Seeing Monica montarily speechless, Ric took the opportunity to elaborate. "You’ve probably seen Duncan and Annie in the news. According to their public statents, they only grew close and committed romantically after Cammy’s supposed passing—but that’s far from the truth.
They’ve been seeing each other for over a year, even before Cammy beca pregnant with the twins. And that wasn’t even the worst of it. Duncan was involved with multiple won. If you’d like, I can show you the proof."
Monica finally snapped out of her daze at Ric’s words. Clearing her throat, she waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, that won’t be necessary, Mr. Rossi. If you’re the one who caught Duncan, I believe you. And don’t worry—I won’t hold it against you for telling my daughter.
You’re her friend, after all. It’s only natural that you’d look out for her. Since it’s you, I don’t need any further explanation—I completely understand. I’ll deal with Duncan myself and make sure he hears exactly what I think about this."
"That sounds wonderful. And please, call Ric instead of Mr. Rossi. That title belongs to my father," Ric joked, making Monica chuckle.
"Of course, Ric. But tell , why did you suggest my daughter fake her death? What were you thinking? Were you planning sothing?" Monica asked, her tone shifting to one of curiosity mixed with concern.
She sighed dramatically before continuing, "When I found out the truth, I was heartbroken. Instead of staying with us, she hid away with Dylan. My husband himself was filled with worry, and I—I nearly had a heart attack! We were devastated!" she sniffled, her expression filled with sorrow.
Under the table, Cammy clenched her fists, anger bubbling at her mother’s performance. But before she could let her emotions take over, Ric placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze—urging her to stay calm.
However, that brief mont of ease quickly vanished with Ric’s next bold statent.
"Actually, I’m glad you asked if I have a plan," Ric began. "I haven’t shared this with Cammy yet because, as a man, I wanted to speak with her parents first."
Cammy stiffened, her pulse quickening as she turned to look at him.
Ric t Monica’s gaze, his voice steady. "I would have preferred to say this in front of both you and Mr. Watson, but since you’re here, I want to ask for your permission."
Monica leaned forward, intrigued. "Please, Ric, go on. What is it?" she urged, eyes locked on him with anticipation.
"I would love the opportunity to court your daughter and, one day, beco part of your family. I know she’s still married, but I’m willing to wait until her divorce is finalized. All I ask is that you don’t stand in the way of her leaving Duncan—because when she does, I’ll be waiting for her at the end of that road.
If you’re worried about her being alone after the divorce, rest assured, I won’t let her remain a divorcee for long. I have no intention of asking for a prenuptial agreent—everything I have, everything I will inherit from my father, will be hers as well."
Both Cammy and Monica sat frozen, their jaws dropping at his unexpected declaration. Neither of them had anticipated such a bold and direct confession.
"R-Ric, w-what are you saying?" Cammy stamred, completely caught off guard. She had always believed Ric would give her space, and wait patiently until she had fully moved on from Duncan before making any advances. But now, it was clear—that was never his plan.
Ric turned to her with a gentle yet determined smile. "It’s ti I stop holding back, Cammy. I refuse to stand on the sidelines and risk losing you. I won’t wait any longer—I’m going to fight for you. So please, don’t close your heart to ."
"Oh my goodness!" Monica gasped, drawing Cammy and Ric’s attention. "I honestly don’t know what to say. My daughter is still legally married, but if you’re willing to save her from the disgrace of a divorce, what parent would refuse that?
And let’s be real—if their future son-in-law were soone like you, Ric, most parents would probably be pushing their daughters to get divorced just for the chance to marry you!" Monica chuckled, clearly pleased with the idea.
Ric let out a short laugh as well—though unlike Monica’s, his was laced with sarcasm, sothing she completely missed. "So, should I take that as a green light to pursue Cammy?"
"Oh my, this is all happening so fast!" Monica exclaid, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. "If it were solely up to , I’d say yes in a heartbeat. But of course, I need to discuss this with my husband first—and with Cammy as well. Let’s talk again once I’ve had those conversations."
Ric picked up his phone, pressed a few buttons, and then slid it across the table toward Monica. "That’s my number—please save it. Once you and Mr. Watson have made a decision, call . If needed, I’m more than happy to fly to your city and speak with him in person. That seems like the respectful thing to do, don’t you agree?"
Monica’s face lit up with approval as she nodded. She picked up her wine glass, swirling the deep red liquid before taking a sip, completely unaware of the calculating gleam in Ric’s eyes.
Ric raised his glass of wine toward Monica, signaling a toast. "I’ll be looking forward to your approval, Monica." They clinked their glasses, and Ric did the sa with Cammy’s untouched wine glass resting on the table.
"We need to talk about this, Ric," Cammy murmured, leaning toward him.
"Of course. Just let know when you’re free—I’ll co over and cook for you," Ric replied with a smirk.
Their food arrived just in ti, allowing Cammy to steer the conversation away from herself. "By the way, Mom, Ric owns several restaurants in Arlon City, not far from your penthouse."
"That’s impressive, Ric. If you don’t mind asking, how many restaurants do you own?" Monica inquired, her curiosity active.
Ric tilted his head, pretending to think before responding. "Around eight thousand, including franchises and those I co-own through our family business. But I personally oversee the fine dining spots and Michelin-starred establishnts since cooking is my passion."
"Wow, that must be worth millions..." Monica remarked, eyes gleaming.
’Oh, please, Mother. You’re not even trying to be subtle,’ Cammy thought dryly.
"Billions, actually," Ric corrected casually. "And it’ll grow even more once I take over the family business. But my father still enjoys working—he says he’ll start feeling old and frail the mont he retires—so for now, I focus on my own ventures."
"You’re an incredible man, Ric. Cammy would be lucky to have you—and so would I. I’d be honored to have you as my new son-in-law," Monica said, her enthusiasm unmistakable.
’This is bad. She’s already erased Duncan from the equation and is setting her sights on Ric. If I didn’t know her better, I’d think she was just being supportive. But no—this is her trying to auction off her own daughter to another wealthy man just to maintain her lavish lifestyle,’ Cammy mused silently.
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