Chapter 3

To keep Vincent from storming into the office tomorrow, I just called him.

"I fired Yannie. Don't bother coming to find me, I'm heading out."

I hung up and went to have dinner with a girlfriend.

When I got home that evening, Vincent and his parents were sitting in my living room.

The moment Mrs. Henson saw me, she rushed over, all warmth.

"Oh, there's my daughter-in-law. You're finally home."

"Mrs. Henson, Vincent and I aren't even close to settled. I really can't answer to daughter-in-law."

Her smile froze, and she immediately turned and shot Vincent a look.

Only then did Vincent get up, unhurried, and walk toward me.

"Ramona, you fired Yannie and I didn't say a word about it. So why did you block my number?"

"My mom called and you wouldn't pick up either. What's with the spoiled-princess act?"

"I'm the company's general manager. I fired an employee for skipping work. What standing do you have to lecture me?"

"I blocked you because you don't act the least bit like anyone's fiancé. You spent over ten million on a house for Yannie. What exactly did that make me, Ramona Sanchez?"

"I think I need to reconsider our relationship."

My parents' faces darkened the moment they heard it.

"Kevin, look at the fine work your son's done!"

Kevin Henson shot Vincent a glare.

"The truth is, we were the ones who wanted to give Yannie that house. Years ago her father took a knife for me. I owe him a life."

"It's just one house. Call it repaying his family for saving my life."

I sat down beside my parents. "You're very generous, Kevin. But from what I hear, all of Henson's capital is tied up. Buying that house probably cleaned out everything you had."

Kevin looked embarrassed and shot Vincent another glare.

"Once this debt is settled, my family won't owe her anything anymore."

"Vince, from now on you keep your distance from Yannie. I won't have you upsetting Ramona."

"Ramona, your uncle Kevin has booked a private room at the Grand Regency for tomorrow. Let's all have a meal together as one family, and let it stand as Vince formally making his apology to you."

"Brad Sanchez, Moira Sanchez, you simply must do us the honor!"

My father was not pleased. "My family isn't short of a meal."

"When I get back today I'll draw up an agreement. Once Ramona marries in, I'll transfer thirty percent of Henson's shares to her."

"Brad, that shows some sincerity now, doesn't it?"

"Henson is barely staying afloat. Those shares of yours are no different from scrap paper."

"Brad, wasn't it agreed that once the children marry, Sanchez Group would enter a long-term strategic partnership with Henson? By then Henson's market value would triple at the very least."

"With Henson shares in hand, Ramona can't lose. It's a win for both of us!"

Only then did my parents' faces soften considerably.

The next day, my parents and I arrived at the Grand Regency.

The Hensons were already there, but there was no sign of Vincent.

My mother asked, "Where's Vince?"

Mrs. Henson said with a chuckle, "We left in such a rush today that he forgot the gift for you. He went back to get it."

"Let's not wait on him. Sit, sit."

I had just pulled out my chair when Vincent came back.

Yannie was trailing behind him.