Chapter 23

Elena was not looking forward to the evening ahead of her, and her dread of having to go out to Dinner with Damien had afforded her a sleepless night. She had prayed that something might occur to cancel the arrangement, but Damien had arrived at her cottage at five o’ clock sharp on the Saturday afternoon, and he had been as adamant as the day before that’s he should accompany him…or else! She was not entirely convinced that he would carry out his threat , but she dared not take the chance. If Stephan had to be told the truth, then she would prefer that he heard it from her and no one else.

She clasped her hands nervously in her lap, and her tension increased when Damien’s silver Jaguar picked up speed on the open gravel road which led north to Rose Gardens. The soil was rich, and the climate was perfect for citrus and vegetable farming, but Rose gardens had been a cattle- ranch known far and wide for its quality beef. Was Stephan planning to change all that? Her anxiety escalated at