Julie wished happiness for Maria and her marriage. She thought that Anthony was the right person for Maria to marry.

She couldn't believe what she'd heard. Bill was talking about sabotaging the marriage. That was not acceptable behavior to Julie.

"Mom, don't worry about it. It won't matter in a year," Maria said to ease her mother's concerns. Her indifference worked. Julie indeed felt a little at ease.

ALL the while, Maria had her hand, which held a red cell phone, hidden behind her back. No one noticed anything odd. Bill found Maria's attitude quite irritating.

It had not been a good day for Bill. He'd been on edge and angry all day. He didn't want to offend Julie but he wanted to settle matters with Maria more.

Maria was adopted after all. This was no way to treat him. She would have to learn the hard way.

Bill took out his cellphone and found Raymond's number from his address book.

A few rings later and Raymond's voice could be heard at the other end of the line.

Bill put the call on loud speaker so that everyone could hear Raymond.

“Hello. I'm Looking for a Mr. Raymond Wilson." Bill put on his most humble of voices.

"Yes, it is he you are speaking with. May I ask who's calling, please?" Raymond seemed to glance at the cellphone’s caller ID and asked, “Bill

Jenkins? Maria's adoptive father, right?"

“Yes, that's the one. Why, I am flattered that you remembered my name." Bill smirked at the end of the line.

“So, what is it?" Raymond snapped impatiently.

"Mr. Wilson, here's the thing..."

Bill looked at Maria with threatening eyes. There was a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. He paused emphatically before continuing, "I consider it an honor that a girl from our Jenkins family will marry into the prestigious Wilson family. However, as Maria's father, I cannot help but feel disappointed in her. Her manner is rude and arrogant. She shouts ungracefully. I believe her behavior will only disgrace the Wilson family."

Don't beat about the bush!" Raymond attention was now fully on Bill. "Spit it out! What do you mean?"

Bill said cheerfully, "Mr. Wilson, you're currently the head of the Wilson family. Anthony may not be your son but I believe he will still respect your wishes with his choice of bride. I agree that a marriage between the Jenkins and the Wilsons could be a mistake. Maria is not good enough for Anthony. We must call off the engagement."

Bill thought he'd won. What he didn't know though was that Raymond's intense dislike for Maria was because of Jacqueline.

Raymond wasn't entirely sure how this had happened so suddenly. Bill had called and advised him to call off the engagement. This was what he had wanted anyway.

"Is this true, Mr. Jenkins?" Raymond now sounded very warm and friendly. His manner toward Bill had completely changed.

“Yes, I'm serious. I assure you this is no joke," Bill said quickly. Raymond enjoyed the flattery particularly when he heard Bill call him the head of the Wilson family. His head was already big enough!

Raymond chuckled, tickled pink. He then said, "Mr. Jenkins, I am moved by your honesty! The engagement will be called off, as you wish. As of now, the agreement is forfeit. I hope this matter will not affect our future communication."

“Thanks for your understanding. Let's fix a date to catch up over dinner together, Mr. Wilson," Bill said jovially.