Page 71 of Signed, Sealed, Married

Every instinct warned of a problem. Even when they made love it had been with an unfamiliar urgency on Adam’s part. But it wasn’t just the urgency of passion. It felt different, rooted in something darker than the joy they’d found together. Yet Adam had brushed off her concerns.

Maybe you’re jumping at shadows. Julien’s illness has made you expect the worst.

‘Hmm. That explains it.’ Julien paused. ‘I don’t suppose he said anything to you about the company?’

Something in her brother’s voice made her abandon the tomatoes and give all her attention to the conversation.

‘We talk about it all the time. What, in particular?’ An unnerving silence met her question and her nape furred, the fine hairs there standing on end. ‘Is there a problem?’

There couldn’t be. Already Adam’s changes were turning Fontaine’s around.

‘No problem. Laurent called. Do you know about that?’

The family lawyer? ‘No. What’s wrong?’

‘Nothing. In fact, it’s good news. If it’s true.’

Gisèle rolled her eyes. ‘Stop talking in riddles.’

‘Well, if Laurent’s right, and this is what I want to check with Adam, he’s signing the company back to us. He’ll step aside as CEO.’

Julien sounded as stunned as she felt.

‘Step aside?’

‘The company is being handed over to us completely.’

‘Impossible!’ Gisèle braced herself against the counter. ‘Adam’s committed to Fontaine’s.’

‘That’s what I don’t understand. Laurent says he’s not even seeking compensation for the money he’s poured into it. It makes no sense. He can’t simply walk away.’

Ice glissaded down Gisèle’s spine. ‘It’s totally out of character,’ she said slowly. ‘He wanted Fontaine’s badly and he’s committed so much into improving it.’

Yet lately he’d seemed preoccupied with other business. Like the US acquisition.

Wasthatwhy he’d been distracted? Was he turning his attention to the next challenge? She’d believed him committed to Fontaine’s for the long haul. Their discussions had left her excited for the company’s future.

‘That’s what I thought. But I don’t know him as well as you. Maybe the American engineering company is more his style than cosmetics?’

Julien’s words struck home. Engineering was more in Adam’s line. Was it possible that despite his initial enthusiasm he was bored? Did he enjoy the thrill of the hunt, his interest waning once the process of reinvigorating the acquired company was underway? From his staff’s comments it wasn’t usual for him to be so heavily involved in the minutiae of an acquisition long term.

Was he losing interest?

Instantly she rejected the idea. Until she remembered months ago, telling herself that one day, when the novelty wore off, Adam would move on from the company.

And then he’d have no need for her. She’d be free.

The phone fell onto the benchtop as a wave of pain engulfed her, doubling her over. She clung to the counter, fighting for breath.

The idea was preposterous. Adam had paid a fortune for Fontaine’s. He wouldn’t give it away.

‘Gisèle?’

‘I’m here.’ She was proud of her even tone. ‘It sounds like nonsense.’ But Laurent had always been reliable.

‘Well, when you talk to Adam, you can clarify it.’

‘Of course.’

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