CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The sound of tumblers clicking against each other and the crackling laughter of people was what filled the room. It was dinner between the two families and the atmosphere was quite lively. The husbands were gossiping about their wives and the wives about their husbands and even though Lauren and Ron were sitting side by side, they hardly said a word to each other.

The merriment was still going on when Peter Diego rose to his feet slowly, tapping his knife on his tumbler. An action to draw everybody's attention and it was in a matter of seconds before he got it.

When he had everyone staring at him with rapt attention, he cleared his throat first.

"I want to first of all appreciate my beautiful and lovely wife for her efforts in keeping this family together." He paused, stared at his wife and flashed her a smile.

She smiled back.

"And also to my son, for helping me run the family company which is flourishing in all ramifications." He paused then stared at his son.

When their eyes met,