Orphaned Son-in-law is Billionaire Heir

Ch. 9- The Victory

As they walked toward Connor's electric scooter, Kirra felt something shift between them. Without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his waist as they prepared to ride home—not the hesitant, barely-touching grip she usually maintained, but a real embrace that spoke of trust and growing affection.

Connor stiffened slightly at the unexpected contact, his cheeks warming. "Kirra?"

"Just... hold still," she murmured against his shoulder. "For the first time, I feel like we might actually be a real couple."

Back at Grind Coffee, Milla and Bandicoot watched through the window as Kirra emerged from Jarrah Properties after less than thirty minutes inside.

"Look how fast she came out!" Milla cackled with glee. "They probably threw her out before she could even finish begging!"

"Thirty minutes!" Bandicoot slapped the table. "It took them thirty minutes to realize she was wasting their time with that pathetic cockroach husband of hers!"

"She looks defeated too," Milla observed smugly. "Look at her shoulders—all slumped with shame!"

"Perfect! This evening's family meeting is going to be glorious!" Bandicoot rubbed his hands together. "Watching that parasitic worm and his desperate wife get expelled from the family will be better than Christmas!"

They watched Connor and Kirra ride away on the modest scooter.

"Goodbye, charity cases!" Milla waved mockingly at the window. "See you at your public humiliation tonight!"

The Kuranda mansion buzzed with anticipation that evening. Family members clustered in small groups, whispering excitedly about the expected spectacle.

"I almost feel sorry for Kirra," Aunt Kakadu said with false sympathy. "She's about to lose everything because she married human garbage."

"Sorry for her?" Uncle Jarrah snorted. "She chose to hitch her wagon to a worthless orphanage janitor! This is natural consequences!"

"The funniest part," Cousin Numbat added, "is that her marriage becomes completely pointless once she loses her business position. She'll be stuck with that parasitic worm for nothing!"

"Maybe she can get the marriage annulled," someone suggested. "Claim temporary insanity!"

The room erupted in cruel laughter.

Elder Dundarra entered and took his seat, his expression stern and expectant. "Where are they? It's time for Kirra to face the consequences of her husband's delusional promises."

As if summoned, Kirra and Connor walked through the doors. The room fell silent, all eyes fixed on the couple who were presumed to be walking to their doom.

Bandicoot stood up immediately, unable to contain his glee. "Well, well, well! How did your little shopping trip go, cousin dear?"

"Did Jarrah Properties roll out the red carpet for the orphanage helper?" Milla added with vicious sweetness.

"I'm sure they were very impressed by Connor's bedpan-cleaning credentials!" Uncle Jarrah called out, triggering waves of laughter.

"Come now," Bandicoot gestured dramatically, "don't keep us in suspense! Tell us about this magical community partnership that was going to save you!"

"Yes!" Milla clapped her hands. "We're dying to hear how the charity-case husband worked his orphanage magic!"

Kirra stepped forward calmly, reaching into her purse. "Actually, I have something to show everyone."

"Oh, this should be good!" Bandicoot whispered loudly to Milla. "She probably has some fake document to buy herself more time!"

Kirra placed an official document on the table in front of Elder Dundarra. "The signed purchase contract for the downtown office building. Five million dollars exactly."

The laughter died instantly.

Elder Dundarra picked up the contract with trembling hands, his eyes scanning the official Jarrah Properties letterhead and legal seals.

"This... this appears to be genuine," he said slowly.

"WHAT?" Bandicoot lunged forward, snatching the document. "That's impossible! Let me see that!"

"It's real," Kirra said quietly. "Jarrah Properties had a community partnership promotion. Fifty percent discount for families connected to charitable work."

"No," Milla shook her head frantically. "No, no, no! This can't be right!"

"My husband's work with orphaned children and elderly residents qualified us for their corporate social responsibility program," Kirra continued. "They called him 'the backbone of our society.'"

The room fell into stunned silence.

"But... but..." Bandicoot's face had gone white. "I offered them eight million! They rejected me!"

"Perhaps they don't consider all charitable work equal," Elder Dundarra mused, studying Connor with new eyes. "Or perhaps they simply respect genuine service over empty promises."

"This is a trick!" Milla shrieked. "The orphanage maggot must have cheated somehow!"

"Cheated how?" Kirra's voice carried steel. "By dedicating his life to helping people nobody else wants?"

"He probably bribed someone with orphanage funds!" Bandicoot accused desperately.

"Enough!" Elder Dundarra's voice cracked like thunder. "The contract is legitimate. Kirra has succeeded where others failed."

He stood up, his voice carrying new respect. "Kirra, your salary is doubled effective immediately, plus a ten percent success bonus."

Gasps echoed through the room.

"Furthermore," Dundarra continued, "it appears your marriage choice wasn't as foolish as some suggested. Your husband's community connections have proven... valuable."

"No!" Milla screamed. "This isn't fair! They're charity cases! They don't belong in real business!"

"Real business," Dundarra said coldly, "is about results. And the results speak for themselves."

As the family began murmuring in shock and grudging respect, Connor stepped forward with a calm smile.

"Before we conclude this meeting," he said pleasantly, "there's one small matter to address."

All eyes turned to him.

"Bandicoot, you made a public bet yesterday. You said if Kirra succeeded, you would bow down to her and apologize for mocking our marriage and my work at the orphanage."

Bandicoot's face went from white to green. "That... that was just..."

"Just what?" Connor's smile widened. "Just your word, given in front of the entire family?"

The room held its collective breath.

Connor turned to face Bandicoot directly, his voice carrying quiet authority. "Now, Bandicoot, you're the loser. Time to keep your promise and show some respect for the orphanage helper."

The silence was deafening as every eye in the room focused on Bandicoot, waiting to see if he would honor his word or reveal himself as both a bully and a coward.