Author Description

It is December of 2007 just outside Antwerp, Belgium, when Richard Van Pelt storms out of the dining room of his father's residence. Time is running out for their family's copper-tubing company. With the Chinese nipping at their heels and the Brazilians not far behind, Optitube is doomed if the family does not take action soon. With a willing Japanese partner waiting in the wings, it seems everything is in line for a successful merger of two companies. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees. In Japan, the young and beautiful Natsumi Honma anxiously awaits the joint venture between her father's company and Optitube. She has not only a fi nancial interest in the merger, but also a growing love interest in Richard. As the two continue to develop a passionate relationship across the ocean, jealousy, greed, and ambition drive a wedge between family members and instigate the creation of multiple plots that soon threaten both Richard's and Natsumi's lives. In this intriguing tale fueled by age-old confl icts and cruel ambition, a merger hangs in the balance as Natsumi suddenly goes missing. Now it is up to Richard to save both her and his company-before it is too late.