Offer to the CEO

Friday, continued …

"Yes," said James tentatively, taking Hou Yi's call.

"James, I had so speak to the Tailors at M Mall that have made your other suits yesterday afternoon about the wedding clothes, and asked them could they have a simply suit ready for you early this afternoon.They indicated they could, as they would not need to measure or fit you for it.Apparently your father-in-law to be is taking Alecia to M Mall to purchase a dress before your wedding.You can collect your suit from them as it is ready."

"If you work out that you need anything else Tan has agreed to pay for it and I will reimburse him.He has also agreed to accompany you to a jewelers were you and Alecia can select an engagement and wedding rings.I have spoken to the jewelers, and provided you do not go overboard, tehy will send the account to meBefore you try and protest, Tan will be telling Alecia that those however will be coming from part of her inheritance that will be transferred to the two of you after today."

After a few second paused all James quietly responded "I guess all I can say is thank you."

"James do not tell your sister but it is called self-preservation.She loves you and wants you happy, and that makes her happy.If I have to spend money to achieve that I will."

"True, stress will..."

"Do not say it, you know we are not telling anyone for another nine weeks or so.The only reason you know is you were with us when we found out, and Rosemary knows is that her specialist knowledge is important."Hou Yi paused before continuing "Plus, as I told you Alecia is my goddaughter, and she deserves happiness.But you hurt her..."

"I know, it will be a tossup between you and my father-in-law to be as to who will kill me.I actually think my sister might beat you to the punch on that one."

"Just be calm.Between myself, my assistant and your Tan and his assistant, we have organized everything else, and we have a big family dinner booked for everyone before the rest of your family return.Most of your luggage, and Alecia's luggage will head back with them as well."

Hou Yi stopped before asking "Now the only thing, and please talk to Alecia about this, is where you want to stay tonight.Alecia might want to stay with her family so she is there to spend as much of their birthday with her brothers; you can stay with my family at the ancestral home, or I can arrange for a room at one of the hotels Hou Enterprises has an interest in for a room for you tonightAs to your return to Australia you have first class tickets on a flight with a twenty-four hour stopover in Singapore, and a room room at the Marina Bay Sands, with a car at your disposal."

"Thanks Yi, I better get going since we have a few things to sort."With that James ended the call and handed Yao Tan his phone back.

"So, Yi told you then?"

"He did.I will let Alecia decide about tonight, but it appears that between him and you you are determined to..."

"I damn well hope that this is the only time Alecia does this as I am struggling to cope.And because of that I want to ensure that today is as memorable as possible for her.Now get in the car, so we can get this shopping over with."

Once they were all in the car, James turned to Alecia and whispered about the conversation with Hou Yi.She could not believe what her father and godfather were doing for them.She turned to her father and asked "Daddy, could we go to Fengs before the Mall?"

Yao Tan, realizing that Fengs would be on the way to M Mall, advised the driver to take them there.On entry they were met by Manager Yong who spoke in careful English."CEO Yao, Miss Yao, Mr Jones, CEO Hou called me and confirmed that you would be coming in today.I am Manager Yong.Can we show you into a VIP Room?"

James lent over and whispered into Alecia's ear "What do you want to do?"

Alecia turned around, and quietly said "James, we will not have this in the future, so …"

James turned to Manager Yong and replied, "We are happy looking at the moment."

Yao Tan moved slightly away and indicated to Manager Yong that he wanted to speak to him."When my daughter selects her rings, can you add a necklace to match it, and I also want to gift her for her birthday tomorrow, a strand of pearls, matching bracelet and earrings as well as a diamond pendant, dress ring and matching earrings."

Forty-five minutes later Alecia finally found the engagement ring both she and James were happy with, and they decided on simply gold wedding bands without adornment.Following the instructions that Hou Yi had provided, Alecia also selected a pendant that she liked as her birthday present from him for tomorrow.

While confirming the right length for the pendant from Hou Yi, Manager Yong secretly handed Yao Tan the items that he requested.