Page 103 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
Chapter Thirty-Five
Anthony
I roll my neck. Today’s status meeting was tiring. And irritating.
Cost overruns, for God’s sake. I still can’t believe the project manager whined about it to me, like it’s my problem to solve.
If I wanted to solve every cost overrun problem myself, I wouldn’t have hired him. And I told him so in case it’s never crossed his mind. Then I had to make it clear his job is to ensure the club opens on time, on budget, with all the exclusive, hot vibes that our clubs are known for. Or else he’s welcome to send out his résumé to places with less exacting standards.
That cut his whining short, like a knife sticking into tofu.
I pick up my phone to call Ivy. Maybe we can have lunch together. We’ve been so busy in the last three days.
Before I can dial, Wei walks in. “Boss, don’t forget your new appointment.”
“What new appointment?” I pull up the day’s agenda. I have three hours free, including lunch.
“Lady Min called. She said you’re to spend some time with her. It’s about the wedding.”
I rub my face, surprised and wary. What could she want? Hopefully not dragging me around picking things for the ceremony. I mean, do grooms even do that? “Did you tell her I was busy?”
“Yes.” He rubs the end of his nose with the back of his fingers. “But she said it was important. And somehow I ended up blocking the time for her.”
My forehead tightens with annoyance. Wei is the ultimate gatekeeper. What was he thinking to just give her what she wants?
Then I remember how she took care of Mother without breaking a sweat. It really isn’t his fault. “Is this about the cost?” I ask. “If she wants to be reimbursed for the things she paid for the wedding, just cut her a check.”
Wei shakes his head. “She hasn’t said a word about money. Should I offer?”
“I’ll take care of it.” Some people can be odd about money. She could be one, expecting me to offer first.
Just then, Yuna’s mother shows up, six people in tow again. I don’t know how she can travel like that. But she behaves as though she doesn’t notice them.
“Tony,” she says with a sweet smile.
I rise to my feet and go around the desk. “Mrs. Min.” She’s been a godsend, a perfect shield against my mother. For that alone, I owe her.
“You’re so formal.”
I smile. Koreans are supposed to be the formal ones. But whatever. I don’t want to argue about that. I want to give her what she wants, then get rid of her so I can spend my lunch break with Ivy. “You didn’t have to come. I heard from Ivy you paid the deposit on the dress. If you’ll let me know how much it was, I’ll pay you back.”
She laughs softly. “Didn’t you hear a thing I said on Saturday? When you marry Ivy, you become my son. Well, you’re like an honorary son already. Why would I ask you to pay for it, anyway? It isn’t that much money.” She loops an arm around mine.
And I let her, because pulling it away would be unpardonably rude. Besides, I like her, despite her weird beliefs like soul families and face reading. Although it made me surprised and slightly uncomfortable, I haven’t forgotten her speaking of a wealthy marriage and strong children in my and Ivy’s future. The marriage part, at least, earned her lots of points.
“I’ve always wanted a son-in-law.”
“But why are you here if you don’t want me to reimburse you for the dress?” I ask.
“Since I spent Sunday with Ivy, it’s your turn.”
“I have a tux,” I say quickly, remembering how exhausted Ivy was on Sunday. I might love Suji, but I don’t need to shop until I drop to prove that.
She laughs. “I know you do.”
“It’s still in great shape. I’m planning to wear that for the ceremony.”
“As you should. I’m going to buy you a suit.”
