STELA GOMES
Thank God, as I expected, everything went well at dinner. My grandfather and Ivan talked about everything—wines, cigar brands, the stock market—and I just listened.
Until now, I didn’t know how Ivan managed this feat, but he knew how to win over my grandfather. And it wasn’t only because of the gifts but also because of their pleasant conversation. Ivan knew how to convey confidence, and I expected no less from him.
“I hope you enjoyed the food, Mr. Smith. Stela loves to cook when she’s not busy. Today, she was the one who prepared everything, and I just helped her. I don’t have much experience preparing these fancier foods, but she seems to have a natural gift.”
Was it serious that she had to mention that I was the one who cooked? This was a detail she didn’t need to revea
