Chapter 68

Abigail pulled out the contract and pushed it toward Sebastian.

Gabriel shot a glance at Abigail, his eyes brimming with approval. He thought, ‘So she’d been quietly making efforts all along.’ He slightly regretted slapping her earlier. He should’ve held his temper a bit longer, but it was no big deal. ‘I can just let her see Dad a few more times after we get home to pacify her,’ he thought.

Chuckling at the thought, he leaned in toward Sebastian. “I’m Abby’s dad. We’re family, and our Gibson family’s company ought to be part of this project too.”

Before he finished, Sebastian flipped open the contract. The moment he saw “Halden Group” on it, Gabriel froze and then exploded with rage. “Why’s this a partnership between Halden Group and Celestial Group? Where’s Vigor Tech Innovations? Abby, what the hell is going on?!”

Sebastian frowned at the commotion, his lazy tone dripping with irritation. “Silence.”

Jeremiah stepped forward and shouldered Gabriel aside. “Mr. Robinson is now the largest shareholder in the Celestial Group project. He calls the shots on who to partner with.”

Quentin laughed bitterly, glaring daggers at Abigail. He jabbed a finger at her face, teeth gritted. “You played me? Just you wait!” With that, he spun to leave.

“Who said you could go?” Sebastian drawled. “Didn’t you promise to bow and admit defeat to her? I want to see it.”

Jeremiah blocked Quentin’s exit. “Since Ms. Gibson is about to partner with Mr. Robinson, why not bow and admit defeat to celebrate?”

Quentin’s face turned livid. He reached for a chair, intending to escape, but before he could do that, Jeremiah grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. Quentin winced sharply at the pain.

When Abigail saw Sebastian stand up, she quickly rose to her feet.

Gabriel felt a chill run down his spine at the casual smirk still on Sebastian’s face and instinctively took a silent step back.

Sebastian planted his foot firmly on Quentin’s leg. With a thud, Quentin collapsed to his knees.

The entire executive corridor fell dead silent, no one uttering a word, but countless phones were secretly raised to capture the scene.

Abigail watched Quentin’s face drain of color instantly, a wave of vindication washing over her.

Sebastian regarded him with a look of pure disdain, his tone nonchalant. “Can’t handle losing, huh?”

Quentin struggled to break free but was held fast. With all eyes on him, he felt a deep flush of shame burning through him.

“Speak,” Sebastian said, pressing his foot down harder.

Quentin gritted his teeth against the pain. When he could no longer bear it, his voice shook as he shouted, “I’m a loser!”

“Louder,” Jeremiah snapped, tightening his grip.

“I’m a loser!” he bellowed. The humiliation of the moment seared into Quentin’s mind. He vowed he would make Abigail and Sebastian pay.

“Alright. Get rid of the extras,” Sebastian said, stepping off Quentin’s leg and returning to his seat.

Four bodyguards entered. Two dragged Quentin out, while the other two seized Gabriel by the shoulders and hauled him away.

Gabriel grabbed Abigail’s hand, his voice sickly sweet. “Abby, why didn’t you tell me you were partnering with Mr. Robinson? Let me stay.”

Abigail clutched the chair and wrenched her hand back, her face rigid with indifference. She even recoiled sharply after pulling away.

Jeremiah waved a dismissive hand, and the guards who’d paused immediately dragged Gabriel out.

The door to the private room shut. Jeremiah handed Abigail a new contract. “The Celestial Group project lead has been changed. We had them draw up a fresh contract. Take it back to Halden Group’s head.

“If it’s acceptable, get the seal affixed, and the partnership will be official.”

Abigail took the contract, resisting the urge to scan it immediately. She turned to Jeremiah with genuine gratitude. “Thanks for going through all this trouble.” She thought, ‘I finally clinched the partnership!’

Jeremiah’s eyes landed on the slap mark on her face. “Is this how Celestial Group’s head usually acts during negotiations?” he asked, unable to hold back.

“This is a personal issue.” Abigail dodged the topic of Quentin. She knew he’d never have dared act so high and mighty without Gabriel backing him up.

Sebastian studied her face intently, but when she looked back at him, he averted his gaze. “That’s an occupational injury. Make sure your boss foots the bill,” he drawled.

“Got it.” Abigail stowed the contract in her bag, then sat down and passed him a menu. “Mr. Robinson, have lunch before you leave. It’s on me.”

Sebastian didn’t reach for the menu. Instead, he lounged back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. “You should focus on getting that injury checked out. I’m not hungry.”

Abigail withdrew her hand, embarrassed. “Another time, then.”

“Jeremiah, take her to the hospital,” Sebastian ordered, standing up and walking away.