For the sake of the lead mine, Neil agreed to have lunch with Yvonne.

It appeared that Yvonne had been sure that Neil would accept her invitation. She had booked a table in advance at a high-end restaurant. Their table was in a prime spot by the window.

Once they sat down, the waiter served decanted red wine.

Neil was surprised. "You were confident that I would accept your invitation?"

"Yes." Yvonne chuckled.

"After all, I had everything under control. I have at least that much confidence."

"Under your control? Or Stephen's?" Neil laughed.

"No matter what, it's still remarkable."

Yvonne detected a hint of mockery in his tone. It sounded as though he believed that she had attained her position because of Stephen's backing.

"Even at this point, you're prejudiced against me because I'm a woman?"

Yvonne calmly raised the wine glass. "Do you think Mr. Anderson helped me simply out of affection? If so, I'm afraid you have underestimated him."

Neil fell speechless.

This woman wa