“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”.