Queena spoke up tentatively, "I was just saying that I want to get into show business."
Her declaration was met with an immediate hush in the courtyard. Everyone there knew how strongly Vincent felt about Queena's aspirations to be an actress, and they all watched for his reaction.
To their surprise, instead of the anticipated anger, Vincent's face fell, but he gave a slight nod.
"Fine. I agree you can pursue acting."
What? He just gave his consent.
Queena was at a loss; something she'd been fighting for seemed to be handed to her without a fight.
After a moment of shock, she leaped up, aiming to hug Vincent. "Vincent, I love you so much."
"Whoa, don't get ahead of yourself. I'm not done," Vincent said, holding Queena back.
"Alright, go on," Queena urged, her smile as bright as ever.
Then Vincent continued, "I could support you for life without you ever working. But since you're set on this and you're grown up, I won't stand in your way. However, there's a condition: I won't be giving you any more money. To keep you from getting taken advantage of, you can use the connections of the Yearwood family, and you can live at home, but that's all."
The smile on Queena's face wavered for a moment, but she nodded confidently after a beat. "Deal. I accept."
Mila and Cynthia exchanged worried glances. Queena had been sheltered and didn't know the harsh realities of the world.
Now, with her allowance cut, the acting world, where newcomers rarely make much, would be a tough challenge for a lady used to comfort and privilege.
Vincent let out a heavy sigh, clearly frustrated. He'd hoped the threat of cutting off her money would dissuade her, but she'd agreed without hesitation.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Vincent muttered before heading inside.
"I won't regret it," Queena said, undeterred, her mind filled with visions of her future on screen.
Cynthia, aware of Queena's determination, offered softly, "Congratulations, Queena."
Feeling a sense of relief, Queena patted her chest. "When I make it big, I'll be taking you all out for a meal."
In the kitchen, the mood was tense. Vincent was chopping vegetables with vigor, the sound reflecting his mood.
"Uh, bro," Hallet started but fell silent, intimidated by Vincent, who pointed the kitchen knife at him.
Vincent said, "If you ever treat her poorly, you'll answer to me."
"Where's this coming from? My feelings for Queena are genuine," Hallet, though confused, swore.
"See that they stay that way," Vincent said, turning back to his cooking, ignoring Hallet.
Hallet breathed a quiet sigh of relief, his back damp with sweat.
Meanwhile, outside, Queena was confidently discussing her plans, her eyes shining with excitement.
Liam suddenly entered and casually asked, "What's the celebration about?"
Cynthia quickly filled him in on the events.
Upon hearing her, Liam raised an eyebrow.
It wasn't easy to get Vincent to concede, but such matters weren't a big deal.
His main concern was keeping pace with Vincent; he didn't want his wife to admire another man.
Liam then took off his coat and tossed it to Cynthia. "Hold this."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Night's Mistake: The Besotted CEO's Obsession
Of all the terrible translations this is by far the worst. Garbled rubbish with different languages in between. I wouldn't recommend this novel!...