Chapter 25

"I understand." Shea took another sip of coffee. "Not that it's any of my business but exactly how many companies do you own?"

He chuckled. "If I tell you, will your fee go up?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I charge what I charge. I was just curious."

They had reached the stage by this time. Cruz sat on the edge of it and motioned for her to join him. "I could have walked into my father's business, you know. I'm sure you heard the story. But I've always had this obsession to earn whatever I got. So I took money I'd saved and began flipping houses."

She nodded. "Buying old ones, rehabbing them and selling them for more money."

"That's it. But other things began to interest me, so I went after companies that fit the bill. Now there are ten separate entities under the Castillo Corporation banner. Is that enough information?"

"I wasn't prying," she said hastily. "Just trying to understand the man you are."

"The man I am is busy getting ready to wow his clients tonight." He waved his hand b