Shortly after, the two families arranged a dinner.
"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.