Never Judge

"This is odd." Emilio said as he looked at the charts. "We've been so busy trying to get things up we didn't notice that there was a trend that cut across."

"Do you want me to investigate it?" Cedric asked, him investigating it would entail him going undercover again and changing back his habits.

"No need. Ian, can you call Marco in please, I think he hasn't left yet." Emilio Reyes told Ian. Cedric was aware of Marco's habit, after dropping off his father, Marco would stay for an hour more in case Emilio Reyes needed anything. This was actually a habit that Camilla and Ian had both picked up at this point. Cedric had tried telling them to go home as soon as he arrived home, but everytime they did so, something urgent would happen and they would need to return to Mountain View or Mor Co. 

When Ian returned with Marco, the older assistant greeted Cedric before approaching his boss.

"Marco, discreetly investigate why there are drops in all of these." Emilio Reyes said pointing at the chart that showed a clear dip. "I want to know if it's all internal or if there are external factors affecting them. Leave no stone unturned."

Marco gave a quick nod as his response.

"Ian, Camilla, investigate why Mor Co. didn't drop. That difference should help us find the reason for this." Emilio quickly gave instructions to the three assistants who were present.

"For now, we can't do much until we have more details." Emilio told his son. "You should get ready, our guests will be arriving soon." Emilio said as he left Cedric's office.

"Let's finish up here then you guys can get changed as well. Join us for dinner." Cedric told the three assistants. Of course, they didn't refuse. 

When Cedric and Adrianna came down for dinner, the maid said that Ayanna had the back patio prepared for tonight. When the couple joined everyone else they were surprised that it wasn't just their friends that were there, all the parents were even present, including the Abads. 

"Adri, come sit with us!" Nicole said as she pulled the pregnant Adrianna towards their side of the table.

Cedric watched as Adrianna just smiled and went with Nicole. Ian was right behind Cedric smiling as well.

"At least you get to see her." Cedric told Ian.

"Maybe, soon, I can actually stand next to her at a gathering like this." Ian shrugged.

Cedric simply nodded, he didn't know what to tell his assistant and friend. He knew Ian had been through a lot and not being able to be with Nicole publicly was another pain he had to suffer.

"It's Veronica's first time seeing her parents at a private event since she ran away." Miguel suddenly appeared beside Cedric and Ian.

"Have they spoken?" Cedric asked.

"No, not yet. I'm worried she'll burn the bridge between them." Miguel said in a sad tone. Cedric placed a hand on Miguel's shoulder. 

"I don't think so, she's a smart person. She would never sever ties with her family." Cedric attempted to comfort his friend. 

"Let's sit. What's up with Ayanna's sudden urge to throw a party?" Miguel asked as they sat beside the other boys.

"An announcement." Ray said as he smiled at his friends.

"Ah! Now I know." Cedric said with a laugh as it became clear why Ayanna wanted to have a private dinner with family and friends. 

"What? What is it?" Miguel asked excitedly.

"For a genius doctor you can be quite slow." Alexi said with a laugh as he brought over some drinks.

"So why are you seated with us and not with my sister?" Cedric asked Ray.

"Something about them continuing their sleepover bonding." Ray said as he rolled his eyes. 

"Did you fix things with Adrianna?" Alexi asked.

"Yeah. The girls also helped her fix the problem with Elaine Moyra." Cedric told them as he recounted what the girls did that day.

"Katerina is asking if you want to file charges against Elaine Moyra by the way." Alexi said, relaying his sister's question. 

"I'm afraid it will be too much." Cedric told his friends expressing his worries.

"Really? Coming from the man that drove several companies into bankruptcy just because they rejected his job application." Ram teased as he heard Cedric's hesitation.

"I'll ask Adrianna. She also doesn't want me interfering." Cedric said as the maids started to serve dinner. 

When they finished eating and the plates were cleared, the maids began to serve drinks to the guests. Everyone was having a good time, laughing and telling stories, when Ray stood up from his place and clasped Cedric on the shoulder telling him that it was time.

Cedric grinned at his friend, he knew Ray was quite nervous about what he and Ayanna were going to announce, after all, their engagement had initially been a plot to keep her safe. 

Cedric leaned back on his seat as he watched Ray approach Ayanna and whisper something to her. Ayanna smiled sweetly at Ray and stood as he helped her up. 

"Ray and Ayanna have an announcement to make." Cedric said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Everyone stopped talking and the whole place became silent.

"Ayanna and I have decided to set a wedding date." Ray said proudly. 

The moms were visibly excited and began speaking amongst themselves. 

"We're finally going to be in laws!" Priscilla excitedly told Ray's mother, Amy So-Laurence.

"I thought they would make us wait years before finally making this announcement!" Amy Laurence replied to Priscilla.

"I hope they don't set the wedding years from now. The sooner, the better." Benedicto Laurence, Ray's father told the two women. 

"Will you let us get to that announcement, dad?" Ray said with a laugh as the parents discussed the wedding.

"Alright, go on." Benedicto said with a smile.

"We want to get married six months after Adrianna gives birth." Ayanna said proudly.

"What's with the six months?" Adrianna asked her sister in-law.

"I want my little niece to be a flower girl at the wedding." Ayanna said with a grin.

"Ayanna, babies don't walk that soon." Katerina teased.

"But she'll be old enough for my brother to finally let her out of the house. Plus Adrianna will be well enough to attend the wedding and wear something stunning." Ayanna said, placing her hands on her waist.

"I think my wife is stunning no matter what." Cedric proudly declared. 

Everyone laughed at Cedric's comment.