Chapter 153

Chapter 153

It was three in the afternoon. Following William's instructions, Rowan took the contract and headed straight to Cade's office.

Cade didn't expect Rowan to return so quickly.

Seeing the troubled expression on Rowan's face, Cade quickly stood up and asked with concern, "How did it go? Did you meet Mr. Tilden?"

Rowan first asked Cade's secretary to leave, then walked forward and gently placed the contract she had signed with Patrick in front of Cade.

Cade looked confused. After reading through the contract, he stood there completely stunned.

Such a huge project, and the Blair family actually got it?

And Rowan had secured it herself? How was this possible?

"Rowan, quick, tell me what happened. My God, how is this possible? You've been out less than half a day and landed such a big contract?"

Tears streamed down Rowan's face before she could speak.

Cade's hands trembled as he gripped the contract. He moved closer and asked, "Why are you crying? Landing this contract is amazing news..."

Before he could finish, Rowan interrupted, choking back tears. "Father, I think I caused big trouble this time."

Cade's heart sank, and the smile vanished from his face.

But in front of Rowan, he tried his best to stay calm. He pulled Rowan to sit on the nearby sofa and said softly, "It's okay. What happened? Tell me now. Don't worry, if the sky falls, I'll hold it up for you."

To be safe, Rowan warned Cade first, "Father, you have to stay strong when I tell you."

Cade forced a smile. "Don't worry. What haven't I been through in my life? Just tell me, what happened?"

Only then did Rowan tell him everything that had happened at Patrick's house, down to the last detail.

After hearing it all, Cade wasn't just scared anymore.

Like Rowan, his face turned ashen, his eyes filled with despair, muttering repeatedly, "How could this happen? How could this happen? Who exactly is this William? How dare he beat up Mr. Tilden?"

Rowan wiped her tears and said, "Father, I don't know either, but I feel like William wasn't lying to me this time."

Cade asked, "Wasn't lying to you? What do you mean?"

Rowan said, "William told me that the Tilden family probably won't exist in Georgia much longer."

Cade took a deep breath and stayed silent for a long time. Then he stood up and asked Rowan seriously, "Tell me, who else knows about what happened today?"

Rowan said, "Besides the people I mentioned, no one else knows."

Cade paced around in circles. He understood how serious this situation was.

They had made such a big scene trying to work with the Tilden family. Not just the Blair family, but any family in Novaria would be unable to calm the Tilden family's anger.

So he and his daughter could only gamble.

Gamble that William was telling the truth.

Cade was much stronger than Rowan had imagined. After making up his mind, he said to Rowan seriously, "Rowan, listen to me. Don't come to the company for a while, and don't go home either. Here's what you'll do—you've stayed at Emily's place many times before. For the next few days, go stay at Emily's house."

Rowan clearly misunderstood what Cade meant. She asked tearfully, "Father, are you asking me to bring the trouble to Emily? I admit this mess wasn't all my fault, but I'm mainly responsible. We may not have the power to handle the Tilden family's anger, but we can't redirect it toward Emily, can we? She has two children."

Cade smiled bitterly and explained patiently, "What are you thinking? I'm not trying to send you away or redirect the Tilden family's anger to someone else. What I mean is, you promised the company you'd secure the partnership with the Tilden family within three days. Too much could happen in those three days. Will Marcus and the others try to make a move against you during this time? Also, once word about the contract gets out, will they come asking you about it? These are all unknowns. If you go hide at Emily's place now, only you and I will know about signing the contract with the Tilden family. Don't let anyone else find out. When the three days are up, I'll decide whether to have you come out based on the situation."

After saying everything on his mind in one breath, Cade's hands trembled as he pulled out a cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, and continued, "Also, if the Tilden family really comes down on us, you'll be safer with William than at home. I've seen what William can do with my own eyes. Ordinary fighters are no match for him. If necessary, even if he has to flee Novaria, I think he'll take you with him. I'm gambling too! If we win, everything's fine. If we lose, I'll die with you."

Rowan broke down crying. "I'm such a bad daughter. I just joined the company and already caused such huge trouble for the family."

Cade smiled and comforted her, "Don't cry. You're a grown woman, why are you crying? Didn't you always say you really admired Emily? Emily made it through all those difficult years. What, is the Tilden family's anger going to break you before it even reaches the Blair family?"

Facing Cade's question, Rowan gradually pulled herself together. She nodded and said, "I can do it. I can hold on!"

Cade smiled and said, "Good, if you can hold on. Now go, take the contract and go find Emily."

After hesitating for a few seconds, Rowan said quietly, "Can I call William first?"

Cade understood what Rowan was thinking. He nodded gently.

After dialing the phone, Rowan said seriously, "Mr. Brown, I told my father everything like you said. Father thinks I should come stay with you for a few days."

William asked with a laugh, "Your father didn't pass out?"

Rowan shook her head. "No."

William said casually, "If you're really worried, you can come over. But my advice is you'd better hurry up and help your father get started on the project."

Rowan said quietly, "Mr. Brown, do you think the Blair family is in any mood to worry about the project right now?"

Looking at things from the Blair family's perspective, William could understand how Rowan felt right now.

After thinking for a moment, he smiled and said, "Then come over. But the place I'm living in is pretty small. You might have to rough it a bit and sleep on the couch at night."