“I don’t give a damn what time it is!” Addison said, reaching into her jacket pocket. Pulling out her mobile, she tossed it in front of Millie. “Her private number is in there. Call her and tell her I’ll be there at six.”

Knowing there was no point in arguing, Millie let out a sigh as she picked up the phone. Excusing herself, she left the table and walked to the front hall to make the call.

Once again, Addison’s eyes found Joanna’s, and raising her chin, she stretched out her legs and crossed them at the ankles. “Satisfied?”

Joanna was bored with the woman’s narcissistic attitude. Although successful in suppressing the urge to laugh in the tycoon’s face, the corners of her mouth did turn up ever so slightly as she met Addison’s stare with one of her own. “Not until I see the results.”

Joanna wasn’t the only one tickled by the exchange. Concealing her smile as best she could, Fran drew yet another checkmark on the paper in front of her. “Okay, now that we’re past that, the next thing on the list is the financial part of this deal,” Fran said, raising her eyes to meet Joanna’s. “It goes without saying that once you become Addison’s wife, money will be the least of your worries. You’ll be given a credit card tied to Addison’s account so you’ll never be without funds, and you’ll also receive five thousand pounds per month to do with what you’d like. Your father will only get half that amount each month since we’ll be covering all his medical care, and paying off his debt.”

“All of it?” Joanna said. “I mean...I mean his care and all of his debt?”

“That’s right.”

“And this monthly allowance, it’s...it’s ours to keep?”

“Of course, or spend it – your choice,” Fran said with a shrug.

“Coming from where I am right now, I think saving it is a much better idea. Don’t you?”

Under the table, Addison’s boot connected with Fran’s shin, but Fran refused to acknowledge the pain shooting up her leg or the woman who had just kicked her. She knew instantly what Addison was thinking, but Fran wanted no part of it. Re-crossing her legs, so she was out of Addison’s range, Fran said, “Joanna, as I said a minute ago, as Addison’s wife, you won’t have to worry about anything, and in five years, after the divorce is final, you still won’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“After this is all over, you’re going to walk away with ten million pounds.”

Joanna opened her mouth as if to speak, but then just as quickly it snapped shut. She stared blankly back at Fran for a few moments before finding her voice. “I’m...I’m sorry. Could you...could you repeat that?”