Chapter 18
Luna Brown was the only daughter of the esteemed Brown family.
Serena had often heard rumors that, among Pashew’s elite, marriage was less about love and more about mutual benefit–an arrangement to consolidate family interests, wealth, and social connections.
For these aristocratic families, determined to cling to their high status, marriage was the most strategic bargaining tool at their disposal.
Gabriel was no exception: For the Harrington family, his marriage was a calculated move to expand their business empire.
Andrew explained further, “The two families have always maintained a close relationship, so they’re considering an alliance through marriage.
“But nothing’s set in stone yet, so Miss Brown isn’t necessarily Mr. Harrington’s future wife.”
Serena nodded indifferently. This sort of thing had nothing to do with her; it was just idle gossip to pass the time.
As the banquet wound down, Andrew noticed Serena’s lack of interest and decided to leave early with her.
Outside Cambridge Court, a sleek Bentley pulled up in front of Andrew’s Porsche.
“Wait here,” Andrew said to Serena, clearly intending to have a quick chat with Gabriel.
Mr. White, a voice called from behind. It was Gabriel
Andrew paused, pleasantly surprised that Gabriel had taken the initiative to speak to him.
Turning back, he greeted him warmly, “Mr. Harrington, are you beading off as well
Gabriel didn’t answer immediately, but Luna, standing beside him, chimed in. “Yes. Women were swarming Gabriel all night, and the banquet was dreadfully dull
Luna, poised and elegant, stood confidently by Gabriel’s side.
Together, they exuded an air of detachment from the crowd.
Their presence were polished and synchronized–even their attire perfectly matched, as she had accompanied him for the
evening
Maintaining his polite demeanor, Andrew replied, “I’m not surprised. Mr. Harrington is both handsome and incredibly capable. It’s no wonder women in Pashew are drawn to him.”
Luna tilted her head, glancing up at Gabriel. “Those women were clueless. Even if they get a word or two with Gabriel, they l never be in his circle, let alone his family”
Gabriel frowned slightly, his voice tinged with impatience. “You were the one who wanted to leave early. Now you’re lingering here?”
Luna smiled brightly. “Why don’t you leave with me, then?”
“I have other things to do,” Gabriel replied bluntly
He stepped forward and opened the Bentley’s door for her.
Luna, unfazed, climbed in with a satisfied expression,
14:28 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.
Chapter 18
As the Bentley pulled away, Gabriel turned to Andrew. “Mr. White, could I trouble you for a ride?”
Andrew hesitated. “Don’t you already have… plans?”
67%
Gabriel cast a quick look at the departing Bentley. “Lama and I are headed in different directions. I need to stop by Quasar
Not wanting to refuse, Andrew gestured toward his car. “Of course, hop in
Gabriel didn’t hesitate, heading straight for the rear passenger door of the Porsche.
As he opened it and climbed in, Serena, already seated, blinked in surprise.
Gabriel settled into the seat nonchalantly, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
Andrew, now standing by the front passenger door, called out, “Serena, why don’t you move up here? Mr. Harrington can sit in the back.”
Startled. Serena quickly began to rise, but before she could, Gabriel’s hand firmly pressed her arm back down.
Her wide eyes met his in shock, though Gabriel didn’t so much as glance at her.
His grip was steady, making it clear that there would be no seat change.
Realizing that resisting would only make things more awkward. Serena sighed in resignation. “It’s fine. Andrew, I’ll stay back
here.
-At the same time, Gabriel added smoothly, “Mr. Whit
Andrew was visibly puzzled.
la’s over, Let’s just be casual”
He’d heard Gabriel wasn’t one to share close spaces with others, but he brushed it off and climbed into the front seat.
As they drove, Andrew seized the chance to bring up Barrow Technology’s future development plans, trying to make the most of Gabriel’s unexpected company
In the back seat, Gabriel rested with his eyes closed, his hand no longer on Serena’s arm.
Occasionally, he gave short responses when Andrew said something that caught his attention, but for the most part, he seemed uninterested.
As the car glided through the city center, Gabriel suddenly broke the silence. Caddie girl, where do you live?
Serena’s lips twitched in irritation at the nickname. ‘What game is he playing now?”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll drop you off at the Quasar Group first, Andrew said, attempting to smooth things over. “It’s relevant.” Gabriel’s voice was cool as he opened his eyes and cast a sharp glance at Serena. “She’s crowding me
Serena stared at the vast expanse of the back seat. She was seated as far from him as possible. How could she possibly be “crowding” him?
