Chapter 21
Serena’s hands instinctively clenched when hearing Gabriel’s name.
Andrew noticed her reaction, his gaze flicking to her before he said. “Forget about it. We can talk to Quasar tomorrow.”
“But it’s Ms. Stewart’s birthday tonight,” the assistant responded. If we don’t show up, the rumors about Mr. Harrington and her getting back together will only get worse.”
“Go ahead,” Serena replied quickly, before Andrew could protest Don’t let me hold you up.”
Andrew reached out as if to pat her head but paused when she subtly pulled away. “Really, I’m just a bit shaken,” she added, trying to reassure him. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“Alright, come with me then, Andrew said, giving her a small stile that softened his usual serious demeanor.
After they arrived the Eternal Club, Serena initially thought about waiting in the car while Andrew handled business, but he
side.” insisted, “It’s not safe for you to be alone here. I’d rather have you by my
“Okay” She instantly agreed and followed him inside without wanting to cause any more trouble.
They made their way upstairs to a VIP room, which felt more like a small banquet hall than an actual lounge. The space was. packed with people–dancing, chatting, and a few weal
belting out songs from the karaoke machine.
Amid the noise and chaos, Serena’s eyes immediately found him, Gabriel. He was lounging on a sofa, looking completely indifferent to the bustling party around him, one leg casually draped over the other, a cigarette dangling between his fingers.
Beside him sat Josie, her red gown a stark contrast to his casual attire, as she poured him a drink with a soft smile.
ly out of
“You can stay here, Serena I’ll be around.” Andrew led Serena to a seat at the far end of the room, a spot purposely a Gabriel’s view.
“Make yourself comfortable,” he said with a smile, before grabbing a glass of champagne to toast Gabriel and brought Josie her birthday gift.
Serena sat back, trying to ignore the chaos around her, but her eyes kept flicking over to Gabriel.
She saw Josie took the gift from Andrew, her eyes widening which she opened it. She gasped, covering her mouth in surprise, and tucked the gift away after Gabriel made his word, clearly pleased.
“Even after all these years, Gabriel still hasn’t gotten over Josie. As Serena tried to distract herself, she overheard a conversation from a nearby table where some younger members of the Harrington family were gossiping.
“Of course not. He never really dated anyone after they broke up He’s just waiting for her to come back,” another chimed in.
“I heard that at the last business event, Lana gave Josie a hard time. Gabriel wasn’t there, but it almost tumed into a fight”
“Well, looks like they have patched things up,” the first one said, the tone implying something much deeper.
Serena felt her stomach twist. The more they talked, the more out of place she felt like an outsider in a world she didn’t belong to Just then, Josie’s voice sliced through her thoughts.
“Well, well, look who’s here with Andrew,” she said, gracefully approaching Serena with a glass of red wine in hand.
“Ispilled something on your dress last time, so here’s a drink to make up for it. I hope you accept my apology.”
te things
Serena stood up, hesitated, unsure whether to accept. Her gut told her to refuse, but she didn’t want to make uncomfortable.
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Chapter 21
Josie studied her, eyes narrowing slightly. “Hmm, you don’t look well. Are you sick?”
a
Serena forced a smile, her voice barely above a whisper. I’m jus little under the weather.”
Josie feigned concem, her lips curling into a sympathetic stnile. Poor thing. You should rest. But here, have a little drink,” she said, pouring out half the glass and holding it out to Serena just a sip. For your health.”
Serena didn’t move to take the glass. Her eyes unconsciously drifted to Andrew, hoping he would intervene.
Andrew, having noticed the exchange, finally stepped in. “Ms. Stewart, Serena’s still young. She really shouldn’t be drinking.”
Josie raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile. “She’s riot under eighteen anymore, Andrew She paused, as if an idea struck her.
“Or maybe you haven’t shown her the ropes of being an adult yet? Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.
Andrew’s expression darkened, but he remained calm as he walked closer to Serena, his voice unwavering. “Just because two people get along doesn’t mean it’s always about… that.”
Josie smiled again, her laughter light, but the atmosphere around her thickened. The others joined in, egging her on
“Looks like our little sister really is just a girl. But if you don’t drink, it means you’re not forgiving me… and that would break my heart tonight”
Josie, ever the actress, played the part effortlessly. She swi adding drama to the already charged air.
eet to sorrowful with barely a pause, her theatrics
It was her event tonight, and the crowd, full of high–society guests, sent Serena sharp, disapproving glances. Serena could feel it–Josie was making her the target on purpose.
