Chapter 14: They Are Here To Apologize

Georgia froze, startled. It really was Jamie. But how on earth did Kayden know he would show up?

Her curiosity grew as she walked to the door. Was Jamie here to pressure her into signing that contract again? She opened it cautiously, only to find Jamie standing there, his face twisted with disdain.

"Wow," Jamie sneered, giving her a sarcastic thumbs-up. "Impressive, Georgia. Really impressive. I never thought you'd stoop this low."

Georgia blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?"

Jamie let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "I should’ve known. Tell me, Georgia—did you sleep with that Beckett to get this deal?"

The words hit her like a slap. For a moment, she couldn’t process what he’d just said. Jamie was always insufferable, but this? This was a new low.

"You... What did you just say?" Georgia's voice shook with disbelief.

Jamie clicked his tongue, his tone dripping with mockery. "Oh, don't play innocent with me. Three years at the company, and now you're suddenly able to close a deal like this? Please. Everyone knows your husband’s a moron. It’s obvious how you got ahead. But today—"

Before he could say another word, Georgia’s hand shot out.

Smack!

Her punch landed square on Jamie’s face, sending him stumbling back.

"Are you insane?!" she hissed, her entire body trembling with anger. "How dare you accuse me of something so disgusting just like that?"

Jamie staggered, holding his cheek. It wasn’t the first time he’d been hit today, but this one stung more—his pride, more than his face. He glared at her, his hand twitching as if he was about to retaliate, but he stopped himself.

If this escalated, the contract would fall through, and Elizabeth would have his head. For once, he managed to think clearly.

Wiping his cheek, Jamie sneered. "You’ve got some nerve, Georgia. Fine. Grandma wants you to head to the Atkinson Group and sign the contract today. If you don’t, you’ll have to deal with her. Good luck with that."

With that, he spun on his heel and stormed off, muttering curses under his breath.

"Wait," Georgia called out, her voice cold.

Jamie paused, turning back with an impatient look. "What now?"

She crossed her arms. "I’ve already left the Adams family. I’m not one of you anymore. That contract has nothing to do with me. Go back and tell Grandma I’m not signing anything."

And with that, she slammed the door in his face.

Jamie stood there, stunned. His jaw tightened as rage bubbled inside him. "You’re really asking for it, Georgia," he muttered. "Just wait until Grandma hears about this."

He stormed off, practically vibrating with anger.

---

Inside, Georgia leaned against the door, her hands trembling. Her defiance felt good in the moment, but now the familiar fear crept in. For years, she had avoided confrontation with Elizabeth. She’d tiptoed around her, always careful not to provoke her wrath. And now, she’d done exactly that.

---

At the Adams household, Jamie wasted no time in spinning the story to Elizabeth.

"She was completely disrespectful, Grandma," he said, his voice full of exaggerated indignation. "You wouldn’t believe how arrogant she’s become. She even slapped me!"

Elizabeth, sitting with her hands folded neatly in her lap, gave Jamie a long, appraising look. "Did she really slap you?"

"Yes!" Jamie exclaimed, touching his cheek for effect. "Look at this! You have to stand up for me, Grandma!"

The old woman tilted her head slightly. "And did you say something to provoke her?"

"I... well," Jamie faltered, his confidence slipping. "I might have said something, but—"

"Jamie!" Elizabeth let out an exasperated sigh. "How many times have I told you to think before you speak? You must have said something terrible to make her react that way. Honestly, how can I trust you to handle the company if you can’t even handle a simple situation like this?"

Jamie opened his mouth to protest, but her sharp glare silenced him.

"Come on," she said, rising from her chair. "We’re going to apologize."

"Apologize?!" Jamie’s voice cracked with disbelief. "To her?"

"Yes, to her," Elizabeth snapped. "Do you think I care about your wounded pride? Georgia is the only one who can finalize this contract. If you can’t set aside your ego, you’re going to tank this deal for all of us."

---

Back at Georgia’s apartment, she sat on the couch, still shaken by the encounter. Hours had passed, but Jamie's cruel words lingered in her mind. She’d spent years working hard to maintain her integrity, only for him to throw that kind of accusation at her. It was infuriating—and deeply insulting.

When Kayden walked through the door around 4 p.m., Georgia immediately perked up.

"Kayden," she called out, watching as he shrugged off his coat.

"Did Jamie come by earlier?"

Without looking at her, Kayden asked.

"He did."

"How did you know he’d come?" she asked, frowning.

Kayden paused, his expression unreadable. "Did you refuse him?"

"Of course," Georgia said. "What else would I do?"

Kayden’s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "Then he’ll be back."

His calm certainty sent a chill down her spine. "What do you mean? How can you be so sure?"

Before Kayden could answer, a sharp knock interrupted them.

Knock, knock, knock.

Georgia's eyes darted to the door. Her heart sank as a familiar voice called out from the other side.

"It’s me, Georgia. Open up."

"Grandma?" Georgia whispered, glancing at Kayden in disbelief. He didn’t seem surprised—he looked almost as if he had been expecting this all along.

With a deep breath, Georgia opened the door. Sure enough, Elizabeth was standing there, Jamie beside her, looking like a scolded child.

"Grandma," Georgia said, trying to sound casual. "What brings you here?"

Elizabeth smiled warmly, a rare expression on her usually stern face. "Georgia, my dear, I came to see you. May I come in?"

Georgia hesitated for only a moment before stepping aside to let them in. Whatever her feelings about Elizabeth, she was still her grandmother.

Once inside, Elizabeth glanced around before settling on the couch. Georgia sat across from her, trying to steady her nerves.

"Georgia," Elizabeth began, her tone unusually soft, "I know Jamie offended you earlier. I’ve already punished him, and I brought him here to apologize."

She turned to Jamie, her gaze hardening. "Well? Don’t just stand there. Apologize to your sister."

Jamie shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Georgia's eyes. "I’m sorry," he mumbled. "I shouldn’t have said those things. Look, you already slapped me, and Grandma’s given me an earful. Can’t we just move past this?"