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he'd learned his father had gotten on a plane at SeaTac Airport and vanished along with most of the Rain assets and a fortune in other people's money.

    Oliver had known in that first shocking moment of shame and anguish that his whole world had changed. A rapid inventory of his father's business affairs had disclosed the fact that there was virtually nothing left.

    Edward Rain's friends and colleagues were the first ones in line to demand repayment on the loans they had made to him.

    Faced with the prospect of five people depending on him, Oliver had done what had to be done. He'd given up his dreams of a career in botany and tackled the nearly overwhelming task of keeping the family together while he rebuilt his father's business empire.

    He was content that he'd accomplished what he'd set out to do. He'd paid off every single one of his father's investors. The empire Oliver had then set about constructing had been larger and far more stable than the one Edward had inherited and destroyed.

    Two years ago, Oliver had begun to liquidate his holdings. One by one he had sold off the various companies he had acquired. The sizable fortune he had received from the sales of his assets was now earning its keep in a variety of secure places. While he occasionally invested some venture capital in interesting start-up operations such as Lyncroft Unlimited, most of Oliver's money was in safe, dull investments that involved little or no risk.

    Although large chunks of money could never be completely ignored, Oliver had succeeded in freeing himself up from the intense day-to-day supervision that had been required during the years in which he had built his empire.

    Oliver took satisfaction in knowing that his brothers and sisters were well launched on their various paths in life. Heather had completed medical school. Valerie had graduated from college and was working as a curator at the private, very prestigious Eckert Museum.

    The twins, Nathan and Richard, had just started their freshman year at the University of Washington. They both claimed they were going for their MBAs. Oliver privately hoped they would change their minds by the time they reached their senior year. He himself had always disliked the world of business. The fact that he had been successful in that world did not alter his opinion of it.

    As for Sybil, she was occupied with her endless round of charity benefits and social engagements. Thanks to Oliver, she was part of the world to which she had always aspired to belong.

    He had done his duty by his family, Oliver concluded. And he would continue to do so. The family came first. But it was time to pursue a few personal goals of his own. It was time to marry.

    “Believe me, Sybil, I'm well aware of the fact that I've got family,” Oliver said. “It's not quite the same thing as having a wife and children of my own, however.”

    “Come off it. Don't try to convince me that you've suddenly developed an overpowering urge to become a devoted husband and father.”

    “Relax.” Oliver reached out to stroke the long fronds of a nearby sword fern. “There's plenty of money to go around. Nathan and Richard won't be shortchanged if I decide to have children of my own. You know I'll always take care of them and my sisters. Just like I'll always take care of you. We made a bargain, you and I. Remember?”

    The barb went deep. Sybil turned an unbecoming shade of red. “Damn you, Oliver Rain.”

    Oliver met her eyes and was satisfied that Sybil was recalling the day they had made their unholy pact. “I know exactly what you think of me, Sybil. It's not important. But I'd better make it very clear that you are to behave yourself around Annie. I don't want her upset.”

    “Upset?” Sybil gazed at him in disbelief. “Doesn't she know you're only marrying her to get your hands on her brother's company? If she doesn't, she must be incredibly naive.”

    “You understand nothing about the situation. You will