The Contract

I

Cameron walked down the dark zebra wood-floored hallway of Grands Hotel with anxiety and anger running through her body.

Why did Daphne have to accompany her to this meeting with Kane Martoi? West Mr. Martoi's lawyer wanted her to sign the contract in person. He made no mention that Daphne had to be present for this. Cameron had no choice in the matter. Either she did what he wanted, or he would void the deal, and the company their late father had started to help young writers would fold.

Daphne spied her younger bookworm sister in the strapless black floor-length dress that exposed her breasts, skin, and legs when she walked. Cameron thought she was practically naked because it did not have sleeves and hugged her body.

Daphne frowned as her eyes scanned her sister's chaotic hair. Cameron's voluminous and long, shiny dark brown hair was usually devoid of curls because she was sometimes more interested in running the business than her appearance. A small smile formed on Daphne's lips, replacing her frown. Cameron was beautiful. Kane Martoi was a lucky man to have her sister. Everyone called him the Red Savage because of his appetite for destroying businesses or the owners who annoy him. But Daphne and Cameron needed his help. If Kane married Cameron, he would save their father's business.

Daphne's concern about this decision returned. Kane Martoi approached her about the marriage contract. Daphne could not say no to this man who said he would save Jaks Publishing. Cameron said she did not know him personally, but Kane said he saw her.

Cameron saw Daphne's concern and wondered why. Her sister was not the one to marry Kane Martoi. Their mother had said Daphne was the cause of the embezzlement of nearly half a million dollars. However, the accountants could not prove that because the evidence made no sense. A stranger made the purchases made by Daphne Jaks' account. Maryland Jaks still said Daphne was to blame for her lack of security and her gambling habit with that shady friend from high school.

Cameron sighed. Daphne said she should do this to keep them from bankruptcy. Cameron blamed her gambling for their predicament. Daphne disagreed. She owned half of the company and would never put it in jeopardy. Daphne told Cameron to stop listening to their mother. But when Cameron asked why, Daphne became silent.

"What is going on, Daphne?"

Daphne shook her head. "A wedding, Cam. "

Cameron sighed again. "You know that is not what I mean."

Daphne frowned. "Just know this will save Daddy's company."

"Then why aren't you marrying him? "

Cameron watched her sister walk ahead of her. "Not this again,"

"Yes, this again. Mother wants me to put you in jail."

Daphne snickered. "I am not surprised by her words. However, she has no say in this business for a reason."

Cameron followed her sister. "What reason? Tell me, Daphne. I don't want to believe her, but you don't talk to me anymore since Daddy died."

Daphne stopped walking. Cameron caught up to her. She saw the pain on Daphne's face because it mirrored hers. Armand Alex Jaks was Superman to them. He was what they both wanted their husbands to be: loyal, kind, and loving. Cameron placed her hand on her slightly shorter sister's shoulder. "I know you think you must care for me, but you don't. I want to know what happened, Daphne."

Daphne closed her eyes. "There is nothing to tell. And you can believe what you want. Kane Martoi will help us."

"I have to have a child, Daphne. I don't even know this man. Neither of us has allowed a man into our lives. Who could rank with our father? What have you done?"