Free A Jewel in the Sun by Laura Lee McIntosh

CHAPTER ONE
     
    “ Find out who she is and report to me as soon as possible!” The man behind the desk was obviously in an intensely angry mood. He prided himself on being in control of things, situation and of course people. Very little went on around him that he was unaware of. He was the CEO of one of the most successful publishing company in France – Sabienne’s Publishing . Infor mation had to be accessible, it was just a matter of brandishing the right key.
    He sighed and rubbed his neck. He was tired, but there was always something to do. He was the only one to do it. He drummed his fingers impatiently on the cherry colored mahogany desk. He stood abruptly upsetting the paper weight on his desk. He had to know. It had plagued him for more than twenty years now. He had just returned from home from borden school and had entered his father’s office without knocking.
    His father who was not openly expressive was in an intimate embrace with one of the most beautiful women that he had ever seen. The woman was tall, slender and almost ethereal. It was difficult to ascertain her age. Her skin was tanned a golden hue that was a little darker than her hai r. Her eyes wer e a startling golden color that was emphasized by the long lush darker eye lashes. Although she had the most adorable dimples and a killer body, it was the drenching sadness in his eyes that mesmerized him more than anything. They had a sad and bruised look. He had been so fascinated by them, that he had almost missed the strangely tender look on his father’s craggy, handsome face.
    He remembered referring to the event but his father brushed it aside impatiently. He had forgotten about it. Now he wondered if it was connected to this mystery shareholder. His father had been a very attractive man with a very stern outlook on life. He knew that there were many women who had found him attractive, if he was advantaged by it, it never showed. He always treated his wife, Ga s tron’s mere with great affection and respect. Image was everything.
     
    Gastron had been his apprentice, except that years in the United States had exposed Gastron to other cultures. It had given him another perspective from which to view his country and the norms .. He took the best from both cultures and had applied it. Although he clung to some traditions, he prided himself on being a paragon of mystery. More important, this application of lessons learned had enabled Ettiene’s Pubishing to be one of the most prestigious publishing firms, the world over.
    Although Gaston was known for his ruthlessness in business, even his enemies could not deny that he was a fair man. He was a man who allowed nothing and no one to get in his way. His enemies hated h im, many wanted to be like him and women loved him. His charm was lethal, yet they always knew the score.
    Gastron was the only surviving son of his mother. His father, Gast r on II was killed six years ago on his was back home in his private jet. The result of the investigations was inconclusive. Some suspected engine failure, others thought that it was the result of too much chardonnay . By the time his son had taken over the company, it was almost bankrupt with thirty-nine percent of its shares being owned by an unknown. A legal representative was the liaison. Gastron suspected that this person may be the link to the inconclusive report on the investigation. It was also the reason for his ire and the reason why he had top notch investigation firms on the matter.
    When he didn’t get his way, others bore the result of his wrath – an awesome sight to behold. He was notorious for his temper, but also for his silent, ice control. Gastron was also a very private person. His thoughts were his own. He often baffled others during his weaning years with his loneness and his fiercely independent ways. Few knew him, fewer still, understood him. It was his way and his mother, Cecile was content to allow him to care for her without input,