Before she could object, Andrew chuckled. “Mr. Harrington, you’re such a joker. Serena’s such a sweet girl. Why do you always give her such a hard time?”
vu sure she
Gabriel smirked faintly, his tone edged with cold amusement. “Sweet? Sweetness comes from obedience. Are you fits that description?”
Without warning, he reached over and grabbed Serena’s small hand, which had been resting on her lap
27/4
14:28 Tue, Dec 24 T GG ·
Chapter 18
Andrew, focused on driving remained completely unaware of what was happening behind him.
Still, he continued the conversation casually. “When Serena was fiule, her parents and brother spoiled her to no end. She never even had a rebellious phase–always so sweet”
Gabriel’s eyes flicked toward Serena, his expression faintly puzzled.
If her family has truly pampered her, why did she end up working so hard for money? The contradiction gnawed at him, though he said nothing
Serena, meanwhile, avoided meeting his gaze, focusing on subtly trying to free her hand from his grip.
Andrew seemed unaware of the tension. After a moment, he suggested, “Serena lives close by. Let’s drop her off first.”
Gabriel said nothing, and Serena hummed in agreement
The car turned into an rough neighborhood and stopped in front of an apartment building.
Serena quickly stepped out, eager to escape the uncomfortable vibe in the car.
Andrew rolled down his window. Tm leaving town tomorrow. If anything comes up, call me, okay? Even if there’s nothing. just call.”
Serena smiled warmly. “Got it. Drive safe”
As the Porsche pulled away and headed toward the Quasar Lroup, Gabriel’s chuckle broke the silence.
There was a teasing edge to his voice: “Mr. White, do you
Andrew hesitated before giving a small, sheepish laugh. “We older, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel something.”
Gabriel let out a scoll, “When we first met,
lings for her?”
younger, I thought Serena was adorable. Now that we’re
you told me you saw her as a sister. I almost believed you.
Andrew laughed lightly, mistaking Gabriel’s comment for harmless teasing. “That was just an excuse. Serena’s very guarded. If I hadn’t framed it that way, she probably wouldn’t have let me get close.”
After a brief pause. Andrew glanced at him. “Why are you asking, Mr. Harrington! Are you feeling the same way!”
Gabriel curled his lips into a sly smile, evading the question.
Instead, he said, “You called her guarded. But can a guarded person act intimately with a stranger? Earlier, when you weren’t paying attention, I saw her touch a man’s abs.”
Andrew blinked, clearly caught off guard. “You must have missen. Serena would never do something like that”
Gabriel didn’t respond. His fingers drummed lightly against his knee as an enigmatic expression flickered across his face.
With only a week until the semester began, Serena had already decided not to return to school. She had requested a leave of absence from the university.
Her caddie job provided a steady and high income, particularly in a major city like Pashew. This month alone, her tips had totaled nearly 3.500 dollar-
The largest tip had come from Gabriel–a staggering 2.000. However, he hadn’t handed it to her in person
When Serena noticed the payment, she silently cursed him
14:28 Tue, Dec 24 T
Chapter 18
G
The 2,000–amount felt like a deliberate reminder of the money he’d offered to buy her” that morning.
It was as if he were mocking her, sending a pointed message she couldn’t ignore.
Three days before the semester began, Serena arrived for her afternoon shift at the golf course.
Unexpectedly, her manager, Mrs. Bret, called her into the office,
@K 67%
“Serena, Mrs. Bret began, her tone serious, “a guest have filed complaints about you recently. Did you upset anyone!”
Serena frowned, trying to recall her interactions. She hadn’t had any conflicts with customers and had gone out of her way to be polite as usual.
Looking genuinely puzzled, she asked, “I don’t think so. Did they say what I did wrong?”
Mrs. Bret sighed, frustration etched on her face. The complaints came from one of our club’s premium VIPs. They claimed your attitude was poor and that you insulted them.”
Serena was stunned. “That’s impossible. I have never insulted a guest! Can you tell me who made the complaints?”
Serena prided herself on her warm and professional demeanor with customers. She couldn’t imagine anyone accusing her of being rude, let alone insulting someone.
“I’m sorry, Serena, but we can’t share that information,” Mrs. Bret replied regretfully. “And starting tomorrow, you don’t need to come to work anymore”
宙
COMMENT
SEND GIFT
