Chapter 9: Only My Wife Can Sign This Contract!

After William left, Jamie turned to Elizabeth. "Grandma, do you really think what Mr. Johnston said is true? Was Mr. Robinson actually here to sign a contract with us?"

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. After a brief pause, she nodded. "It’s possible. Someone like him wouldn’t waste his time making up such naive lies. Besides, Mr. Robinson didn’t seem hostile earlier. Could it be, as he said, that Mr. Robinson came here to discuss the contract? Could Georgia really have pulled this off?"

Jamie frowned. "That doesn’t make any sense. If that’s the case, why didn’t Mr. Robinson just talk to us directly?"

Elizabeth tapped her fingers against her armrest, deep in thought. "Maybe he wanted to test our sincerity. Contracts like this don’t just fall into your lap. Plenty of people are fighting for this partnership. He might have been gauging whether we’re worthy."

In truth, she wasn’t entirely convinced. William was the only one who had mentioned this so far, and she couldn’t ignore the possibility that there was some misunderstanding. But before she could say more, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen and answered. "Hello?"

A cheerful voice greeted her. "Mrs. Adams! This is Ollie Roberts, president of Grand Seclela Hotel. Congratulations! I hope maybe the Adams family will consider partnering with our hotel in the future."

Elizabeth blinked, surprised. As soon as that call ended, another one came in.

"Mrs. Adams, this is Ryan Bailey from Fortune Insurance. Congratulations on securing the Atkinson Group partnership!"

The calls kept coming. One after another, Hiphia’s most prominent business leaders flooded her phone, congratulating her on the supposed deal. It was as if her contact information had been broadcast to every major player in the city. Each call confirmed the same thing: the Adams family had landed the deal with the Atkinson Group.

Elizabeth stood at the doorway for nearly half an hour, her phone glued to her ear. By the time the calls stopped, her back ached from standing, but her expression was one of pure triumph. For years, she’d tried to get the attention of these influential figures. Now, they were calling her.

When she finally put her phone down, Jamie asked eagerly, "So, Grandma, does that mean it’s real?"

Elizabeth beamed. "It seems so. Georgia has done something extraordinary!"

But Jamie was quick to interrupt. "Hold on, Grandma. Let’s not jump to conclusions. This can’t be Georgia’s doing. It has to be because of your leadership. I don’t think it has anything to do with her actually." He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "If Mr. Robinson is really ready to sign, he’s probably waiting to see our family’s sincerity. Why not let me handle the negotiations? I’m confident I can secure the deal."

Elizabeth considered his suggestion for a moment, then nodded. "You may be right. But let’s not tell Georgia anything yet. We don’t want her taking credit for this."

---

Half an hour later, the entire Adams family gathered in the conference room. The atmosphere was tense and charged with anticipation. Elizabeth stood at the head of the table, her expression serious.

"Before we get into the details, let me make one thing clear," she began, her tone sharp. "Georgia embarrassed this family today. Showing up to a negotiation on a motorcycle? Ridiculous! She’s lucky Mr. Robinson didn’t walk out on the spot."

A chorus of murmurs and head shakes rippled through the room. The family was quick to pile on the criticism, mocking Georgia for her supposed lack of decorum. The harsh words made her shrink in her seat, her head bowed in humiliation.

But then, without warning, a large, warm hand slid over hers under the table. Startled, Georgia glanced to her side. It was Kayden. His grip was firm but gentle, and although he didn’t look at her, his presence was steadying.

At first, she wanted to pull her hand away. She wasn’t used to this kind of gesture from him. But something about the quiet strength in his touch calmed her. For the first time that day, she felt a small glimmer of reassurance.

"It’s okay," Kayden said softly. Though his words were meant for her, he didn’t break his stoic demeanor.

Georgia swallowed hard, nodding slightly, and let her hand remain in his.

After the family finished venting their frustration, Elizabeth got to the point. "We need to decide who will negotiate the contract with the Atkinson Group. I’ve made up my mind to let Jamie handle it."

Harvey Adams, Georgia’s father, immediately spoke up. "Mother, are you sure about this? Jamie has no business experience whatsoever. He’s never handled anything like this before. The Atkinson Group isn’t something you can just—"

"Harvey!" Elizabeth snapped, silencing him with a glare. "You’ve overstepped. Since when do you have a say in this family’s decisions?"

"But—"

"Enough!" she barked. "The matter is settled. If Jamie secures this deal, he’ll join the company’s management immediately. Is there anyone else who objects?"

No one dared to speak against her. Jamie’s face lit up with a smug grin. He stood, smoothing his suit jacket. "Don’t worry, everyone. I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. I know some people doubt me, but I’ll prove them wrong. By the time I’m done, the Atkinson Group will be begging to work with us."

He shot a pointed look at Harvey and Georgia, his smirk widening.

Several family members chimed in with supportive comments, eager to stay on Jamie’s good side. But then, amidst the sycophantic chatter, a low chuckle broke through.

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to the source of the sound: Kayden.

Jamie’s expression darkened. "What’s so funny, you idiot?" he snapped.

Georgia’s grip on Kayden’s hand tightened. She nudged him under the table, trying to signal him to stay quiet, but he ignored her. Rising slowly, Kayden straightened his posture and looked Jamie dead in the eye.

"Except for my wife Georgia," he said evenly, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "no one in this family has the qualifications to sign that contract."

The room erupted in gasps and murmurs.

Kayden didn’t flinch. He glanced around the table, his gaze steady and unyielding. Then, without another word, he reached for Georgia’s hand.

"Let’s go, honey," he said firmly.

They were halfway to the door when Elizabeth’s voice rang out. "Stop right there!"