With Gabriel present and Andrew staying cautious, she knew that if she refused the drink, Josie wouldn’t hesitate to escalate the humiliation
Moreover, Andrew was here to close a deal, and causing a scene could ruin everything for him.
Weighing the pluses and minuses, Serena hesitated for only a second before reaching for the glass.
Andrew frowned and grasped her wrist gently, his tone firm “Ms Stewart, I’ll drink it for her.”
Josie’s eyes sparkled with mischief, but she remained cool. “Not on my turf, I’m afraid. I’m fond of this little sister, and this is between us, not you, Mr. White.”
Serena glanced up at Andrew. “It’s fine, Andrew. Just a small drink. Tonight’s Ms Stewart’s birthday, after all. I’ll drink to that.”
She raised the glass, and turned to Josie again. “Ms. Stewart, I hope my wishes aren’t too late–happy birthday to you.”
However, just before it touched her lips, a cold, authoritative voice cut through the tension. Josie.”
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the man who had spoken. Josie, still feigning innocence, tumed her head, surprised
“Gabriel I’m just making my apology,” she murmured, soft as silk.
Gabriel’s gaze was as cold as the winter frost, his voice laced with subtle menace. “And if she throws it up, are you planning to wipe it off with your dress?”
Josie’s lip trembled, her fingers tightening around the glass before she snatched it from Serena’s hand, the smile fading into
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Gabriel had barely spoken to her tonight, and now she had pushed him to the edge. Josie thought unpleasantly. She had only intended to test Andrew, but now her plan was hackfiring spectacularly
Serena remained seated in the corner, trying to appear unaffected, but the tension in the room was palpable, Josie’s outburst had done its job–most of the guests were now on edge, and she could feel the mood shift.
The conversation between Andrew and Gabriel resumed, but now it was quieter as if everyone was waiting for something else to happen.
The Barrow Technology has been cleaned…. I understand your concerns. Mr. Harrington Father definitely wants us to cooperate… Andrew’s voice was calm and steady, “And for the firm order, Quasar will pay a third of the total upfront.”
Serena felt her eyelids grow heavy hearing their conversation. Then, our of nowhere, someone nudged her arm.
“Chase” she tilted her head to recognize the person
Chase grinned widely, handing her a glass of juice, “Why aren’t you eating anything? You have been sitting here for half an hour. Are you that uncomfortable!“:
Serena accepted the drink, her eyes briefly glancing at the bright orange juice. She took a sip. the fresh taste washing over her. “Thanks. I’m just waiting for Mr. White.”
Chase glanced over at Andrew and Gabriel, who were still deep in their business talk. The people who had been at the booth had quietly relocated, sensing the tension. Josie had moved to the har, chatting animatedly with a group of young women.
“Everyone here tonight is from the high society, all childho talking business at a birthday party.”
- But look at Mr. White, he’s the only one who’s here
Chase voice held a note of disbelief, and noticing Serena’s discomfort, he continued, oblivious to her growing irritation.
“The guy singing like he owns the stage? That’s Lucas, the youngest of the Wright Family. He and Mr. Harrington grew up Together.
And the guy all over his girlfriend over there? That’s Shane from the Cooper Family–total playboy, but also one of Mr. Harrington’s closest friends”
Serena couldn’t care less about Gabriel or his associates. His name, his life, it all felt like an unwanted weight she didn’t want to carry anymore. Her frustration was rising with every word Chase spoke.
But Chase didn’t seem to notice, continuing on with the introductions. “As for me? Why do you think I’m here? Take a guess”
Serena wasn’t in the mood for games. “I’m going to the bathroom
She stood, not waiting for Chase to respond. At least the hallway would offer a moment of solitude. But after washing her hands, she straightened, only to find Gabriel standing beside her his reflection in the mirror.
Without sparing him a glance, she dried her hands quickly, but before she could slip out the door, his hand shot out, grabbing her wrist.
“Did you not see me?” Gabriel’s voice was cold and calm.
Serena turned to him, her gaze sharp and cold. “We’re not close enough for that”
Their gazes locked for a brief moment, until Gabriel raised an eyebrow. His grip tightening almost instinctively, pulling her against his chest. He could feel her body–so pliant that it felt as if she melted into him the moment he held her.
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