Chapter 17

His reaction startled them. One friend hesitantly explained, "After Charlotte left, you were in a dark place. The board was losing faith. Then these major accounts suddenly appeared. My father told me Sarah secured them using her status as your wife. She never mentioned it, knowing you wouldn't approve."

She had no business background, no degree. She'd used the family name he resented. She must have known he'd reject the deals if he knew, so she'd kept quiet.

For three years.

James sat in the shadows of the private lounge, remembering her face today. His chest tightened unexpectedly.

That evening, he returned home to find Charlotte and his mother on the living room sofa, looking like the perfect family.

"James!" his mother brightened. "Join us. Charlotte and I were planning the wedding. She had this lovely idea about holding an outdoor garden wedding, but I thought we could do a grand church ceremony as well..."

"Mom, could Charlotte and I have a moment?"

"Of course, darling. Ta