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Wingard
    who's now the managing director of a big, successful firm like
    Tristan Construction is a very different proposition. He's no
    fortune hunter now to be shown the door, but an extremely
    eligible, and incredibly sexy man.' 'Perhaps.' Laura could hardly
    believe how calm she sounded, how collected, when emotionally she
    felt ravaged. 'But I still doubt i f your father will see it like
    that, no matter how rich Jason may be now.' ' I f you think for
    one moment that Daddy would let any personal feelings stand in
    the way of business, then you don't know him,' Celia told her
    coolly. 'You told me yourself how important this contract is, and
    like a dutiful daughter I intend to spare no effort to make sure
    that Caswells gets this contract, along with any other goodies
    Tristan Construction might care to throw our way. Your ex-husband
    was telling me, when you so thoughtlessly interrupted us, that
    they're heavily committed to private housing over the next few
    years, as well as the local projects. And housing estates mean
    show houses—completely furnished, including carpets.' 'You seem
    to have it all worked-ouj,' Laura said. T have.' Celia lifted
    herself off the bed, straightening a crease from her shirt. ' I
    just want to make sure, Laura darling, that you aren't going to
    be the skeleton at any little feasts I may plan.' She laughed.
    'Because I intend to mix the firm's business with a hell of a lot
    of pleasure.' 'So, why tell me?' Laura began to apply foundation
    in quick jerky movements. 'What do you want from me? Surely not
    my blessing?' 'Hardly.' Celia's eyes, bright and predatory, met
    hers. 'No, this is just a timely reminder that Jason is no longer
    your affair, and that I don't intend to brook any interference
    from you or anyone else. You had him, and you couldn't hold him.
    Well, that's tough, but it's the way the cookie crumbles
    sometimes. Now, it's my turn.' Laura replaced the lid on the
    little jar. She said slowly, 'Celia—Jason may be legally
    single, but that doesn't mean that he's necessarily—free.
    Doesn't it disturb you that there may still be other—priorities
    in his life?' 'Why should it?' Celia gave a negligent shrug. 'I'm
    not a naive, narrow-minded little schoolgirl. And I ' l l make
    damned sure his sole priority in future is me.' 'Then I wish you
    luck.' Laura rose too. 'Now I'd be glad of some privacy. I'd like
    to get dressed.' Celia's eyes swept her cousin's slim figure,
    wrapped in its cotton robe, and her lip curled. She said, 'What a
    ridiculous prude you are, Laura. It's little wonder Jason found
    himself another woman.' As the door closed behind her, Laura
    dropped limply back on to her dressing stool. Celia's behaviour
    was incredible, even by her own standards, plumbing new depths of
    selfishness and arrogance. But then, there was little wonder, she
    thought ruefully. Following the death of his wife, Martin Caswell
    had poured his energy and considerable resources into making sure
    his only daughter had everything she wanted in life, almost
    before the wish had been expressed. It wasn't a healthy
    situation, and Celia had grown up believing that the world was
    hers for the taking. And generally, the world went along with
    Celia's belief, Laura was forced to admit. Her name had been
    linked, at one time or another, with all the wealthiest young men
    in the locality, but never very seriously, or for very long. But
    now Celia had seen a man she wanted at last, and she intended to
    go after him with that incredible single-mindedness which had
    always characterised her devotion to her own interests. And she
    really thinks, Laura thought with growing anger, that I'm going
    to sit back and watch her. She slipped off her robe and began to
    dress, struggling with normally simple hooks and fasteners. For
    the past three years, she'd looked on this house as a refuge, and
    ignored Celia's vagaries out of gratitude to Uncle Martin. But in
    view of Celia's expressed