Boardrooms and a Billionaire Heir (Silhouette Desire Series #1867)

Wealth and power hung in the expansive boardroom, permeating every cherrywood panel, every thread of the tightly woven carpet underfoot.The huge panoramic windows played right into that powerful aura, offering an unobstructed view of Sydney's CBD to the right, the curved dome of the historical Queen Victoria Building to the left. Subtle track lights highlighted the boardroom table where one woman and three men were rising to their feet. Jake Vance recognised each in turn: Kimberley Perrini; her husband, Ric, and current CEO of Blackstone Diamonds; Ryan Blackstone, Chief Financial Officer; and Garth Buick, the company secretary.Jake had stood in the same spot days ago.At that time, the room had been tense with stunned denial after his little bombshell. Despite that, it was too good a coincidence for Kimberley to pass up; he'd seen the burning curiosity in her shaken expression. Now, judging by the shell-shocked looks, they obviously had their proof.Finding out your previously dead brother was very much alive was a life-changing event, even if that bit of gossip had been press fodder for months. But when that brother stood to gain a substantial chunk of the Blackstone fortune...He swallowed bitterly. This wasn't in his ten-year plan. Making his first million, breaking into the U.S. market, giving back to his mother's favourite causes, yes. Even, eventually, a wife and kids. But not this. Not becoming Australia's walking, talking answer to the freakin' Lindbergh baby."James...Jake?" Kimberley Perrini said tentatively, obviously confused about how to proceed. He gave a curt nod and remained silent as she settled for sitting at the table. He noticed her crisp business suit, the efficient pulled-back hair, the air of sophistication and privilege radiating out as if she'd been born into it.He shoved the uncharacteristic bitterness away and instead focused on his game plan--detecting weakness.It was awkward, this first face-to-face meeting with his sister. His sister, for God's sake. He ignored the deeper implication and completed his study. The similarities between Kimberley and Ryan were obvious: dark hair with that widow's peak, green eyes. But where hers held optimistic caution, Ryan Blackstone's were full of outright hostility. It was in every smell that infused the ostentatious room, every movement and gesture the man made in his thousand-dollar suit.Jake glanced over the table to where Garth Buick sat. The two younger men, Ric and Ryan, were on their feet behind him, as if standing gave them a psychological advantage.Jake had used that tactic many times before."We had April Kellerman's documents analysed, as well as those DNA tests," Ric Perrini said now, indicating Jake should take a seat."And?" Jake sat and Ric and Ryan followed suit."It appears that you are James Hammond Blackstone."As one, they released a collective breath and the expectant hush in the room fanned out, spreading like a blanketing drift of snow. The air was just as chilly, with most of the freeze coming from the two men who had battled for the CEO's position after Howard's death.Jake steeled his features to betray nothing. Emotion meant vulnerability, which meant your enemies had a weakness they could exploit. Show nothing, reveal nothing."So Howard was right all along," Kimberley finally said.Ric shrugged. "Looks like it."She frowned and opened her mouth to say something, but Ryan interrupted."We asked you here to discuss a few things. One, your plans for Blackstone's." Ryan's even tone belied the storm in his eyes. "And we'd like to make an offer for your shares."Jake stifled his surprise. Interesting. Business first. "I'm not selling.""You haven't heard our bid.""I don't need to.""Listen, Vance. If this is about payback or revenge--""Why would it?" Jake raised one eyebrow.The men glanced at each other, regrouping. Finally Kimberley said slowly,Roe, Paula is the author of 'Boardrooms and a Billionaire Heir (Silhouette Desire Series #1867)', published 2008 under ISBN 9780373768677 and ISBN 0373768672.