Page 78 of Enthrall Shadows
Get a fucking grip.
If I rolled up my sleeves and began cooking before the chef arrived—something I was more than capable of doing—then the guests would get to eat sooner.
I continued to prepare the food, all the while trying not to grin over the best kiss I’d ever experienced.
When Lotte reappeared, she acted in a way to convey business as usual—bright and bubbly at first and then, as she settled in to prepare the fruit salad, she became introspective. Her serenity was a thing of beauty as she chopped the ingredients and prepared the dessert.
When the usual staff arrived, they dived right in, joining us with friendly enthusiasm.
We fed over one thousand guests that day. Their expressions of gratitude melted my ice-cold heart.
Afterwards, when the guests had left and the café had been cleaned, we thanked the staff for letting us take on such a significant role in their soup kitchen.
It meant so much to us that we both promised to return soon.
Lotte and I left Charlie’s in our separate cars after giving each other a courteous wave goodbye—as though our kiss had never happened.
Imanaged to get a few hours of sleep on the Coles’ private jet during the flight to Switzerland.
We landed early Sunday morning.
Cameron and I had left the States in the dead of night. Clandestine, but if one needs to prevent corporate spies from guessing what one is up to it’s the only way to travel.
Dad welcomed us back to his impressive estate.
Decades ago, he and Mom had added this villa in the center of Montreux to their property portfolio. Nestled between steep hills and Lake Geneva, the mansion afforded spectacular views of the water and boats from its many windows.
This was the country where we had all learned to ski, sharing plenty of happy memories. We had enjoyed our time on the family yacht and our visits to local towns. As kids, we’d been lucky enough to go off exploring.
Dad had waited patiently for us both to mature to take on the business. Right up until he demanded Cameron leave medicine so he could rule the empire.
Eventually, I had taken over; ironically due to the patience and expertise of the man who I had grabbed the power from. As the eldest, this had always been my destiny.
In many ways, I’d set my brother free—and we both realized this fact, ensuring our brotherly bond remained strong.
Today, I’d present a remarkable new flavor to the grand master of teas. The brand would give us a competitive edge. Companies like Dandelion Divacould never hope to match it unless they played dirty.
As traditions went, this was one of the more exciting. I’d personally created this formula.
It stood to make us billions.
Our company’s objective had remained the same for over a century—continue to make a substantial mark in the industry. It pleased us both that our dad could see the business remained in good hands.
Cameron and I entered the temperature-controlled lower room. The setting was simple. A table sat in the center with three chairs around it. As conference rooms went, this one had an understated elegance.
The main star was always the tealeaves.
The sealed glass jar on the table contained its weight in gold. We’d guarded it closely all the way here.
My brother’s proud gaze lingered on me. “He’s going to love it.”
“We’ll see.”
I began to pace, and then whipped out my phone. I logged into Instagram as a distraction. My page was kept private. I scarcely posted any photos, but it enabled me to follow a few close friends.
I checked out Lotte’s page. She’d posted a selfie from Saturday afternoon, showing her on a hiking trail wearing a baseball cap. She appeared happy behind the sunglasses. The photo posted before that one had been taken by Scarlet at the Cole ball at Shutters on the Beach over a week ago. She was joyfully raising her glass of bubbly to the camera in a toast.
Yet again I was floored by her exquisite beauty.
