“Yes, it does,” Fran said. “So, to guarantee their family values would continue, and the company would never fall into the hands of someone just trying to get rich quick, they sculpted the doctrine of Kane Holdings very cleverly.”

“How so?”

“Other than the necessary marriage forms, there can be no contract, prenuptial agreement or any other written document when a Kane gets married. There can be no words put on paper, no stipulations, no settlement details in case of divorce…nothing.”

Joanna’s eyes narrowed, and after stealing a quick glimpse of both Millie and Addison Kane, she focused on Fran. “What exactly are you saying?”

“I’ll show you.” Retrieving her briefcase, Fran removed all the paperwork and files, and methodically began to rip them into pieces. Sliding a small stack in Millie’s direction, the personal assistant followed suit, and in no time at all, the table was covered in tiny scraps of paper.

Returning her briefcase to the floor, Fran said, “If this is to happen, Joanna, it must happen on a handshake.”

“What?” Joanna said, her eyes growing wide.

“You have to trust us that we won’t go back on our word, and we have to trust you that you’ll do the same.”

“On a...on a handshake?”

“That’s right.”

“I don’t understand. Why can’t there just be a contract that no one except us knows about? I mean, it’s not like it has to be published or anything.”

“That’s true, it wouldn’t have to be, but unfortunately, there are some people out there who have wanted to get their hands on Kane Holdings since Oliver’s death. When this marriage is announced, they are not going to be happy. They’ll do everything in their power to try to prove your marriage is in name only, and their first step will be to try to buy off some of our employees for information. Kane Holdings is a huge company, and there’s no way we can guarantee all the employees are loyal, but if nothing’s written down, then there is no proof. If we did write up a contract, it would have to be signed and witnessed, but if we do this on a handshake, Addison keeps her company and in five years, you walk away with ten million pounds.”

Dumbfounded, Joanna sat silent, mulling over everything she had heard. She knew that she would never go back on her word, but trusting Addison Kane to do the same seemed unimaginable.

“You’re asking a lot,” Joanna said, directing her statement to Addison Kane. “I don’t even know you.”

“Ditto,” Addison replied flatly.

“How can I be sure that you’ll follow through with what Fran has said?”

“How can I be sure you won’t bring shame to my name?”

“I’m not that type of person,” Joanna said, her voice rising ever so slightly.

“I don’t know that.”