Chapter 1

My name is Paul DuPre. The prefecture officials of the Japanese Island of Shikoku invited me to attend the first graduation ceremony held in the new school I'd donated to them. The high point of the night for me was the valedictory address, which was first given eloquently in Japanese, then translated in unaccented English by the lovely valedictorian for my own benefit and that of my retinue.

I can only hope my own short appreciation speech in Japanese had been half so fluent. I was sitting with one of the school administrators and asked if he knew what the valedictorian planned to major in. When he told me business administration it gave me further food for thought.

There was a reception afterward and again, the valedictorian's flawless beauty captivated me completely. She left her parents and came to introduce herself and greet me personally. She was gracious and charming and I was very attracted to her. Okay, I'll admit I fell head over heels in love! She left my side and went back to her parents, and I felt as if there were a huge vacuum in my life when she left my presence.

I immediately decided I somehow had to have her for my own. Some might think that arrogant and conceited of me. I'll accept that, perhaps you're right, but she would in time most likely belong with some man, whether laborer or businessman. Why not me?

Yes, there was the age difference to consider, but I told myself, she wanted to be a business manager. How better could she learn than alongside the owner of a large and profitable corporation who had built it himself? I considered myself a fun sort of person. My leisure time was spent yachting, sailing, skiing (both water and snow), SCUBA diving, flying, and other sports. This fine young lady was going to be mine and enjoy the wealth I had earned beside me; she just didn't know it yet.

I acted precipitately and buttonholed the chief official of the island. I asked him if he felt it would be too forward of me to offer the young lady a full scholarship at a university near my castle in France and an internship with my corporation. I explained I enjoyed mentoring young leaders for development as future executives in my corporation. It is also a good business practice as evidenced by the low turnover rate in my executive staff and their being legendary for their diligence and loyalty to me.

The official was in awe of the generosity of my offer and he introduced me to her parents, the Tanakas. I bowed ceremoniously to them, shook Mr. Tanaka's hand then held and bowed over the extended small hands of the two women. Mrs. Tanaka is a world class beauty herself. I've found out since she has competed successfully in several international beauty contests. She has a lucrative career as a fashion model, and does commercials for beauty products. That night, though, I only had eyes for Miki.

Unlike some petite women, her body and legs are proportioned as elegantly as a ballerina, as her mother is. Granted, Miki's breasts were still small at that time. One glance at her mother had shown she had the genetics to develop a very nice rack as she matured, and if not, I have always found small breasts erotic, too. The delightful aroma of coconut oil surrounded her. The way her long raven hair framing her face and extending to her waist glistened I suspected she might use a drop or two of the pure oil on it.

Miki's face is perfection, as far as I am concerned. While ultra feminine in appearance, she has nothing of the wide eyed sex toy look some men prize in a type of oriental woman. To each his own. I would compare Miki's beauty very favorably with some of the exquisite Chinese movie stars currently in vogue I have admired.

Her face has a broad brow for a young woman and wide set dark brown exotic eyes, arched eyebrows, and high cheekbones that give her an intelligent look, while not detracting from her femininity. Her nose is fine while not being too thin, and her full shapely lips complete with a Cupid's bow are something from a dream.

I was willing to spend millions for the chance of an affectionate kiss from those perfect lips at some vague time in future years. At worst, I thought, she should make a valuable employee. With her looks and a minimal amount of training she could sell freezers in Siberia, so I wanted her for my corporation, too!

The official explained my offer to them in detail in Japanese. Miki and her parents looked stunned at first, then interested. Mr. Tanaka asked in fluent English, "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. DuPre, but how are you so certain her grades will qualify her for admission to such a prestigious university?"

I laughed confidently, "I have been assured by the educators here she is more than qualified, Mr. Tanaka. The Dean in France, Phillipe Surat, is a personal friend of mine, and I'm on their board. Part of the school she will study in is the DuPre wing I donated. Should she wish tutoring my corporation's experts, researchers, and educators in every field and around the world will be available and asked personally by me to assist her. She will be given access codes and authorization to consult with all of them online or by telephone at our expense."

From the excited look on Miki's face I could see she'd have jumped at the chance already if it were entirely up to her. I told them, "I won't ask for a decision from you now, though I would prefer if she accepts, it will be soon enough for her to get some sight seeing done and make herself at home before the next term begins. I will also promise to arrange for her to get some experience in the practical end of the business at my side before then. Here's my card with my personal number. If you'd like to discuss this further in person before a decision please give me a call."

The Tanakas had a brief exchange while I enjoyed watching their daughter's hopeful face. Mr. Tanaka asked, "Would your schedule be open for a meeting tomorrow evening, Mr. DuPre? We could discuss this with Miki and meet further with you then."

"Please, call me Paul. My yacht, the 'DuPre', is docked in the harbor, " I told them, "I prefer my home and office on it to a hotel, and it follows me around the world when I have to fly. If you'd like to have dinner as my guests aboard her, I could send my car for you around 7:00 tomorrow evening?"

I could tell Miki was having a difficult time suppressing her elation. Her eagerness only enhanced her beauty, if that were at all possible. Mr. Tanaka handed me his card, then said, "My wife's given name is Reiko and mine is Nori. I am afraid Miki would spit me with my ancestor's sword if we didn't at least agree to meet with you and discuss this more thoroughly. We will see you tomorrow, then. Thank you again for the kind invitation and offer."

That put a sparkle in Miki's eyes! She threw her arms around her father's neck and told him in English, "Thanks, Dad!" She next turned those beautiful eyes on me. "Thank you so much, Mr. DuPre!"

"Please call me Paul, Miki, all of my associates do. " I told her. Her eyes had melted my heart into a puddle! "I sincerely hope you will be joining us."

I was waiting on the deck of my yacht the next evening when my car delivered my dinner guests. I was pleased but not too surprised to see when they stepped out onto the dock they were each wearing deck shoes. Generally, the Japanese are very thoughtful people. I don't often believe in stereotypes, but some of those about the Japanese are true.

Their eyes went from stem to stern of my yacht, and they walked up the gangplank. I could tell what they were thinking, but they are traditionally among the most stoic people in the world. My yacht, the "DuPre", is an impressive sight, I admit. I formally bowed and welcomed them to my home and led them to our main dining room and seated them at one end of the table so we could talk in a close group. The table seats forty people for dining or corporate meetings, so we had plenty of room.

Miki and her mom both looked radiant! Reiko wore an item that had to be from Paris and showed some nice photogenic cleavage. Miki, while chastely draped in a white gown, was a young Goddess, an Asian Isis. I think I detected her mother's loving hand and expertise in her minimal make up. It was perfect in every way for her exquisite face.