Chapter 27
Gabriel’s patience seemed to have run out. His voice was sharp he looked at Serena, waiting for an explanation. “Give me a good reason.”
Serena took a deep breath, her eyes steady but her mind racing.
She had expected a confrontation, but the weight of his gaze stillnade her heart race. She wasn’t afraid, but her discomfort was growing. I feel uneasy because I don’t have anything to offer in return. I don’t want to owe you anything”
Her words were deliberate, but inside, she was questioning her own stance. Could she trust Gabriel? She thought.
He had already orchestrated her job loss, and though she still believed he had integrity, something in her gut told her this meeting wasn’t just about a casual conversation.
And more importantly, what if he took her to Caniron Brock once she agreed? She had crossed Brock before, after all. Gabriel’s lips curled into a smirk, amusement flashing in his eyes, “What about White? Are you accepting his ‘charity?”
“I have known Andrew since we were kids, Our families have always been close… Serena replied, trying to sound unaffected, but Gabrieleut her off.
“What’s inside the bag? Open it. Gabriel’s eyes flicked down to the luxury bag in her hands, and his gaze turned colder.
“Couple rings” Serena was not trying to hide. She replied simply
Gabriel’s eyes were unreadable, but his voice was sharper now. “For who?”
“For Andrew and me”
The silence that followed was heavy, pressing down on her like physical weight. Gabriel’s gaze was colder than before. “So, it’s not about favors… but someone’s paying for your silence, isnt it?” He said.
Serena sighed. She really wanted to leave the mess behind. “Thars it. Thank you for the offer anyway…” She tried to end their chat, but Gabriel shot back immediately
“Honestly, Serena, I underestimated you. You’re good at using these tactics on others too.” His voice was as cold as ice, “Congratulations on finding yourself a long–term sponsor. We don’t need to work together anymore. Darren, show her out,”
Darren’s arrival was almost a relief–he was an interruption to the weight of Gabriel’s presence. But Serena stood still, gathering her courage. She wasn’t going to leave without saying what was on her mind. “And you?” she asked, “What about your tactics”
“What do you mean?” Gabriel’s brow furrowed as he replied.
“I don’t need help from anyone,” Serena said firmly, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside. “But you have ruined. my plans twice and made me lose my job. There’s no fixing it now.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Gabriel retorted, but Serena shot back “You know the real reason I’m here. Don’t pretend you don’t
She stood up and walked out. Gabriel sat still, confused and annoyed by the baseless accusation.
“Did you get in the middle of her work?” He turned to Darren, asking for an answer. But Darren was totally shocked. “Mr. Harrington, I wouldn’t dare do anything without your instruction!” He replied
Gabriel nodded and stood up, his eyes narrowing as he processed the situation. Then ask Lindsey. There’s definitely something off here.”
1/4
14:30 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.
65%量
Chapter 27
Gabriel’s patience seemed to have run out. His voice was sharp he looked at Serena, waiting for an explanation. “Cive me a good reason.”
Serena took a deep breath, lier eyes steady but her mind racing.
She had expected a confrontation, but the weight of his gaze still made her heart race. She wasn’t afraid, but her discomfort was growing. “I feel uneasy because I don’t have anything to offer in return. I don’t want to owe you anything.”
Her words were deliberate, but insidle, she was questioning her own stance. Could she trust Gabriel? She thought.
He had already orchestrated her job loss, and though she still believed he had integrity, something in her gut told her this meeting wasn’t just about a casual conversation.
And more importantly, what if he took her to Camron Brock once she agreed? She had crossed Brock before, after all.
Gabriel’s lips curled into a smirk, amusement flashing in his eyes “What about White? Are you accepting his charity?”
“I have known Andrew since we were kids. Our families have always been close…” Serena replied, trying to sound unaffected, but Gabriel eut her off.
“What’s inside the bag? Open it. Gabriel’s eyes flicked down to the luxury bag in her hands, and his gaze turned colder.
“Couple rings.” Serena was not trying to hide. She replied simply
Gabriel’s eyes were unreadable, but his voice was sharper now. “For who?”
“For Andrew and me.”
The silence that followed was heavy, pressing down on her like a physical weight. Gabriel’s gaze was colder than before. “So it’s not about favors… but someone’s paying for your silence, isn’t it?” He said.
