes and cast them around. ‘Art isn’t really my thing.’

‘I would never have guessed,’ she hissed under her breath.

I forced a smile. ‘What can we help you with?’

It was at that point that an intrigued couple wandered in, backpacks slung over their shoulders. As they perused our noticeboard, Katie wished them good morning – and aimed hot glares at Alex Lapley at the same time.

Alex reminded me of a wiry pipe cleaner, with nylon blond hair and stiff shoulders. He planted his legs more firmly upon the floor. Why was he always wearing a suit? Had he never heard of the casual look? His persistent choice of expensive tailoring added to my belief that he was every bit as starched and unapproachable as his shirts.

‘Business seems brisk,’ he remarked, trailing a finger over one of my pictures.

I flinched. ‘We’re doing well, considering we’ve only been operating again for a few weeks.’ I eyed him. ‘So,’ I repeated with as much patience as I could muster, ‘what can I do for you?’

A sly smile seeped across his sharp features. ‘Nothing, I’m sorry to say.’

Katie stepped up beside me. ‘Why have you come in here, then?’

Alex pushed his hands into the pockets of his suit trousers. ‘I’m afraid I’ve got some rather unpleasant news.’

The backpack couple continued to hover by the window, doing their best to appear spellbound by Katie’s cereal bowls, rather than the potential drama unfolding before them.

I tried to disguise my apprehension. ‘About what?’

Alex’s effort to appear contrite weren’t fooling anyone. ‘This business actually belongs to me.’

‘What?’ I barked with laughter. ‘What are you talking about? Of course it doesn’t.’ I shook my head in bewilderment. ‘Don’t be so bloody stupid. Get away with you.’

His jaw clenched. ‘I’m not ten anymore, Poppy.’

‘Well, stop acting as if you are.’ I gathered up my resilience. ‘I remember you back then, Alex, all knobbly knees and attitude. You haven’t changed for the better.’

Alex glowered from under his pale lashes. ‘Much as I’m enjoying this trip down memory lane, please be quiet.’

I glowered at him and Katie snorted beside me.

Alex chose to examine the underside of one of Katie’s cereal bowls. His mouth twisted into open disdain as he clattered it back down in the display. ‘I should clarify that it’s the land this business is built on that still belongs to me and my family.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ I snorted. ‘It’s White Willow Cottages and it belongs to the Summers.’

‘No, I can assure you it doesn’t.’ Alex shrugged. ‘The name of this place is inconsequential. Your father failed to sign one part of the agreement and that means that your business belongs to us.’

He delved inside his jacket and handed over a cream-coloured envelope. My mouth dried up as I took it. I tried to look unfazed.

‘Don’t take my word for it,’ Alex said silkily. ‘It’s from our family solicitors.’

Katie peered over my shoulder, and we read the formal-looking correspondence in silence.

He made no effort to conceal his delight.

The blood in my veins iced over. There must be some mistake. ‘Do you practise being an utter bastard or does it just come naturally?’ I gave my arm a nervous rub. ‘If you think…’

‘I’m not thinking anything. I know.’

My eyes swivelled from the letter to his superior expression and back again. ‘I don’t understand any of this.’

Alex slid the letter back into his jacket pocket and gave it a comforting pat.

I tried to conceal my fear and frustration. ‘I’d like a copy of that letter.’