Madeline pulled out a sheet of paper and thrust it toward Isabella. “I wasn’t told
to keep this secret so I’m not violating anyone’s confidence, and I figure if I was invited
to a party where my future husband was in attendance, I’d at least want the opportunity to
buy a gorgeous dress for the occasion.”
Isabella snatched the paper and stared back at Madeline in astonishment.
“Husband?”
Madeline’s eyebrows went up. “He didn’t tell you that he was searching for a
husband for you? I’d have to think that came up in conversation at least once.”
“Well it did, briefly I mean. Just yesterday. He’s already found someone?”
Isabella tried to keep the horror from her voice, but she wasn’t entirely certain
she’d been successful judging by the sympathy she saw in Madeline’s eyes. She’d gone
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MAYA BANKS
SILHOUETTE DESIRE 1944
THE ANETAKIS TYCOONS
along with it because she hadn’t really thought that Theron was serious, and even if he
was, she figured she had plenty of time.
“Maybe he’s in a hurry so that he can concentrate on his own upcoming
wedding,” Madeline said in a soothing voice.
“What?” Isabella croaked.
“He didn’t tell you that, either?” Madeline asked cautiously. “Well then, you
didn’t hear that from me.”
Isabella leaned forward. “Tell me,” she said fiercely. “Is he really getting
married? Is he engaged?”
Madeline looked stunned for a moment and then understanding softened her
expression. “Oh dear,” she breathed.
She got up and walked around to where Isabella sat stiffly, her hands gripped
tightly in her lap. “Why don’t we go into the conference room,” Madeline said quietly.
Isabella let Madeline lead her into the other room where Madeline shut and
locked the door. “Have a seat,” she directed Isabella.
Numbly Isabella complied and Madeline took the seat next to her.
“Now, how long have you had this crush on Theron?”
“Crush?” Isabella asked in a mixture of amusement and devastation. “A crush is a
passing fancy. I’ve been in love with Theron ever since I was a young girl. Back then it
might have been considered a crush, but now?”
Madeline shook her head and patted Isabella’s hand. “He has the right idea to
introduce you to potential husbands then. He has an arrangement with the Gianopolous
family to marry their daughter Alannis. She and her mother arrive in New York in less
than a week’s time. I’d hate to see you…hurt. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to
focus on the men Theron has in mind for you. This fascination with Theron can only end
in disappointment.”
Isabella knew that Madeline was nothing but well-intentioned, but she also had no
idea of the depth of Isabella’s feelings and her determination.
Still, the thought of Theron already being engaged, of having a commitment to
another woman…She closed her eyes against the sudden stab of pain. No wonder he was
so put off by the kiss they’d shared the night before.
“When do they marry?” she asked in a soft voice.
“Well, he has to propose first, but from what I understand that’s a mere formality.
He didn’t want a long engagement, so I imagine it will be this fall sometime.”
“So he hasn’t even proposed yet?”
Relief filled Isabella. If he hadn’t asked, then there was time to make sure he
didn’t.
Madeline frowned. “I don’t like the look you’re giving me.”
Isabella leaned forward and grabbed Madeline’s hands. “You have to help me,
Madeline. He’s making a huge mistake. I need to make him see that.”
Madeline shook her head vehemently. “Oh, no. I’m not getting involved in this.
Theron has made his choice, and I make it a point never to get involved in my employer’s
personal life. You’re on your own.”
Isabella dropped Madeline’s hands with a sigh. “You’ll thank me for this when
he’s a much happier man.”
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SILHOUETTE DESIRE 1944
THE ANETAKIS TYCOONS
Madeline stood and regarded Isabella with reservation. “Don’t make a fool of
yourself, Isabella. No man is worth losing your self-respect over. If your mother was
alive, she’d probably tell you the same thing.”