Chapter 13: Wait For My Word

On Monday morning, Jamie pulled up to the Atkinson Group's headquarters in his sleek BMW X6. In his hand was an elegant gift box containing a rare bottle of wine he’d spent several hundred thousand dollars acquiring. It wasn’t the most expensive thing money could buy, but it was rare enough to make the right impression. Jamie was confident it would prove his sincerity.

After parking, he stepped out, adjusted his suit, and strode toward the building’s entrance with the self-assurance of someone who thought the world belonged to him. Just as he reached the doors, two security guards stopped him.

“Hold up,” one of them said, stepping in front of Jamie. "What's your business here?"

Jamie gave them a quick once-over, his lip curling slightly. “I’m Jamie Adams,” he announced, puffing out his chest like they should already know who he was. “You sure know the Adams family? I'm the future head of the family. I have an appointment with Mr. Robinson to sign a contract.”

Without waiting for a response, Jamie moved to brush past them, but the two guards blocked his path again.

“Not so fast,” the second guard said, crossing his arms. “No one gets in without Mr. Robinson’s permission. Wait here while I check.”

Jamie blinked in disbelief, his expression hardening. “Do you have any idea who I am?” he asked, his voice rising. “The contract’s already a done deal. You’re wasting my time.”

The guards didn’t so much as flinch. One of them turned and headed inside, leaving Jamie standing awkwardly in the doorway.

Before the guard was out of earshot, Jamie shoved the gift box toward him and snapped, “Here. Take this to Mr. Robinson while you’re at it. Tell him it’s from Jamie Adams.”

The remaining guard stayed planted in front of Jamie, hands in his pockets, his face unreadable. Jamie glared at him, muttering under his breath, “Idiots. Just wait until Mr. Robinson comes out and puts you in your place.”

The thought of Robinson reprimanding the guards brought a smirk to Jamie’s face, and his mood lifted further as he thought about recent events. Georgia had finally been kicked out of the family, and today, he was on the brink of solidifying his position in the Adams household by signing this contract. Once it was done, the Adams family would rise to first-tier status in Hiphia, all thanks to him. He could practically hear the praise and see the admiration in everyone’s eyes.

Five minutes dragged by before the guard returned, holding the wine.

“Well?” Jamie asked, his tone smug. “Did Mr. Robinson say to let me in?”

The guard shook his head, walking up to Jamie with a neutral expression. Before Jamie could respond, the guard tossed the gift box at his feet.

“Mr. Robinson said you’re not welcome here,” the guard said flatly. “Take your things and leave.”

Jamie’s jaw dropped. “What the hell are you talking about?” he sputtered. “Do you have any idea—”

Before he could finish, the guard shoved him hard, sending him stumbling backward. Then, without warning, the guard’s fist connected with Jamie’s cheek. Jamie hit the ground with a grunt, more stunned than hurt.

“You bastard!” Jamie shouted, scrambling to his feet. “How dare you? Do you know who I am?”

“Yeah, we know exactly who you are,” the guard said, cracking his knuckles. “Mr. Robinson’s orders: if anyone from the Adams family shows up to sign the contract—except Ms. Georgia Adams—they get the same treatment. So unless you want another punch, I suggest you leave.”

Jamie froze, his mind racing. “W-wait,” he stammered. “What do you mean, Georgia? What does she have to do with this?”

The guard leaned in slightly, a faint smirk on his face. “You heard me. The contract isn’t for the Adams family. It’s for Ms. Georgia. Now get lost.”

Jamie’s confidence evaporated as he stared at the guard, his cheek throbbing. He wanted to argue, to demand answers—but the guard’s clenched fists were enough to silence him. Picking up the wine bottle, Jamie turned and walked away, his shoulders hunched.

---

Back at the Adams mansion, Jamie recounted everything to Elizabeth, his voice shaking with anger and humiliation.

“They hit me, Grandma!” he whined, dabbing at his cheek. “They said the contract isn’t for us anymore. It’s for Georgia! They wouldn’t even let me in.”

Elizabeth’s face darkened, her hand slamming down on the armrest of her chair. “What nonsense is this?” she snapped. “Mr. Robinson wouldn’t dare make such a rule.”

“It has to be Georgia!” Jamie said, his voice rising. “She must’ve gone behind our backs to meet with Mr. Robinson. How else could he insist on her signing the contract? She’s trying to ruin me!”

“Enough!” Elizabeth barked, silencing him. She sat back, her mind racing. The contract with the Atkinson Group was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Losing it wasn’t an option.

After a tense moment, she said, “Go find Georgia. Tell her to come sign the contract.”

Jamie’s eyes widened. “You’re not serious! You promised I could—”

“Can you do it?” she interrupted sharply, her gaze cutting through him.

Jamie fell silent, his hand brushing his swollen cheek. He knew the answer.

“I don’t care how you do it,” She continued. “Beg if you have to. But make sure she signs.”

---

Georgia returned home that evening, exhaustion weighing on her. She’d spent the entire day job hunting, only to come up empty. Most of the offers had been low-paying, barely enough to cover her expenses.

Kayden greeted her from the kitchen, where he was finishing up dinner. “Rough day?” he asked, glancing at her tired expression.

Georgia nodded, sinking into a chair. “You could say that. Nothing worked out.”

Kayden set a plate in front of her. “Eat. And listen—if Jamie shows up asking you to sign the contract, don’t agree. Not yet. Wait for my word.”

Before she could ask what he meant, Kayden grabbed his coat. “I’ve got something to take care of. I’ll be back later.”

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Georgia even more confused. Why would Jamie come to her about the contract? And why was Kayden so certain it would happen?

Her stomach growled, pulling her focus to the food in front of her. Whatever Kayden was talking about could wait. For now, she just wanted to eat in peace.

Halfway through her meal, a sudden knock at the door broke the quiet.

“Who is it?” she called.

“It’s me, Jamie,” came the voice from outside. “Open up!”

Georgia froze, her fork hovering in midair.