Chapter 26
Rhett quickly stepped in front of Serena upon hearing the word retorted, “Ms. Murry’s tied up with something. She’s not available right now.”
Ray didn’t even flinch. He stepped forward, his land clamping down firmly on Rhett’s shoulder, shoving him back a step. “Not available?” Ray’s voice was cold, almost mocking. “Mr. Harington needs five minutes. That’s all
Rhett stumbled but quickly steadied himself, his face darkening with irritation. Before he could shoot back, Serena, worried Ray might turn his imposing presence on her next, quickly needed.
“Alright… I’ll come with you.”
She quietly followed Ray as he led her to the top–floor café of the mall. Darren greeted them at the door with a bright smile.
“Ray, you wait here. I’ll take Ms. Murry inside.” He gave the instructions.
“Why does he want to see me? Are you trying to stalk me or something?” Serena froze with mind racing. ‘Is Gabriel following me? Why else would he keep turning up everywhere?”“
“Don’t worry, Ms. Murry, Darren said quickly, sensing her concern. “Mr. Harrington’s here for the auction in Faliden. He just arrived this morning to meet with the event organizer.”
Darren gestured toward the glass railing, prompting Serena to look out. Below them, the snow–capped mountains spread out like a postcard scene. “If anyone’s to blame,” he said, his voice calm, “it was me who saw you entering the mall and informed Mr. Harrington
Serena had nothing to blame. In fact, she had nothing to say. She followed Darren into the room, and sat down across from Gabriel.
The waiter brought her a hot cocoa, but she didn’t even bother to touch the cup. The steam rose from the cup, yet she could only focus on the man sitting across from her, who hadn’t said a single word since entering.
And the funniest thing was, he hadn’t even looked at her.
“Why ask me here just to sit in silence? Serena pondered irritably. Finally, she couldn’t stay quiet any longer and spoke up. ‘Gabriel-
“Ask her when she plans to leave Faliden.” Gabriel’s voice cut through her words, but it wasn’t directed at her–it was for
Darren.
“Alright, Darren, as always, smiled and repeated the question to Serena, “So, Ms. Murry, when do you plan to leave Faliden?”
Serena could tell Gabriel was still angry about the slap. But she was angry too. He had dragged her here, and now he wouldn’t even speak to her.
She turned to Darren and asked just like Gabriel did. “Tell Mr. Harrington if that’s all, I’m leaving.”
Darren repeated her words with the same cheery smile, though there was an awkward pause before he passed them along to Gabriel.
Gabriel’s fingers drummed on the table, his gaze icy as leaving here until she tell suc
he stared at Darren. “Tell her,” he said, his tone final, “she is not
Darren repeated the message. “Okay, Ms. Murry, if you don’t answer, Mr. Harrington won’t let you leave.”
Serena could feel her anger bubbling up. She shot back at Darren and replied, “Tell him I’d like to see him try to stop me
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Chapter 26
From leaving
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“Well, Mr. Harrington, Darren turned back to Gabriel, “Ms. Murry is not scared of you at all. If you have got the guts, go ahead and make a move.”
Gabriel shot Darren a cold look, “Darren, you
Darren didn’t respond. He straightened up and stepped back, making space for Gabriel and Serena. Gabriel let out a sigh ast he met Serena’s gaze. “Do me a favor”
I don’t have time. Serena shrugged. “Tin busy.”
Gabriel frowned, his eyes as coll as ever. “If you don’t have time then buy yourself some.” He said, his tone sharp.
Serena crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Gabriel with a look that could have burned a hole through him. She said nothing. her silence speaking volumes.
Gabriel remained still, his face unreadable as he met her stare. After a long pause, he finally broke the silence.
“Call Darren when you’re ready to leave Faliden His voice steady. “You don’t have to do anything–just show up and meet
someone.
