Chapter 701

After I'd laid out the stakes regarding Ethan and Hattie, Joanna never brought it up again. The next day, Charles Rowe, the boss of the renovation company, sent over a detailed quote. Just as I'd expected, the price was nearly half of what the big-name renovation companies were charging. I admired Rafael even more, knowing he'd been the one who introduced this company. In the days that followed, Rafael started getting busy. His main responsibility was overseeing the renovation progress. It was also a way for him to get a better grasp of everything tied to the new branch. By involving him directly, he would develop a sense of ownership. That would help him fully embrace the branch company later on. At a greasy spoon tucked in the old town of the South District, the three of us—Joanna, Rafael, and I—were having lunch. Rafael had been in high spirits lately, riding a wave of confidence. Tagging along with me meant he hadn't even had to pay for meals. "Mr. Palmer, Mr. Rowe said th