I didn't need Jesse Gilbert.
I needed the Gilbert Group.
Clutching the ten-billion-dollar contract Patrick had offered me, I knocked on the study door.
"Grandpa, since I married into the Gilbert family, I am a Gilbert now. I don't need this contract as compensation for the Matthews family."
Surprise sparked in his eyes. He hadn't expected me to refuse such a massive windfall.
"The Matthews family has been in steep decline these past few years. Last year, your market cap barely scraped a few billion. Are you certain you don't want this contract?"
Patrick's voice was gruff, probing. Even after a decade of marriage to Jesse, the old man still didn't see me as a true Gilbert. He was constantly testing me, waiting for the moment I'd prioritize blood over loyalty.
I met his gaze with practiced sincerity.
"To say I'm not tempted would be a lie, Grandfather. But I married Jesse. I'm a Gilbert now. How could I siphon resources from my husband's family to subsidize my mother's? I'm not like those short-sighted women who can't see the bigger picture."
A flicker of approval passed through his eyes.