Chapter 1

Jennifer Lawson walked fast towards the entrance of the huge mansion. She was late and she definitely didn't like that. Punctuality was very important to her and moreover it was rumoured to be very important to the elusive Alexander Devlin. Her parents had taught her that it was impolite to keep someone waiting and until this sunny morning she had managed to be on time.

But it wasn't her fault really. Getting to a place like that was not easy for someone who didn't own a car and Jen didn't drive one; mostly because she hated the idea and secretly because she was one hundred percent scared. Getting behind the wheel was something she avoided all her adult life. However, on occasions like this a car would be useful, not to mention much more comfortable than the bus.

She stopped in front of the gate stunned. This place looked so big that she seriously doubted that anyone had ever been to all of the rooms. A security guard approached her and she gave her name. Jen found it ridiculous for someone to be so rich. After all a person didn't need that much to survive on this planet.

The guard pressed some buttons and the metallic gates opened wide.

"Mr. Devlin is waiting for you. Your luggage arrived yesterday. You will find everything in your bedroom".

Jen muttered a thank you and started walking towards the entrance of the house. If everybody is going to be so formal, she thought, then she definitely wouldn't fit in. Jen detested any kind of formalities. But in this place it seemed that everyone behaved like Devlin was their king and they his humble servants. If he expected that kind of behaviour from her he was in for a big surprise!

A middle aged round woman was waiting for her smiling. Her hair was gray, her dark eyes sparkled with intelligence and good humour and her smile was very inviting. She opened her arms in a warm embrace and started chattering as soon as Jen introduced herself.

"We are very happy to have you here. God knows Hanna needs some help! I am Madeleine Sarraute by the way. But you can call me Maddy". Her accent was French but that was normal considering that the mansion was located deep in the mountains of Normandy. "You could say that I am the housekeeper. I am responsible about everything here, apart from Hannah that is. I chose a room for you that I hope you will like and I have put there all your stuff".

"Thank you", Jen replied and then continued in French, "But you don't have to speak in English on my behalf".

"Oh!", Maddy exclaimed. "You speak our language. And perfectly I might add. Oh, I already like you". She went on in French even more enthusiastic than before. Jen laughed softly. The housekeeper was really amusing and friendly. She hoped that Mr. Devlin was also like that. "I will take you to Alex's office now. He wants to see you before you meet Hannah. Listen Jen, may I call you Jen?"

Jen nodded and Maddy stopped in front of a large wooden door. "Alex is a good man. He can be a little intimidating but you have nothing to be afraid of". Jen shivered. Maddy's words didn't sound promising. The door opened and suddenly she found herself face to face with Alexander Devlin, Europe's wealthiest and most secretive businessman.

"Thank you Maddy. Leave us alone please", he said.

Jen's first impression was not so flattering for Mr. Devlin. He was tall, too tall and too muscular for a man of his status. His black hair was cut ruthlessly short, his face was too angular and his eyes were a rare gray that seemed to see to the very depths of her soul. Jen felt threatened in every way a woman could.

But then he spoke again and that husky, sexy voice calmed her nerves and gave her the strength she needed. "Miss Lawson I don't like to wait".

He sat behind a mahogany desk and she stood still like a pupil sent to the principle's office. "And I don't enjoy traveling by bus Mr. Devlin but there was no other way to reach your house".

For a few moments he looked amused but he recovered soon. "Punctuality is very important in this house Miss Lawson".

"If I asked for your forgiveness would you feel better?"

"No. But I would if you could assure me that it will never happen again".

"Very well", Jen said hoping that she sounded as strict as he did, "I promise that it will never happen again".

Alex looked at the girl standing in front of him. According to her resume she was 30 years old but she didn't look a day older than 25. Whereas he was 35 and he felt more like 50. Jennifer Lawson was tall and that was a compliment coming from him. Most women wore high heels especially when they were with him but she wore flats and she still didn't have to throw her head back in order to look at him. Her straight, ginger hair reached her shoulders, her green eyes had the colour of an emerald and her soft mouth must have pleased many men at nights.

Alex didn't like the way his thoughts were heading so he gathered himself and said, "The reason I hired you is that you have excellent references Miss Lawson. You have worked with children before and all of your former employers said that you are the best".

She didn't even blink at the compliment. Good, Alex thought. She had confidence in her abilities and she would need that working with Hannah. "My daughter went to the best private schools. I hired you for the summer for two reasons. Firstly because I don't want Hannah to neglect her studies while staying here and secondly because you have a degree in psychology. Hannah is unhappy Miss Lawson and I want to know why".