Cameron's Contract by Vanessa Fewings

you spoke up your husband would be put in the spotlight?”
    “The last few years of his work will be compromised,” she said. “His latest scientific developments will be scrutinized. His latest drug threatened and quite possibly pulled from the market. It saves so many lives.”
    “PolFlexa,” I said. “Limited side-effects and its efficacy in treating Glioblastomas is groundbreaking.”
    “Doug knew,” said Susan, “He recognized his early symptoms. So he took himself out of the lab and entered early retirement. The plan was to remain on your father’s board long enough to provide some space between leaving work.”
    “Create no suspicion,” I said.
    “He so loves your father.”
    “Dad did mention that of all the members it was Doug’s betrayal that most hurt him.”
    “It was all so overwhelming,” she said. “Remy framed it as being best for the shareholders.”
    “Did you see the new advertising campaign?” I said dryly.
    “That bad?” She suppressed a grin.
    “Oh yes. Cole’s a classic brand that could do with moving forward, but in a more refined way.”
    We spent the rest of the morning talking about Doug, about them and how they met, sharing stories of her long and happy marriage. We talked about the business and what it had meant to both her and her husband to be involved in Cole Tea, as well as the company’s philanthropic pursuits.
    She brushed off a speck of dust from her pants. “Your father has seemed a little overwhelmed lately, what with opening offices in San Francisco and his plans to expand to L.A. I believed this may actually help him. Nudge him into retirement.”
    I gave a nod. “He’s a good man.”
    “You want me to talk frankly?”
    “Yes, of course.”
    “You and your brother are only now interested in Cole Tea? At the eleventh hour.”
    “We believed there’d always be time.”
    She lowered her gaze.
    “We know you forged Doug’s signature,” I said. “Reverse your vote.”
    “Is this a veiled threat?”
    “A promise that I’ll commit fully to my father’s business.”
    “Leave medicine?”
    Mia shifted beside me, but I refused to look at her. I didn’t want her to see my  conflict. Some part of me believed there was no saving Cole Tea and any promise made would dissipate with the fall of an empire. Yet a certainty lingered that I had what it took to reverse a hostile attack.
    There came a sense that every moment of my life had led me here.
    Susan looked beyond the window. “With you and Henry in charge I believe the business would stand a chance.” Her eyes met mine again. “Dedicate your life fully to Cole Tea.”
    “Without question.”
    She gave a nod of acceptance. “Now all you have to do is convince the others.”

CHAPTER 14
     
     
    “CAMERON?” whispered Mia.
    “Just give me a moment.”
    The limousine pulled away smoothly. Our driver turned up the air conditioning just as I’d asked. Mia snuggled in, her body warm and soft against my mine. I focused on the passing view, immersed in self-analysis.
    The town car drove us farther into the city.
    “Do you want to talk about it?” Mia broke the silence.
    My thoughts scattered, trying to make sense of the last forty-eight hours.
    “Don’t be frightened of the future,” she said.
    “I’m cautious.”
    “Remember what you once told me? Our subconscious naturally guides us to our future.”
    “Sounds like I was trying to get into your panties.”
    She playfully thumped my arm. “You’ve taught me so much. That we must trust the path we’re on.”
    What if this is the wrong fork in the road?
    “I know what you need.”
    I arched a brow.
    She pushed herself up and straddled me. “This is the best way to be in the present moment.” She waved her hand. “The future isn’t going anywhere.”
    “Just what are you insinuating, Ms. Lauren?”
    She glanced over to the divider.
    “He can’t hear us,” I reassured her. “No one can see in. The windows are tinted.”
    “I thought