“That’s right.”

Since coming to work for Oliver Kane, and subsequently for his daughter, Evelyn didn’t need a finger or a toe to count the times when anyone had actually stayed overnight at the house. It just wasn’t done. Not by father, not by daughter…not ever.

Evelyn fell into the nearest chair and stared back at Addison as if she’d just been struck in the face. “Do you mind if I ask whom we’re expecting?” she said, eyeing the woman who had yet to turn around.

Addison curled her lip, pausing before she looked over her shoulder. “My soon-to-be wife and her father.”

If Evelyn hadn’t been sitting down, she would have fallen down. After taking the time to retrieve her jaw from where it had landed in her lap, she said, “What did you say?”

“You heard.”

“Your soon-to-be—” Evelyn’s eyes flew open. “Oh my God, this has something to do with the will, doesn’t it?”

“You’re as astute as always.”

“Who is she? Do I know her?”

“I don’t even know her,” Addison said, her voice trailing off as she stared at the glass in her hand.

Evelyn’s brow knitted. “What do you mean?”

Taking a gulp of her drink, Addison let out a long breath and turned to look at Evelyn. “I’ve run out of time. We lost with the mediators, and unless I get married, I lose the company. Millie has a friend, and she’s agreed to become my…my wife.”

“Oh, I see,” Evelyn said, taking time to process the information before she spoke again. “May I ask her name?”

“Sure, it’s…Sheppard,” Addison said, scowling as she tried to remember the woman’s name. “Um...Joanna…Joanna Sheppard.”

Having known Addison since she was a child, Evelyn was an expert when it came to her moods, so the sadness which seemed to drape over the woman like a shroud, Evelyn had seen before, but it had been years.

It was rare Addison ever held the posture of one defeated. Her shoulders were slumped and her expression pensive, but fortunately and unfortunately Evelyn knew this mood wouldn’t last long. It would soon morph into a rage, and furniture, glassware, and anything else in Addison’s path wouldn’t stand a chance. Preferring not to witness the explosion when it occurred, Evelyn decided to ask the questions she needed to ask before Addison’s mood swung foul.

“So…um…when exactly will this be happening?”

“We have an appointment at the registry office on Friday. After that, she’ll be brought here to keep her away from the press.”

“Friday!” Evelyn blurted, rising to her feet. “This Friday?”

“That’s right,” Addison said, taking another healthy swig of her drink.

“Addison, today is Wednesday.”

“What’s your point?”