5

He was a billionaire. Surely the fact that she hadn’t yet given him a financial return on his investment couldn’t be that much of a problem? ‘I realise that you’ve given us an enormous sum of money but we will pay it back with interest as the business grows. I’d really appreciate an opportunity to go through the figures with you and show you our plans. I really hope that when I’ve given you a full picture of where we’re going with Café Brazil, you’ll agree to extend your investment.’

‘Why would I do that?’

‘Because you’ll see that it’s worth it for you.’ She lifted her briefcase onto the table. ‘If you withdraw your investment then the company goes under, it’s as simple as that. And if the company goes under—’

‘You lose your enviable lifestyle.’

She frowned slightly, thinking of the fourteen-hour days she’d been putting into the business. Was that what he meant? ‘I’m certainly lucky to have a business that I love,’ she said, venturing a smile and then withdrawing it instantly as she saw the chill in his eyes.

He held out a hand. ‘Show me the accounts.’

Her heart lifted. There was hope, after all. Why would he want to see the accounts if he wasn’t considering extending the loan? She hastily opened the case, hating the fact that her hands were shaking slightly. She was on the spot and he was trying to catch her out. It was like being back at school again. Back in that hideous torture chamber where everyone was just waiting for her to fail.

You’re stupid, Grace Thacker. Thick. Concentrate, you brainless girl.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that she wasn’t in school now and that she’d come a long way since those awful days.

And she wasn’t going to fail.

Reaching into the case, she pulled out the neat pile of papers that her father had carefully collated and handed them to him.

He flicked through the pages with lean, bronzed fingers. ‘This is still your five minutes, Miss Thacker. Keep talking.’

Didn’t he need a moment to concentrate?

Envying the ease with which his eyes skimmed the figures, taking them all in at a glance, she looked away and tried to forget he was there as she outlined her plans for the future. She told him about the new sites she’d found, about her plans to extend each café.

Revealed her dream.

And received no reaction from him. He picked up a pen, made a few notes, flicked over the page and then finally lifted his gaze. ‘I admire you, Miss Thacker.’

From the ashes of disappointment she felt a warm glow of hope. ‘You do?’

‘Yes. I always admire people with nerve.’ He fingered the papers in front of him and she could see the strength in his hands. ‘In the circumstances I would have expected you to be hiding on the opposite side of the globe.’

Grace pressed her shaking knees together. ‘Hiding?’ ‘I’m not a very nice person when I’m crossed.’

She had the distinct feeling that she was missing something. ‘Then I won’t cross you,’ she said lamely, the friendly smile dying on her face under his cold gaze. ‘The accounts should show you that the business has huge potential.’

‘These accounts show me that you’re very busy.’ ‘Very.’

‘But not making a profit.’ She pulled a face. ‘Not yet.’

‘Interesting, don’t you think, that you’re busy and yet you’re not making a profit?’

Grace stared at him. ‘I suppose that’s the nature of business. It sometimes takes longer than you think to get off the ground. If you look at the figures you’ll see that we’ll soon be in profit.’

‘I’m well-acquainted with the figures, Miss Thacker.’ He dropped the accounts on the table. ‘And I only have one question.’

One question?

Grace straightened in her chair, feeling a wave of relief. She’d braced herself for hundreds of questions all exploring the company accounts in minute detail. And she’d been dreading it. ‘Please ask your question.’ She

gave him a sunny smile and he watched her for a moment, his eyes fiXed on her face.

‘Tell me, Miss Thacker, how do you sleep at night?’