Serena sighed. She really wanted to leave the mess behind. “That’s it. Thank you for the offer anyway. She tried to end their chat, but Gabriel shot back immediately,
“Honestly, Serena, I underestimated you. You’re good at using these tactics on others too.” His voice was as cold as ice. “Congratulations on finding yourself a long–term sponsor. We don’t need to work together anymore. Darren, show her out.”
Darren’s arrival was almost a relief–he was an interruption to the weight of Gabriel’s presence. But Serena stood still. gathering her courage. She wasn’t going to leave without saying what was on her mind. “And you?” she asked, “What about your tactics?”
“What do you mean?” Gabriel’s brow furrowed as he replied.
“I don’t need help from anyone, Serena said firmly, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside. “But you have ruined my plans twice and made me lose my job. There’s no fixing it now.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about. Gabriel retorted, but Serena shot back.“You know the real reason I’m here. Don’t pretend you don’t.”
She stood up and walked out. Gabriel sat still, confused and annoyed by the baseless accusation.
“Did you get in the middle of her work?” He turned to Darren, asking for an answer. But Darren was totally shocked, “Mr. Harrington, I wouldn’t dare do anything without your instruction!” He replied.
Gabriel nodded and stood up, his eyes narrowing as he processed the situation. Then ask Lindsey. There’s definitely something off here.”
1/4
14:30 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.
Chapter 27
Back in the car, Serena sat quietly, the weight of the silence preing on her. As soon as they were sure no one was following them, Rhett finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension in the air.
What did Mr. Harrington want with you?” His voice was casual, but there was an edge to it that she didn’t like.
Serena was not in the mood of chatting. “We just talked,” she said flatly, her tone bordering on dismissive.
Rhett wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “What about?” He asked, tell me the details.”
Serena glanced at him, irritation bubbling up. ‘Since when did become his project? She thought. She had never signed up for this level of surveillance. She wasn’t one of his employees, after all.
Tm doing a portrait for him, and he was just checking on the process,” she said, trying to keep it simple. The less she said, the less he could twist.
“A portrait check–up?” Rhett’s voice was skeptical. “For half an hour?”
Serena sighed, her patience finally running out. “How about you go back and confirm with Gabriel what I said? He’ll tell you exactly what happened.”
Rhett fell back into his seat, sensing the tension in her voice. The conversation died there, and Serena stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts.
The drive back to the hotel felt like it took forever, but they finally arrived. As soon as Serena stepped into the kitchen, she wasted no time and got straight to work, preparing lunch
She was putting the finishing touches on the last dish when Andrew walked in, a small box in his hand.
“Serena, I heard this dessert place is really popular here, so I grabbed you a strawberry cake,” he said, smiling like he always did.
Serena’s lips curved into a smile as she took the box. “Thanks, Andrew, You can wash up first; Ill be done in a couple of
minutes.
Andrew set the box down on the counter, then took a look at the spread of food on the table. His eyes softened. “You really went all out, Serena.”
Serena laughed softly, feeling a little self–conscious, “Well, I’m not a chef, but I tried my best. I hope it’s edible.”
She brought the stewed beef on to the dining table. Andrew took a bite and nodded, a satisfied expression crossing his face. “It’s great. Really hits the spot.
Serena watched him as he dug into the meal, her eyes drifting over the dishes she’d prepared. The beef’s too tough… the soup’s too salty…
She picked at the food while mentally critiquing her own cooking, but Andrew seemed to enjoy it. That was enough to give her a bit more confidence than she had before.
As they finished eating, Andrew offered to clean up, but she waved him off. “No, it’s my way of thanking you. Let me do this.”
Andrew didn’t argue, his gaze softening as he watched her move around the kitchen. If only this moment could last forever, he thought to himself, a quiet longing in his chest.
They spent some time at the hotel before Andrew stepped out to wait for Serena in the car. After washing the dishes, Serena was about to leave for the hospital when she noticed that Rhett had just finished his conversation with Andrew,
They exchanged a quick glance before Andrew opened the car door for her and took her hand as soon as she climbed in.
2/4
14:30 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.
Chapter 27
“Serena, why aren’t your wearing the ring?” he asked.
She gave him a small smile. “We’re just pretending for your moth. I’ll wear it when the time’s right.”
