Chapter 460

Ten years?

Almeria's mineral reserves were the envy of global corporations. Powerful nations had been vying for a piece of this lucrative partnership, which was why the Almerian representative had always carried himself with unshakable arrogance. Negotiating with him was notoriously difficult.

Initially, the Sinclair Group had aimed for a five-year contract.

But the Almerian crown prince refused. Three years was his absolute limit, with terms to be renegotiated afterward.

Even securing those three years had been a struggle. Yet Evelyn had returned in under an hour with a decade-long agreement.

Samuel blinked, momentarily stunned. "She speaks Almerian?"

Oliver answered without hesitation. "Fluently. And with enough wit to have the representative laughing throughout the entire meeting. Sir, Miss Whitmore wants to know what time she should report tomorrow."

Samuel tilted his head, considering. "Tell her to come in the morning. Once the ten-year contract is officially signed, she can start."

"Yes, sir."

Oliver, who had initially doubted Evelyn the most, now found himself reluctantly impressed.

After hanging up, Samuel—usually unreadable—wore an expression of quiet disbelief.

Amelia noticed. A flicker of unease passed through her. "Samuel," she began carefully, "who were you just talking about hiring? You're not seriously making Evelyn your secretary, are you?"

Samuel snapped back to attention. "She's proven herself capable. If she's qualified, why not?"

With Evelyn having secured the Almerian deal, it made sense for her to oversee its execution. It eliminated any risk of miscommunication.

Amelia hadn't expected this. Her guard went up instantly, but she forced a sweet smile. "Evelyn is clever, no doubt. She'd be an asset. But..." She hesitated, feigning concern. "Her temperament isn't suited for a secretary's role. Compliance is key in that position. Maybe reconsider?"

Samuel ruffled her hair affectionately. "I know what I'm doing. Don't worry."

He understood her real concern. Evelyn's presence unsettled Amelia, who was already struggling to win Nathaniel's affection.

Hiring Evelyn was purely strategic. But keeping her close also meant keeping her away from Nathaniel.

Amelia's smile tightened. "Alright."

Samuel leaned back, sipping his water. "How's the child?"

Amelia froze. "W-what child?"

He fixed her with a knowing look. "The one you and Nathaniel adopted overseas. How long did you plan to hide it from me?"

Realizing the jig was up, she sighed dramatically. "You already know?"

Samuel smirked. "You've been sneaking around for a month. Did you really think I wouldn't notice? I had Oliver track your movements."

Tears welled in Amelia's eyes. "Samuel, you know my dream has always been to marry the man I love, have children, and build a family."

Her voice trembled with practiced vulnerability.

Samuel watched her, silent.

The game continued.