Chapter 67

Shortly after lunch, Abigail got a message from Timothy to sign the contract in the executive corridor of the Holiday Inn.

When she arrived at the hotel and entered the executive corridor, the Celestial Group representative was still Quentin. Gabriel was with him.

Quentin sat smugly by the huge floor-to-ceiling window, a glass of red wine in hand. He raised it in a mocking salute when he saw her.

Abigail walked over. Quentin smirked at the contract she was holding. “So you showed up alone? Where’s the other person?”

“What person?” Abigail calmly approached, set the contract on the table, and took a seat.

Quentin sneered, “I picked this place because I thought you’d bring Sebastian. If I’d known you were coming solo, why bother taking you seriously? Face it. You don’t have the clout. Might as well give up now.”

Gabriel quickly jumped in. “Abby, Mr. Coley chose this meeting spot for a reason. Why not accept his offer? If Halden Group can’t sign with Celestial Group, my company getting the contract with them is just as good.”

“Who says I can’t get him here? If I do, will you back out voluntarily, Mr. Coley?” Abigail leaned back in her chair, her eyes locked on Quentin.

Quentin laughed as if she’d told a terrible joke. He shot to his feet without a second thought, leaned in close, and said slowly, “You think you can make me back out? If you actually get Sebastian involved in the deal, I’ll not only step aside. I’ll bow and admit defeat.”

With a faint smirk, Abigail said lightly, “Deal. If you don’t bow and admit it, you’re a loser.”

Quentin settled back into his chair, feigning disappointment. “Mr. Gibson, I asked you here today to make one thing clear–if she doesn’t meet my standards, you won’t get this contract.”

Gabriel grew anxious and turned to Abigail. “The other day, you went to Mr. Robinson’s private room, and he didn’t even look at you. Don’t waste your time on him. Just agree to this, and I’ll get the contract signed: Isn’t that simpler?”

“Why should I let you get it?” Abigail shot him a cold glare, offering no sign of respect.

Gabriel flushed with irritation but held his temper. “You’d better take your mom’s words seriously. We’re all here, and Mr. Coley’s made it clear–just nod your head, and the contract is ours.”

Abigail went eerily calm, her voice flat as she asked, “Are you threatening me with Wyatt?”

“Just hoping you’ll be reasonable and at least do something for the family.” Gabriel spoke without emotion, spearing a piece of steak from his plate and extending it toward her. “Abby, I swear this is the last time. We won’t hassle you again after this.”

Staring at his syrupy smile, Abigail remembered how the entire Gibson family had talked like this when they pressured her to take the blame for Daniella. “Just serve time for Daniella once,” they’d said. “We’ll make it up to you when you’re out.”

“Have any of your promises ever held up?” Abigail’s voice was frigid. “How many times have you and she said ‘the last time’? Do you even remember?”

Her questions struck a raw nerve. Gabriel snapped, rage barely leashed, “Cut the crap! Why do you always argue when I ask you to do something for the family?”

Before Gabriel’s anger boiled over, Quentin jumped in to defuse the tension. “Let’s all calm down. If she’s not on board, I’ll call the next client. Mr. Gibson, maybe we can revisit this another time.”

“Mr. Coley, give me a little more time.” Gabriel grabbed Quentin’s hand that held the phone, whirling on Abigail. “Just agree already!” How could he let this golden opportunity slip away?

Abigail ignored him.

In her stony indifference, Gabriel finally erupted. He slammed down his knife and fork, stormed over to her seat, and slapped her across the face. “Who do you think you are? I begged you over and over, and you couldn’t care less. Do you actually think you’re somebody?!”

Other companies in the executive corridor were also in negotiations. At the commotion, they all turned to look.

Abigail tilted her head, then let out a bitter laugh.

Quentin wore an “I expected this” expression, but still said, “Ah, why resort to violence?”

As soon as he spoke, Sebastian and Jeremiah entered the executive corridor.

Quentin saw Sebastian first, his eyes widened in shock. Gabriel followed his gaze and couldn’t hide his astonishment either.

Abigail had her back to Sebastian and hadn’t noticed his arrival.

Wiping blood from the corner of her mouth, she swallowed her rage and was about to slam the table and leave when Sebastian strolled over like no one else existed and dropped into the empty chair beside her.

“Mr. Robinson, what brings you here?” Gabriel was the first to speak.

Sebastian casually propped a leg up, leaned back in his chair, and drawled, “We’re hammering out a partnership here, right? Go ahead and talk.”

He paused, his gaze lingering on Abigail’s face. “How did you suggest we collaborate yesterday?”

Quentin’s voice was thick with disbelief. “Mr. Robinson, are you sure you’re not confused? This is Celestial Group’s project!”

“Exactly. I’m not negotiating with you. I’m negotiating with her,” Sebastian replied coolly.