Spoiled Breakfast

Adrianna was busy directing their staff in the kitchen to prepare a breakfast big enough for the whole family.

More and more members were arriving, all wanting to humiliate Gerald and witness the show.

As had become a custom in this family now, when ever they came over to the White House, they would leave their shoes in a pile for Gerald to clean and shine.

While everyone was talking and clamoring, a deathly silence fell.

Lewis shouted "What? The bidding has closed already?!"

They had not even started breakfast.

Everyone quickly pulled out their phones and checked. Indeed the bidding had been closed.

However no winner was listed.

Everyone was looking through their phones but Lewis again was the first to respond "Look , they updated their social media pages!"

Everyone went to read the article.

"The new owner of Star Ocean Group and Happy Sun Transport would like to thank everyone for their bids, we have selected the most appropriate ones that align with our business goals. We will be sending out invitations to those we have selected in the next few days.

Our new owner, Mr White, thanks everyone for their submissions, and says better luck next time."

That was the end of the message. Everyone was looking at Gerald and Adrianna.

"We are doomed!" echoed around the room.

"Gerald, why dont you save yourself further humilation and just come clean our shoes now?" Lewis laughed.

Everyone else agreed.

Gerald was standing there, This did not go according to his plans. Gerald thought he would have to pay a visit to Star Ocean Group today.

However, first he needed to find a way to stall. "The selections have not been released, I am still confident!" Gerald said.

His wife walked over and took his arm "Dear, it is ok, We must accept our fate." She had already considered this failed, and that their family would be ruined.

Gerald took his wifes hands and held them close. "Dear, do not worry, I am sure magic will happen." and flashed her a beaming smile.

Adrianna did not know why, but when he smiled, she felt relaxed and calm like there could be no wrong in the world. It was one of the reasons she fell for him.

Her father had raised them together.

They spent all of their teen years in each others company.

That smile had won her heart.

Adrianna's father had planned their wedding to a T, even going so far as to book the venue. However the day before the wedding, he had a heart attack.

He was rushed to the hospital where he was stabilized, but in a coma.

Adrianna's family was very superstitious. They all took it as a bad omen and demanded they call off the wedding.

Adrianna and Gerald did not think this is what her father would have wanted, and had a small wedding at the court house in stead.

The months her father was in the hospital were a downward spiral for them in the family.

The more her mother took over the business, the more she scorned them and pushed them down. The only reason Adrianna was still in charge of her company was because her father had made sure there was no way it could be taken from her.

Sabine despised the fact they had gotten married anyways, and was trying to use the heart attack to cancel their engagement.

Mr Roberts was a fine man, and she would be much better off with him.

Sabine had encouraged Mr Roberts to pursue her daughter, even though she was now married.

Sabine always said "There was no wedding, so there was no marriage" even though the court did not agree.

Mr Roberts was a middle aged man, with a portly belly, and a large bushy beard. He would always send gifts on her birthday and on every holiday for Adrianna.

Gerald did not like this man.

Mr Roberts was the next to speak. "Everyone please, calm down, if he does not want to honor his wager, that is fine, street urchins do not know the meaning of honor anyways."

He sent a nasty grin at Gerald framed by that bushy beard.

Lewis laughed "Yes, he is just a lowly street urchin, there is no way he would have any honor!"

Another of Adrianna's brothers and his wife laughed as well.

Her other sister and her husband also laughed.

These two were Lawrence Hamilton and his wife Francesca, and Samantha and her Husband Robert Wade.

Francesca was heir to a lesser shipping company which owned four freighters.

Robert Wade owned a refinery and his family produced fuel.

Both of their families were lesser families, but prominent in the area.

Everyone had to give them face.

They were laughing at Gerald.

The whole room was laughing.

Mr Roberts spoke again "Sabine, do not worry, My family has done business with Star Ocean Group before, we will make sure to put in a good word for you. I even have a meeting with their new CEO today!"

Sabine smiled "Mr Roberts, You take such good care of us, Unlike my worthless son in law. Adrianna, Divorce your husband this instant, and We will spare him licking everyone's shoes!"

Lewis grumbled "But MOTHER! I have waited so long for this day!"

Adrianna was nervously sweating, she did not want to see her beloved husband ridiculed that far. She had watched him endure so much over the years.

Before Adrianna could speak, Gerald clenched his grasp on her hands and answered for her "How about this, seeing as you all hate me so much, The contracts are not out yet, If they do not accept the contract, not only will I clean everyone's boots, but I will Divorce Adrianna!"

Everyone howled.

Sabine grinned evilly. If he was willing to cut her daughter loose, this was a win win for her!

"Fine, we will accept the delay" She answered.

Gerald smiled larger "What do I get then for upping the stakes?"

The room howled with laughter.

Sabine held herself reserved but had a hand over her mouth. "Fine, seeing as you just do not know when to quit, if you still win, I will hold you in my arms and call you my favorite son in law!"

Gerald blanched, but the thought of that old bat having to stomach those words made him smile "Deal" he says "Swear on it" this family was superstitious, if he did not get an oath, they would all rescind.

Sabine raised her hand and then glared at everyone "If you are going to participate you better swear!"

Lewis raised his hand, as did all of their brothers and sisters and their wives.

Gerald was holding back his mad grin "Fools! the contract is already ours! you are only increasing my face!"

Adrianna was worried, she did not want to divorce Gerald, she held his arm tightly.

Gerald flashed her that soft smile "Do not worry wife, everything will be ok"

Her grip relaxed.

Now that this had passed and the deal was sworn on, everyone was chatting about who this Mr White was. He was powerful enough to buy out two large international companies, and casually move them to this small town.