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‘Jealous?’
‘You’re beautiful and bright. You know all about Moltyn Hall and the estate, which she doesn’t. The people there like and respect you but haven’t warmed to her. And you shine in any social setting.’
He remembered seeing her at an event her father had hosted. She’d been the belle of the ball, charming and welcoming, vivacious in a totally natural manner that made her stepmother’s brusque formality even more obvious.
‘Tom loves you too.’ He’d seen how her little half brother adored her.
Elisabeth’s eyes turned misty. ‘I love him too, but I’m not allowed to spend much time with him.’
‘Then we’ll have to invite him for holidays with us, won’t we?’
‘Really?’ She looked like he’d offered her the world.
Jack’s throat thickened as he recognised anew his power to make her happy, or not. The same power she had over him.
‘Absolutely. I want us to be a family, a loving family. The more the merrier.’
Her eyes danced. ‘That sounds just perfect!’
For the first time in his life Jack believed life could be just that...perfect. For with Elisabeth he was complete and fulfilled.
He gathered her close and began telling her all the reasons she was the only woman in the world for him.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
‘IT’SBAD,JACK.The new prime minister is hinting at cancelling the contract, more than hinting. He’s talking about foreign companies only being interested in the profits they can make—’
‘That’s preposterous!’ Jack stalked to the window, the phone to his ear, and looked out to where the moat had been drained and specialists were inspecting the manor’s foundations. He spun around and marched across his office. ‘His country could never afford this project without us. Its contribution won’t cover our costs. This isn’t about profit for us.’
‘No need to convince me.’ The diplomat sounded fed up too. ‘This is a charitable donation you’re making. But he’s grandstanding, playing a nationalist card, whipping up prejudice against foreign companies.’
‘At the cost of a virtually free renewable power supply for the outlying islands?’
‘We believe he wants to go ahead, but he wants to appear as a strong man, taking charge of foreign investment.’
Jack shook his head. ‘And they say business is cutthroat. Save me from politics and international diplomacy.’
The other man’s laugh was wry. ‘It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the fact you actually got approval for this project in the first place is a miracle.’
It had taken several years’ work and a torturous consultation process, but it had been worth it. From the day he’d started turning a profit, Jack had assigned a percentage of those profits to renewable energy schemes in areas that otherwise couldn’t afford them.
This project, as well as bringing electricity to areas that had never had it, was to be an example of how such an amenity could be provided at minimal cost, while respecting the local culture and environment. It was supposed to be a model for others.
Jack raked his hand across his scalp. ‘What is he demanding?’
‘An executive team visit, headed byyou. He won’t deal with anyone less than the CEO. Think photo opportunities, briefings to all levels of government, site visits, a gracious show of hospitality by the PM and a general show on your part of being willing to please.’
Jack snorted. ‘He’s not scared I’ll walk away from the project? My company is doing his country a favour.’
‘He knows how much time and effort have gone into getting it this far. He’s no fool. He knows what this means to you personally.’
Jack digested that. It was true. He’d been in too many places in the world where lives, particularly young lives, might have been saved had there been reliable electricity to power hospitals or pump fresh water. It was one of the reasons he’d been attracted to this industry.
‘What timeline are we looking at?’
‘He wants a week and he’s talking about next Monday.’
Monday. The day Jack was taking Elisabeth to her next pregnancy scan. They couldn’t miss that. It was too important. He’d promised to be there and hewantedto attend. He was excited and nervous to be sure everything was well with the baby.
