Warmed by the woman’s naiveté, Fran said, “You’ll be given ten million pounds, free and clear, as part of the divorce settlement.”

Fran’s words slowly settled into Joanna’s brain. “Ten million?”

“That’s right.”

“Ten…million…pounds?”

Fran smiled and nodded in reply.

“Wait…you said as part of the divorce settlement,” Joanna said, quickly looking in Addison’s direction. “What’s the catch?”

“What do you mean?” Fran asked.

“There has to be some sort of catch. I mean, you’re telling me that for the next five years, my father and I won’t have to worry about anything, and after she and I are divorced, I’ll walk away with ten million pounds as part of the settlement. So, what’s the other part?”

“We’re going to buy you a home.”

Joanna shifted in her chair, uncrossing and re-crossing her legs as she stared at Fran. “And why would you want to do that?”

“Since you’ll have been Mrs. Addison Kane for five years, we’ll need to make sure you keep up appearances, so instead of you spending your money on a house, we’ll buy one for you.”

“Where?” Joanna said, narrowing her eyes.

“Anywhere you’d like, within reason of course.”

“And why would you do that?”

“We want to make sure you’re taken care of?”

“Why?”

“It’s just part of the settlement. That's all.”

Joanna’s suspicions continued to grow. Even hitting the lottery came with consequences. Looking back and forth between the two women sitting at the table, Joanna asked, “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Absolutely nothing, I assure you,” Fran said.

“Then let me see the contract,” Joanna said, pointing at the folders Fran had put on the table.

“What contract?” Fran asked.

“The one you’re going to ask me to sign. I’m sure you brought it with you, time being of the essence and all that.”

“There isn’t going to be any contract,” Addison grumbled, pushing the folders in front of her into the center of the table.

“Wait. What?” Joanna blurted.

“I said there isn’t going to be any contract,” Addison said, and leaning back, she crossed her arms.

With a laugh, Joanna shook her head. “You’re a piece of work. I'll give you that.”

Addison looked around the table, believing she had missed something, but when Millie’s and Fran’s expressions equaled her own, she looked at Joanna. “Sorry?”