Chapter 71
"Let me take a close look at my grandson," Katherine said, letting go of Teresa's hand and sitting down next to Croissant on the couch. She was grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, just look at this little guy! He's so cute and starting to look a lot like Gabriel."
Teresa glanced at the quietly sleeping tot, then over to Gabriel a few steps away, thinking to herself, "Like Gabriel? Croissant clearly takes after me more!"
Gabriel, catching on to her mood, couldn't help but smile and walked over. Right in front of everyone, his arms reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
Teresa shot him a glare and struggled a bit, to no avail.
"I was going to call you in advance, but Grandpa said there was no need, and just took me in here," Gabriel whispered, his voice low and full of intimacy as he pulled Teresa closer.
Teresa gave him a sideways glare, mouthing a silent warning, "Stop it!"
Gabriel just raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance, and tightened his hold instead.
Mason burst into hearty laughter at their playful banter and then waved the secretary over, who had been standing by the door. "Come on, now that they’ve made it official, we can't forget our offer."
"Of course," the secretary said respectfully, nodding as he stepped forward. He opened his briefcase and took out a thick stack of documents, handing them to Patrick.
Taking one glance at the documents, Patrick understood their significance and immediately objected to Mason, "Mason, Raymond, Katherine, we appreciate the kindness, but there's really no need for an offer. As long as the kids are happy, that's more than enough for us."
"That's for sure," Raymond said with a nod and a smile. Then, he quickly added, "However, as a matter of tradition for the Garcia family, the offer is a must — it's non-negotiable."
To the Garcias, whose wealth was so vast that even Raymond sometimes lost track, this offer was a drop in the ocean.
"And we insist," said Katherine earnestly, her hands holding Croissant’s.
Sophia hesitated, momentarily unsure what to do.
"Well, it seems that there is no reason to turn down such a warm-hearted offer. I say we’d take it and have them transferred into her name," Patrick finally decided.
Mason nodded with satisfaction. "Good, let it be so. Have her sign these papers, and then we'll have the lawyer transfer the assets under Teresa's name."
Understanding the cue, the secretary promptly handed the stack in front of Teresa.
Staring at the documents, Teresa was unsure of the contents. But before she could decide, Gabriel already took them from the secretary. "Honey, It’s okay. Just sign them."
Teresa looked up at him, took the papers, and as she flipped them open, the clarity of the list hit her — the deeds for buildings, land, farms, villas, jewelry, cash, and more. It was a veritable treasure trove.
The Garcias are surely going all out, aren't they? No wonder they're the top landowners in River North.
"Mason, could I possibly sign them later?" Teresa asked Mason after looking at the list.
Mason smiled, nodding in agreement, "Absolutely, you can sign when you're ready, and then we'll have the lawyers transfer everything into your name."
"Thank you, Mason."
"Since the kids are already married, shouldn't Teresa and Michael start living with us at the Garcia residence? And then, our families can take our time discussing the wedding details." Katherine gazed lovingly at her grandchild, clearly wishing she could take him home right away and keep him close every day.
"Katherine, I..." Teresa started.
Gabriel quickly cut in before Teresa could continue, taking on the role of the bad guy, "Teresa and I have already discussed it. The marriage license was quite sudden, and since Teresa and Michael have just returned to the States, with Patrick sick in the hospital, they’d better not move into the Garcia residence just yet. Let's wait until they're ready."
"Alright, that's fine. Let Teresa get used to things first," Mason immediately supported Gabriel.
"If you miss Michael, you can take him to the Garcia residence anytime," Teresa offered, knowing she had to compromise a bit.
"Sure," Katherine eventually agreed, since Mason and Gabriel had already spoken, and what she cared about most was having Michael close, "Since you two have everything figured out, you'll manage. But Teresa, could you bring Michael over tonight so he can get acquainted with the house?"
"Of course, we will," Sophia answered for Teresa with a smile, "Why don't you take Michael over with Katherine now? It's something that needs to happen sooner or later."
"Yeah, that's a great idea," Katherine immediately nodded in agreement.
Teresa looked at them, speechless.
"Teresa, go ahead to the Garcia's. Don't worry about your dad here," Patrick chimed in.
"What do you say? Shall we go home?" Gabriel wrapped his arms around Teresa, looking down at her gently.
Teresa looked up at him, "Aren't you busy?"
"Grandpa approved my leave for my wedding. My wife and son come first," Gabriel said with a twinkle in his eyes.
Teresa bit back the urge to kick him, especially since they weren't alone. "Fine," she finally said, "Let's take Croissant and get familiar with the Garcia residence."
Despite her reluctance, Teresa couldn't go against everyone's wishes. As soon as she agreed, the mood lifted. Katherine eagerly cradled Croissant with care, and after a few more exchanges, they all left together.
Croissant slept tight and remained untouched as they got into the car.
Once in the car, Gabriel moved closer, reaching out to embrace her. Teresa, slightly annoyed, pushed him away, "Give me some space. Seeing you just annoys me."
Undeterred, Gabriel took her hand in his instead, grinning. "Honey, tell me where I went wrong, and I'll fix it."
Teresa glared, drew her hand back. "I'm tired. I need to sleep, and don't you dare touch me."
With those words, she leaned back into the seat, turned her head towards the window, closed her eyes, and took a more comfortable position to rest.
Gabriel watched her, the corners of his lips curving into a tender, joyous smile, and despite her warning, he gently pulled her into his arms.
Teresa's beautiful brow furrowed slightly at his movement, but soon relaxed, and she let Gabriel hold her, soon falling into a deep sleep in his embrace...
