Midway during the dinner that same day, Jethro cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“I have an announcement,” he said with an exciting smile, and the room fell silent. Stacey smiled, knowing he was about to tell them about their engagement.
"I don't want to hear it." The mom said, thinking he was about to announce his engagement with Stella, not knowing they had broken up and he had engaged her favorite girl. The girl he had wanted her to marry.
"Are you sure you don't want to hear it?" Jethro asked with a smile. "It's not what you are thinking."
The mom stopped eating and looked up at him. "Didn't you propose to her? I told you she's not good for you, and you went ahead and proposed to her."
"I actually went to propose to her and caught her cheating on me." He stated, and both parents looked up at him.
"You deserve it. Yes, you deserve it. We have told you this several times. I'm happy you caught her red-handed. She's never good for this family." The mom said, happy that the incident would make him change his mind about her. She never wanted him to marry her. She doesn't have respect. She is always proud and arrogant, always spending lavishly on unnecessary things, and she doesn't even know how to cook.
"I hope you broke up with her." She added.
"She actually broke up. She said I was cheating on her with Stacey. But I noticed she never wanted to marry me. We have separated." He said, and his mom smiled. "This is what I've been waiting for. Now I will advise you to go for that same girl she said you are cheating with." The mom said, and Stacey looked down shyly.
“Actually, I proposed to her when I came back from Stella's house,” he said, glancing at her with a warm smile. “And she said yes.”
Mrs. Orton gasped, her hands flying to her chest. “Oh my goodness! Jethro! Now you are talking!”
Sir Orton beamed. “That’s wonderful news, son. That’s all we’ve been hoping for. I always wanted you guys to be together. Thank goodness it happened on its own."
Stacey blushed, smiling shyly as everyone congratulated them. The joy around the table was palpable.
"Don't worry about anything, my daughter," Mrs. Orton said to Stacey. "We will take good care of you. We were friends before; now we will be family."
"Thank you very much, ma'am. I'm happy to be among this great and lovely family." She said, but Jethro wasn’t done. He has a promise to fulfill.
.
.
.
The next morning, he rose early, dressed sharply, and picked up a sealed envelope from his study. Inside were the official company ownership documents—papers that would change everything. He called Stacey and asked her to get ready. Within the hour, they were in the car, driving through the city.
“Where are we going?” Stacey asked, curious.
Jethro smiled but didn’t answer directly. “Just watch.”
They pulled up outside a courthouse, and to Stacey’s surprise, a high-profile lawyer. One of the most respected legal minds in the region stepped into the back seat. She recognized him immediately. His presence alone meant something serious was unfolding.
Before she could ask more questions, they drove to the police station. The Divisional Police Officer, joined them in the car. Stacey’s curiosity turned to unease, but she trusted Jethro and remained quiet.
Finally, they arrived at the company building. They walked through the lobby, past the stunned employees, and headed straight to the CEO’s office.
Inside, Stella was sitting behind the desk, reviewing files. She looked up, startled to see Jethro, Stacey, the lawyer, and the DPO entering her office.
“What’s going on?” she asked, standing up. “Why are you people in my office? I didn’t invite any of you.”
Jethro stepped forward and spoke up. “I brought them.” He handed the envelope to the lawyer, who opened it and pulled out the documents.
“Miss Stella,” the lawyer began, “do you recognize these papers?”
Stella glanced at them and nodded. “Yes. Those are the company ownership documents. Jethro gave them to me, but it's in his possession."
The lawyer raised an eyebrow. “Did you read them thoroughly when they were shown to you?”
“I saw my name there,” she said quickly. “I didn’t read every word, but all I know is that the company is mine. He built it for me.”
The lawyer flipped to a specific page and handed it to her. “Then read this. Out loud.”
Stella took the document, her eyes scanning the page. Her face paled as she read:
“I, Stella Denise, agreed to manage this company on behalf of Mr. Jethro Orton. I understand that all present and future assets or growth of the company shall remain the legal property of Mr. Jethro Orton.”