Chapter 97
Samuel said, "Absolutely, the Oceania Group is incredibly powerful. Partnering with them will greatly boost the Galvez Group's development."
"Congratulations, Mr. Galvez," Make said with a faint smile. He was puzzled—why would the Oceania Group partner with a small company like the Galvez Group? But seeing Samuel so excited, Blake didn't ask further.
After dinner, Blake drove Isabel to school. "Isabel," he asked in the car, "what's the deal with your family and the Oceania Group? Did your dad really secure the partnership?"
"Well, my dad has always wanted to make a significant career move," Isabel replied. "This is his first step." She subtly implied her own involvement.
Blake said, "But partnering with the Oceania Group isn't something just anyone can do. I don't mean any disrespect to your dad, but I feel there's more to this." He shifted his focus to Isabel. "Did you have a hand in this? Do you know someone inside the Oceania Group?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Isabel said, maintaining her cover.
"Back when the Oceania Group had a falling out with the Clyde Group, it was around the time you left the Clyde family. I think you probably know someone there," Blake continued.
Isabel was surprised. Blake was known as a shrewd businessman with exceptional market control and analytical skills. She hadn't expected him to notice such subtle timing details.
Seeing Isabel's silence, Blake didn't press further. He reached out and held her hand. "I know you are amazing. If you don't want to talk about it, I won't ask again. I just hope that one day, I can be the man who supports you."
Isabel felt a shiver run through her at the warmth of his palm. A warm current enveloped her, making her feel strangely at ease and a bit shaken. No one had ever offered her support; she had always been the one supporting others—Tyler, Chris, and even her mercenary team members.
After arriving at the company, Samuel led his team to the Oceania Group to sign the contract. Amy, informed of their arrival, instructed her staff to give them a warm welcome. Samuel and his team were led to the reception room.
The receptionist said, "Ms. Lee will be with you shortly; she's finishing preparing the contract. Please wait a moment." Samuel nodded.
Meanwhile, Amy was reviewing the contract for loopholes when her phone rang. It was Guinevere.
"Hey, Amy. Are you busy?" Guinevere asked.
"I am, but go ahead," Amy replied.
"So, since the partnership is a go, when are we signing the contract?" Guinevere asked.
Amy was stunned. "Sign the contract? Didn't someone from the Galvez Group come here today? Actually, they came yesterday to discuss it and agreed to sign first thing this morning. I've already prepared everything."
"What?" Guinevere was shocked. "When did I send someone?"
"Wait, so the people in the reception room aren't from your company?" Amy asked, confused.
Guinevere realized the mix-up. "Amy, that's Samuel Galvez! He's my uncle. Our deal has nothing to do with him. I'm the one paying and signing the contract, not my uncle. You got it all wrong." She continued, "This is a huge mix-up. I'm paying and contacting you directly. I can't let Samuel benefit from my efforts."
"Why didn't you say that earlier?" Amy asked. "I nearly gave the contract to the wrong people. Fortunately, you called, otherwise my $150,000 would have gone down the drain."
Guinevere explained the family feud, and Amy finally understood.
"Amy, you have to keep the contract for me. You promised me. Don't sign with them," Guinevere said.
"Don't worry, I'll turn them away immediately!" Amy said, hanging up, extremely annoyed. She had almost let Samuel take advantage of the situation.
A subordinate approached. "Ms. Lee, Mr. Galvez is still waiting to sign the contract."
Amy replied, "Forget it! We're not signing anything. Wendy, find a way to get rid of them; I don't want to see them here anymore."
Wendy was puzzled. "But Ms. Lee, didn't you agree earlier…"
Amy said, "I made a mistake. They're impostors. Get them out of the company immediately. If they don't leave, you can leave instead."
"Yes, Ms. Lee," Wendy sighed, feeling the pressure. She had to play the bad guy.
Wendy entered the reception room, where Samuel and his team waited.
"Excuse me, when will Ms. Lee be here?" Helen asked.
Wendy's demeanor changed, becoming arrogant. "Ms. Lee is busy. You guys should leave now."
"Busy? What's going on?" Samuel asked, confused.
"Busy means busy. Leave now. We'll talk about the contract later. Don't stay here any longer," Wendy said impatiently. She couldn't explain the mix-up and had to force them out or risk her job.
"So what if we are? This is the Oceania Group. We can do whatever we want. What are you going to do about it? Who do you think you are?" Wendy deliberately humiliated them.
Helen was furious. Samuel, however, remained calm. "Ms. Davis, can I speak with Ms. Lee personally? I'd like to talk to her face-to-face."
Wendy replied, "No need. Ms. Lee won't see you. Leave now, Mr. Galvez, or I'll have to kick you out."
"That's too much! If we're not partnering, then what was all that before? Why did you even invite us here? Are you just playing us?" Helen demanded loudly.
Wendy, feeling guilty, called security. "Mr. Galvez, if you don't leave, don't blame me for being ruthless. Not everyone has the privilege to step foot in the Oceania Group. Security, escort them out!"
The guards arrived and forcibly removed Samuel and his team. "Mr. Galvez, are you okay?" Helen asked.