Serena was
was confused, but she rejected immediately. “I’m not doing that. I have my own plans. Her voice was refusal. “I’m going to Venia.”
firm, a clear
Gabriel’s expression hardened. “Venia?” His voice dropped to a ld, threatening tone. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s where Andrew White is from, isn’t he?”
d out the clues.
ury items?
Serena didn’t answer, but Gabriel’s eyes quickly flicked to the designer bags next to her, trying to find
“What’s in those?” He frowned and asked, “Your brother’s ill, yet you still have the money to buy luxury
Serena was caught off guard. “How do you know about my brother’s illness?”
Darren:
answered for him. “When the school called, your counselor mentioned it”
“Why didn’t you tell me the truth?” Gabriel pressed, his voice icy, Is your family’s financial situation really that dire?” Serena lowered her gaze, trying to keep her voice steady. “We’re not close enough for me to discuss family matters”
I don’t want sympathy–especially not from Gabriel Thoughts rendered in Serena’s mind. But Gabriel only snorted dismissively.
The air between them grew thick with tension u
until the waiter arrived with a dessert: a Black Forest mousse.
The waiter smiled brightly, introducing the dessert as the cafe’s signature dish. Gabriel didn’t even glance at it, his attention entirely on Serena. The waiter, reading the room, wisely placed the mousse in front of Serena.
But once the waiter left, Serena nudged the mousse to the center of the table.
“My brother has been in a vegetative state for two years,” she said quietly. “Two months ago, my finances went south. If I can’t find another job, I can’t pay for his treatment.”
Cabriel didn’t flinch. “Serena, are you out of your mind?” He remarked.
“Huh? Serena stared at him.
Why does he always have to insult me when I’m trying to have a serious conversation?”
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Chapter 20
Gabriel’s voice was as indifferent as ever. The naive, foolish kind of person. You’re the perfect example.”
Serena glared at him, but Gabriel didn’t seem
locare.
9×66%%%
Before she could respond, he pushed the mousse back toward her. “With your situation, when you met me, you should have used the opportunity to ask me for more. You should have played your cards better.”
Serena stared at the mousse, her mind swirling as Gabriel continued. The world’s full of people with their agendas. If you want to survive, you need to bury your good intentions and purity deep. It’s all about what you can offer
“If you have got something of value, don’t be shy about asking. You open your mouth. I give, or I don’t–but either way. I’ll give.”
Serena blinked, not entirely understanding. “Are you trying to teach me how to manipulate people?” She shot back. “Let’s not call it ‘manipulation,” Gabriel said, his smile cool and casual. “Let’s call it an exchange of interests” Serena was at a loss for words, Gabriel really was a sly fox, she thought, his sharp eyes seeing through her every move.
Gabriel leaned back, watching her with an unreadable expression “How’s your brother doing now?”
“He’s fine.” Serena took a few bites of the mousse before pushing it aside, her appetite suddenly gone. She thought that if Gabriel was just asking about trivial matters, it wouldn’t be such a big deal.
Gabriel’s voice softened, just a little. Til cover his medical expenses. You go back to school”
Serena froze, shocked. She couldn’t believe what she just heard.
“Don’t worry,” Gabriel continued, his tone almost casual. “It’s not about taking care of you. Think of it as a donation. All I’m asking is that you meet someone for me. I’m not interested in you after you slapped me. But I’ll help.”
He met her gaze, his tone almost teasing. “You only have three seconds to think. If you agree, I’ll transfer the money right now. Your brother’s treatment will be covered, and you can go back to school.”
After a long, heavy pause, Serena spoke up. “Why is it so important that I go back to school!”
“Because the world’s complicated Gabriel’s gaze never left her. “Once you finish school, you’ll have the knowledge you need to survive. You won’t have to rely on anyone. You’ll live on your own terms.”
He waited for her to respond, but instead, he noticed a tear slip down her cheek. Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. Am I really coming off that cold?’ he thought, feeling a bit lost.
“You’re right…” Serena lifted her head and smiled faintly, blinking back more tears. “I shouldn’t give up on my dreams, but I won’t accept your charity.”
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