"Agatha, dear, Bruno's been nothing but sincere." Eva Henson was well aware of what had happened, yet she smiled warmly as she spoke. "That little hiccup at the engagement banquet is water under the bridge. The joint venture between our families is already underway, and the sooner we lock in the partnership, the better it is for everyone."
My father nodded and turned to Bruno.
"Bruno, going forward, I expect you to be more considerate of Agatha. Nurture this relationship properly, and keep a close eye on the project."
Bruno rose to his feet at once, dipping into a slight bow. His deference was flawless.
"Sir, ma'am, you have my word. I'll take the best care of Agatha, and there won't be a single misstep on the project."
He turned to me. "Agatha, to put your mind at ease, I've had the preliminary approval rights for the joint venture compiled and transferred entirely to your side. I won't interfere at all."
As he spoke, he produced a document from his briefcase and held it out to me with both hands.
"This is the signed confirmation of the transfer. It's all ready."
I didn't reach for it right away.
Instead, I studied Bruno with quiet interest.
He'd been holding that deferential posture the entire time, but I caught the calculation in his eyes the moment it flickered.
He thought handing over control of the project would be enough to shut me up?
"You seem very sincere."
I kept my tone light, almost indifferent.
Bruno's expression brightened instantly.
He thought I was letting him off the hook. He bowed his head eagerly. "Yes, Agatha, I truly realize how wrong I was. This authorization letter represents my commitment to you!"
Our parents nodded approvingly from the side of the table.
They'd all been taken in by the performance Bruno was putting on.
"Fine. I'll give you one more chance."
I let the words fall slowly.
Bruno looked overjoyed. Both sets of parents exhaled in visible relief.
What none of them realized was that I wasn't just speaking to Bruno.
I was speaking to all of them.
"Alright, alright, let's put the past behind us."
"To a smooth partnership between our two families!" My father raised his glass.
Everyone broke into smiles, and the atmosphere warmed again.
After dinner, Bruno walked me to the entrance.
"Agatha, let me drive you home."
He reached for my hand as he spoke.
I stepped aside.
His hand froze in midair. His expression went rigid.
"Agatha, what's that supposed to mean?"