Andrew didn’t push it, but Serena naturally pulled her hand away feeling a bit uncomfortable. “That ring must cost a fortune, right?” she asked, “Are you worriedl your mom will notice
Andrew was quiet for a moment before he asked, “Did you meet with Mr. Harrington today?”
66%
Serena nodded, careful not to mention the parts of the conversation that she couldn’t share with him. She simply said, “Mr. Harrington asked when I’ll be going back to Aspellis. He wants me to meet someone!
Andrew’s face tightened. “Serena, I’m not trying to meddle in your personal life, but Mr. Harrington is dangerous.
“His father’s a powerful politician, his brother’s in the military, and they have a lot of influence in the capital. On the surface, he’s a CEO, but he’s also tangled up with the underworld,”
Serena bit her lip, but didn’t respond.
“I have noticed the way he’s been keeping an eye on you,” Andrew continued, his voice laced with concern. “I’m worried he might have other intentions. There have been reports of young women going missing in Aspellis lately Stay away from him, okay?
“Gabriel… he wouldn’t do something like that, Serena said softly, her voice barely a whisper.
Andrew scoffed. “You’d be surprised. People have a way of showing their true colors.”
Serena fell silent, her mind racing. She could feel the tension inthe air between them, but before she could say anything. Andrew reached over and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. His tone softened as he spoke again.
I have several properties in Venia,” he said quietly. “You could stay there long–term if you want. And if you need a job, I can help you find one.”
Serena paused, her chest tightening. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Andrew was suspicious of her meeting with Gabriel, and that discomfort lingered between them.
“Don’t worry,” she reassured him with a faint smile. “I promised wouldn’t back out on what I said. I just can’t go to Venia right now. I haven’t finished my university studies.”
Andrew nodded thoughtfully, then pulled out the ring and reached for her hand. “Well, I was hoping you could wear this
now
Serena hesitated, holding her hand up. I’m not really used to wearing rings. Can we wait until we’re in Venia?”
Andrew’s expression shifted slightly, but he didn’t press her. “My mother is very suspicious,” he said quietly. “I can’t let her see any inconsistencies. He carefully straightened her finger and slipped the ring onto her middle finger. “Just think of it as decoration, nothing more.”
Serena looked down at the ring, her thoughts swirling. She didnt say anything, but the weight of it on her finger felt heavier than it should have.
It was a promise, after all, and promises were important–even they left her with a gnawing feeling inside.
Two days flew by in the blink of an eye. Serena had confirmed the treatment plan with Dr. Ziegler and had seen firsthand how some patients had recovered after following it.
That gave her a spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Jonathan would wake up too.
Tl transfer the treatment fee to the hospital account in three days,” she told Dr. Ziegler, shaking his hand with hope.
3/4
14:30 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.
Chapter 27
24
66%1
“Make sure to visit again, Ms, Murry Dr. Ziegler gave her a comfort smile, “The patient still needs family support
“Thank you. I’ll be there, Sereha replied with a nod
She was full of hope and joy. After finishing the massage session with Jonathan, she was ready to head back to the hotel and talk to Andrew about the treatment plan. He’d promised to transfer the money once they returned to Aapella
With a sense of delight in her heart, Serena couldn’t help but imagine the day when Jonathan would finally wake up. Maybe they could all go back to Pashew and live together again as a family,
“Ms. Murry? It’s fancy meeting you here!”
A blonde lady greeted her with a bright smile in the elevator. Serena immediately recognized her. It was Mrs. Elita the woman whose husband had recovered from a life–altering accident.
“Mrs. Elita, I’m so happy for you. I heard your husband’s doing well
They stepped out of the elevator into the winter sunlight. Elita smiled warmly, her voice full of gratitude. “Yes, thank God. I feel like I have gotten my life back.”
Serena nodded, her heart swelling with empathy. Jonathan will wake up as well. He has to She thought to herself, clasping her hands together in prayer.
After praying. Serena turned to Mrs. Elita and continued their conversation, “Mrs. Elita, Can I ask you something
“Yes” Mrs. Elita replied.
“Did your husband experience any discomfort after waking up with the new treatment plan?” Serena asked eagerly
But to her surprise, Mrs. Elita furrowed her brow as she shook her head. “I don’t know what treatment plan are you talking about, Ms. Murry.” She said, “My husband woke up on his own”
SEND GIFT
