Inheritance by Kate Loveday Page B

cool grey eyes, dusted with charcoal shadow, surveyed the world with aloof confidence.
    Hard as nails! Well, if that’s what he likes, he’s welcome to her. After all, he’s nothing to me.
    While they had been talking, there had been some activity going on in the cabana and now Mark stepped forward with a microphone in his hand.
    ‘Ladies and gentlemen, could I please have your attention for a minute.’ Silence fell as they all paid attention to their host. ‘I’m pleased to welcome you all here today. It’s a very special day for me, the culmination of three years of planning and work. I’m not going to takeup much of your time but I would like to tell you what we are planning for Binbin in the future. I decided three years ago that Far North Queensland has a great future. Tourism is growing at an unprecedented pace.’
    A ripple of sound came from those involved in the tourist industry.
    ‘There’s so much here to offer visitors. Having been involved in the corporate scene for many years, I decided some time ago I wanted to create a place where executives could not only hold their conferences but also bring their families for a holiday. Binbin is that place.’
    A further murmur ran through the gathering.
    ‘While the execs are busy with their conferences, the family will have plenty to occupy them. Our sporting facilities will include tennis, basketball and golf. Our guests will be able to participate in the workings of a cattle station. A helicopter can fly them to join a fishing charter. There’ll be tours to local places of interest. We’ll have a gym, a beauty salon, a boutique and a gift shop. Our guests will be able to dine in five star luxury or have a relaxed meal here in the cabana. Our service in every area will be the highest available anywhere. In short, our aim is to be the finest resort in the region. We’ll be ready to receive guests by next Easter.’
    His gaze swept the crowd.
    ‘So all you travel agents who are with us today, get busy. Now, I’m not going to bore you with talking any longer. I have brochures here for anyone who’s interested. Information kits are available for all travel agents. Laurence has them all ready to hand out to you.’ He indicated his brother. ‘A buffet lunch will be served in half an hour. I hope you will eat, drink and enjoy yourselves for the rest of the day. Thank you.’
    A buzz of conversation broke out as Mark finished talking. As he left the cabana, an eager group surrounded him. All smiles, he stopped to answer their questions.
    Cassie was stunned. And angry. No wonder he was so interested in Yallandoo, with its caves and aboriginal art. He had probably known about the caves all along. What an attraction they would be for his showplace. And he was willing to buy Yallandoo to get them.
    No wonder he’d been so attentive to her. He probably thought of her as a naïve young girl who would be swayed by his attentions. Well, he would learn he was mistaken.
    ‘Well, who would have ever guessed that,’ Rosie said. ‘A resort! No wonder everything’s so impressive. He’s kept it all very secret. Not a word to anyone.’
    ‘I knew ages ago,’ said Stella. ‘But I promised Mark I wouldn’t say a word until today. He wanted to make a big splash. It looks like he has. I must join him.’ And she hurried away.
    ‘She would know, of course.’ Rosie mimicked Stella’s plummy voice, tossing her head. ‘I am so important everyone tells me everything. I just happen to be a big, fat pain in the bum.’
    Everyone laughed.
    Ian was exuberant. ‘There’s been a lot of conjecture but no one knew exactly what was going on, except that a lot of money was being spent here. This is pretty exciting for us. Come on, Rachel, we’ll go and collect the information. Don’t forget to let us have the details of your cabins when they’re ready, Cassie. We’ll find you plenty of guests.’
    ‘I don’t know that I’ll bother with them now. With this right next