When it came time to announce the winner, I had to force the words out.
"The construction contract for the main lodge goes to the Ashford-Hartley partnership."
Vincent's face lit up but I wanted to be sick.
After the meeting ended, after the other representatives had filed out discussing their contracts and making plans to submit detailed proposals, I saw Vincent heading toward the exit.
"Vincent," I called. "A word. In private."
He followed me to a smaller conference room off the main ballroom, away from any remaining staff or guests.
The moment the door closed, I turned on him.
"You shouldn't have bid," I said. "I don't want you anywhere near my ski resort."
"Rachel—"
"This is my project. My vision. And now you're going to be involved in it, and I hate that."
"Then why did you
