Chapter 11
Serena furrowed her brows. “Why is he yelling at me out of the blue? I haven’t even said much, yet he’s already losing his. temper at her
It wasn’t like she enjoyed working so much that she willingly gave up college.
Nobody, at least no one in their right mind would spend their days working their ass off for no reason.
This wasn’t the life Serena wanted. She wanted to stay in school, pursue her dreams, and build a future.
Still, she clung to the slim hope that one day, Jonathan might wake up and say, “Thank you Serena. I’m sorry to have put you. through the toughness for the past two years”
For even the smallest chance of that moment, she was willing to put her dreams on hold.
Thinking about it made Serena’s nose tingle, tears threatening to fall. I’ll handle my tuition myself. Just go get the refund.” she said firmly to Gabriel.
Gabriel’s tone turned colder, leaving no room for argument.
“Serena, can’t you be an adult and think straight? I paid your tuition–just go to school like you’re supposed to.”
He furned, “Unless you can give me a solid reason, the next time I find you.
ng some job, I’ll drag you out myself.”
I don’t have time for school, and I don’t want your money. If you don’t get that ten grand refunded, it’s as good as wasted.” Serena snapped.
Their relationship had only been a one–time thing, and in her eyes, it was long over. Gabriel meddling in her life only made her feel more indebted to him.
Her education was none of his business.
“Whether you have time or not isn’t my concern. The money’s already spent, and I’m not wasting my energy chasing after ten grand, Gabriel replied lazily.
Just as Serena was about to fire back, she heard a woman’s faint, pained moan from Gabriel’s end of the line.
Her hand froze around the phone, and the words died on her lips.
“What’s wrong? Feeling guilty now?” Gabriel sneered,
Serena didn’t answer.
Another moan followed, softer this time, accompanied by what sounded like women crying–no, several women crying.
Serena couldn’t take it anymore. It’s barely afternoon, for god’s sake! Gabriel Harrington, what an unbelievable lecherous
pig
Biting her lip in frustration, she spat, “Mr. Harrington, for someone as busy as you, you sure seem to have plenty of time to micromanage my life. Not even a time management master‘ could hold a candle to you.”
Without waiting for a reply, she hung up decisively.
In the CEO’s office of the Quasar Group, Gabriel stared at his phone, his expression growing darker with every passing second
What did she say? Time management master? he thought to himself,
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Chapter 11
Nearby, the sound of crying continued.
He shot a cold glance at his bodyguard, Ray. “Make them quiet down.”
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One of them women cried, “Mr. Harrington, we’re just students from Northeast University. We don’t know anything–please let us go! I swear we won’t do this again!”
The two young women, both strikingly pretty with innocent features, were kneeling on the cold, hard floor.
Their knees was aching now, after being in the position for over twenty minutes.
Gabriel ignored their pleas, shutting his eyes as he spun his phone irritably between his fingers.
Darren rushed in. holding a tablet. “Mr. Harrington, they really are students from Northeast University–one’s a freshman, the other a sophomore.”
Gabriel opened his eyes, his cold gaze landing on the two girls.
Camron sent the two girls to him.
Unlike last time, when Camron had sent a sultry model, these girls were dressed plainly in jeans and white dresses, making them look like regular students.
But their actions had been far from innocent.
The moment they entered, they’d claimed they were paid to come here and were more than willing to do whatever he wanted
Gabriel’s thoughts drifted to Serena
She was all about money too–or so it seemed. Their first encounter had been her initiative, after all.
And then, just as Serena had called, he’d lost control and crossed a line he hadn’t intended to.
The young woman in the white dress pleaded, “Mr. Harrington, we’re not lying. Please, let us go. We promise there won’t be a next time.”
As she spoke, she crawled closer to Gabriel and reached for the hem of his pants.
Gabriel kicked her hand away without hesitation, his voice cold. Escort them out. And send a formal letter to their college. They need to learn their lesson.”
Once the two
wo women were taken away, Gabriel shifted his sharp gaze to Ray Hood.
