Bernard let out a breath of relief.

“Then we finalize the paperwork Monday morning?”

“No.”

A single word.

Bernard went rigid.

“Pardon me?” “I am not authorizing the transaction,” Rafael said flatly, and the ballroom fell silent again.

“Mr.

Moreno, please,” Bernard begged, panic bleeding through his voice, “whatever occurred between Noelle’s family tonight has nothing to do with our corporate deal!” Rafael gestured casually at the nearby tables.