Chapter 97
Ines had a conscience. If it hadn’t been for an offhand reminder from Ashley, she wouldn’t have known about his birthday. “Actually, Ashley was the one who told me about your birthday”
“But you were the one who prepared the cake and ingredients. You put so much thought into it, I’m really happy.” Ethan didn’t care how she found out.
With the knowledge that Ethan wasn’t upset, Ines felt a sense of reassurance. She serenaded him with a birthday song, encouraging him to make a wish. When Ethan remained non–compliant, she assumed a pouting expression and sent him a stern glare. Eventually, Ethan capitulated and made his wish under her insistence.
“What did you wish for?” Ines asked Ethan with a smile.
“I won’t tell you.”
“Fine, then.”
Ines pretended not to care and cut him a big piece of cake. “Here, try this. I made it myself at the bakery during my lunch break today. Let me know if it’s good?”
Ethan wasn’t a fan of sweets. Nonetheless, seeing his wife in such high spirits, he took a big bite and praised, “Not bad.” He then used his fork to lift a piece to Ines. Holding onto his wrist, she ate straight from his hand. “Hmm, it’s okay, just a bit
too sweet.”
Ethan was pretty cooperative that night, eating a big piece of cake and a lot of the food she prepared. He insisted it would be a waste not to eat what she made.
Before bed, Ethan went for a workout in their home gym. After Rita and Zander had moved out, the spare room had been converted back into a fitness area. When he entered the bedroom, Ines had just come out of the bathroom after a shower. She noticed that his forehead and face were covered in a fine layer of sweat from the intense workout. No wonder he had such a good physique – he was very disciplined when it came to maintaining his shape.
“You’re all sweaty. Go take a shower,” Ines said, laughing.
As she tumed around, Ethan hugged her from behind, intentionally rubbing his sweaty body against hers. He then leaned in to kiss her face. Ines chuckled and pushed him into the bathroom.
Perhaps because she had been so busy, Ines didn’t dry her hair thoroughly before lying down on the bed. She was aware that he had come out of the bathroom, but she was too tired to even open her eyes. She vaguely felt him place her head on his lap and then heard the sound of a hairdryer.
She smiled slightly, enjoying his thoughtful service. When he was done and climbed into bed, she found a comfortable position and quickly fell asleep. Just before she drifted off, she thought she heard him say something.
“Izzy, I made a wish that we would always trust each other and accompany each other until we’re old.”
She remembered that the flowers he had given her on their recent date had the same meaning. She was too tired to think about why he had made that wish.
The next morning, the legal department sent back the contract with the Galeana Group. There weren’t many modifications. Even though she was reluctant, Ines took the contract to the Galeana Group.
Silas personally came down to greet her. “Ms. Ines, you’re here.
“Silas, just call me Ines,” she said indifferently.
Silas chuckled, “Ms. Galeana, please follow me.”
Just as they approached the lift, they ran into Emma. She was wearing a smart suit and delicate makeup, talking to someone behind her.
Ines had never seen Emma at work before. Now that she saw her, she wasn’t as bad as she had imagined.
After the person behind her left, Emma looked at Ines, frowning. Ines, what are you doing here?”
“Miss, Ms. Galeana is here to discuss cooperation with the Galeana Group, Silas explained.
“Did my dad really hand over the company’s annual review to Foresight Financial Services?”
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‘Mr. Galeana is considering it, but the contract hasn’t been signed yet.”
Emma glanced at Ines and said, “Well, good luck, Ms. Galeana.”
With that, Emma turned and left. Ines was surprised by her friendliness.
Silas led Ines directly to Hunter’s office. As soon as they entered, Ines was hit with a strong smell of smoke. The whole office was hazy, and Ines could barely keep her eyes open.
Hunter was holding a cigarette. Seeing them come in, he pressed it into the ashtray.
“Mr. Galeana, the doctor told you not to smoke. Why are you smoking again?” Silas asked, looking worried.
“I couldn’t resist, Hunter replied indifferently, his gaze sweeping over Ines.
Silas sighed and went to open the window. Fresh air blew in, and Ines could finally open her eyes.
Ines sat down in the chair across from him and handed him the contract. “This is the contract proposed by Foresight Financial Services, Mr. Galeana. Please review it. If you have any questions or conditions, you can discuss them with me directly. I can make decisions on some aspects. If I can’t, I will report it to my company as soon as possible.”
Hunter took the contract, glanced at it, and put it aside. Instead of discussing the contract, he asked, “How’s Ethan treating you?”
“I’m only obligated to clarify the terms of the contract. If you’re interested in my personal matters, I’m afraid I can’t help you,” Ines said coldly.
Hunter didn’t beat around the bush anymore. He made a call right in front of her. “Abel Page, you can come to my office
now.”
Before long, a man in a suit strolled in, looked about fifty–ish. He pulled out a document from his briefcase and handed it to her. “Ms. Galeana, my name’s Abel, your mom’s lawyer, in charge of handling her assets. Your mom left instructions that once you tied the knot, I’m to transfer the assets to you. She had two pieces of land, a shop, and 20% stock in the Galeana Group. If everything looks good to you, just sign on the dotted line. It’s effective immediately after you sign. You’ll be the second biggest shareholder of the Galeana Group. I’ll take care of the transfer of shares and properties for you as soon as possible.”
Ines didn’t take the papers from Abel but looked at Hunter, puzzled, “What’s the deal here?”
“That’s your mom’s wishes. I only found out about it today,‘ said Hunter. He really had no clue what Abel wanted with Ines before. “Ms. Galeana, this was indeed your mom’s wish. I had a duty to keep it under wraps until you got hitched, only then did I inform Mr. Galeana.”
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