“She reached for my pants, and you just let her?” Gabriel said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“I didn’t think she’d actually try to grab your pants,” Ray muttered under his breath
“It’s his cleanliness obsession, Darren said dryly, walking past. “He doesn’t want to be touched. At all.”
“This one’s on me,” Ray admitted, lowering his head..
It wasn’t the first time he’d dealt with questionable visitors, but it was the first time he’d had to act so harshly toward two seemingly harmless girls.
Their innocent looks had made him hesitate.
Ten minutes later, Gabriel returned from the lounge, his steps brisk.
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Chapter 11
Darren rushed to catch up, tablet in hand, running through the day’s schedule.
“Mr. Andrew White from Barrow Technology has invited you for round of golf after dinner. Should I confirm?” asked
Darren
Gabriel adjusted his tie and casually lit a cigarette. “Andrew White?”
“Yes, sir. Old Mr. White handed over the CEO position to his son carlier this year. Andrew’s eager to secure a chip manufacturing partnership with us to prove himself to the Barrow Technology board.”
Darren added, “It could be a good opportunity to strengthen ties with their leadership.”
Gabriel took a long drag of his cigarette, his dark eyes contemplative.
“Tell him I’ll see him at the golf club,” he said finally.
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At Starcrest Golf Club, Serena had just wrapped up assisting her previous group of guests.
“Serena, there’s a group arriving at seven, and they’ll need seven caddies. I recommended you, her supervisor, Laura, informed her.
Thanks, Serena replied, glancing at the clock.
She had twenty minutes to grab dinner.
She ate quickly in the staff cafeteria, then cleaned a golf cart and prepped for the next group,
By the time they arrived, Serena was ready.
As the guests approached, led by the receptionist, Serena greeted them briefly before lifting a golf bag onto the cart for one
of them.
“Serena?” someone exclaimed.
She froze at the familiar voice. Turning, she saw a face she hadn’t expected.
“Andrew!” she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face after a brief pause.
Andrew White returned her smile warmly. “When you greeted us just now, I wasn’t sure if it was you. It’s been years since we last saw each other.”
Serena was equally surprised. She hadn’t recognized him in the earlier rush
“Yeah, the last time I saw you was before the SAT. You went abroad right after that. You haven’t changed a bit, Andrew
Andrew was just as she remembered–polite, gentle, and radiating a calm, reassuring presence
Every encounter with him had always left her feeling at ease.
Andrew grinned, teasing her lightly, “And you, Serena, you have grown into a fine young woman. I just hope you have outgrown crying over not getting your candy and giving everyone the silent treatment.”
Serena flushed at the reminder of her childhood antics, her cheeks turning pink.
“Stop. It’s embarrassing,” she protested, her tone shy.
Andrew chuckled, covering his mouth with his fist as he laughed softly, a hint of fondness in his expression.
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Chapter 11
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But his smile soon faded, replaced by a more serious look. “Are you still in school? Why are you working here as a caddie?”
Serena hesitated before answering. It’s my break, and I wanted to take a part–time job.”
Her excuse sounded unconvincing, even to her own cars.
It had been years since they last spoke, and despite Andrew’s warmth, she felt a subtle distance.
Andrew’s expression darkened. “You’re lying.”
“Andrew. Serena muttered sofily, her voice faltering,
She averted her eyes, looking anywhere but at him.
Andrew sighed. “I just got back a few days ago,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “My mom told me you called her recently about your uncle. Tell me the truth–what happened to your family?”
His concern was evident, his voice a mix of warmth and insistence.
Serena pressed her lips together, her thoughts swirling
Mr. and Mrs. White had once done business with her uncle, and their families had maintained a friendly relationship.
That was why she’d called them on a whim, hoping for answers.
As expected. Mrs. White had no information about her uncle’s whereabouts.
Her silence now spoke louder than words. Andrew, noticing her hesitation, regretted his earlier sternness.
With a sigh, he softened his tone and reached out, ruffling the top of her head gently. “I was too harsh just now. Don’t worry. Serena. I’m just concerned about you.”
Serena lowered her head, standing quietly in front of him like a well–behaved child, allowing him to tousle her hair.
Gabriel was walking by at that time, and he captured the tender moment.
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