Ofelia sat at the head of the table like a queen.

“Thank you all for coming,” she announced. “Today I want to formally share that Mark and Laura are separating. My son deserves someone who suits his executive position. Laura’s time in this family is over.”

Julian frowned.

“Laura built that company right beside Mark.”

Ofelia waved him off.

“Mark has found someone younger and far more capable.”

The doorbell rang.

Ofelia gestured toward me.

“Laura, answer that. Tell whoever it is that this is a private family discussion.”

I stood.

“I can’t do that.”

Mark dropped his fork.

“They’re my guests.”

I opened the door.

Andrew stood outside wearing an orthopedic boot.

Beside him was Brenda.

No makeup.

Plain gray sweater.

Red eyes.

Behind them stood Stephen Vance carrying a leather briefcase.

When we entered the dining room, Ofelia immediately smiled at Brenda.

“Brenda! How wonderful! Everyone, this is the woman who is finally going to make my son happy.”