Gathering herself, Nora managed a weak smile. "Please, come in."Mikelson led Mr. Norberg and Mr. Mac into the living room where everyone else was gathered. The room fell silent as they entered.Mr. Mac approached Gabriel with a smile. "Gabriel, it's an honor to finally meet you in person."Mr. Norberg nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Gabriel, your reputation precedes you."Gabriel stood up to greet them. "Mr. Mac, Mr. Norberg, it’s a pleasure to see you."Mr. Mac responded warmly, "The pleasure is ours, Gabriel."Aliyah, noticing her mother’s dazed expression, whispered, "Mom, are you okay?"Nora nodded slowly, still in disbelief. "I think so. I just never imagined this."Mikelson whispered to her, "Neither did I, but we need to handle this gracefully."Nora took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Yes, you're right."Cole and his parents watched in shock. Cole whispered urgently, "Dad, that's Mr. Mac, the head of the Springfield family!"Cole's father, his voice shaky, replied,
Cole's family couldn't stand the atmosphere and quickly took their leave, seeing that Cole was unwilling to accept the situation. "Cole, we need to go," his father whispered urgently, pulling him aside. "This isn't our place."Cole frowned. "Dad, I can still make this work. There has to be a way."His mother added, "Cole, listen to your father. We’re clearly out of our league here."Reluctantly, Cole nodded. "Fine, let's go."After they left the house, they climbed into their modest Toyota Camry, feeling the sting of inadequacy as they drove past the luxurious cars in the driveway: a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a Bentley Bentayga.In the car, Cole's father sighed heavily. "Son, it's time to face reality. Mikelson's family is too high to reach. You can't marry his daughter, Aliyah."Cole clenched his fists. "Dad, there are ways I could leverage their connections. I could get close to Gabriel, learn from him, or even find a way into his business circles."His fath
As they perused the menu, Mr. Mac remained friendly and engaging, discussing various topics with ease."Gabriel, I must say, you have quite a reputation in the city," Mr. Mac began, smiling warmly. "Your knowledge and skills in gemstone appraisal are unmatched. You seem far more bright too."Gabriel nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Thank you, Mr. Mac. Your reputation precedes you as well. It's an honor to be here with you."Mr. Mac waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, please, Gabriel. With your brilliance and remarkable achievements, the honor is mine. Your expertise in gemstones is renowned, and I’ve heard nothing but admiration for your work."Gabriel smiled politely, but inside, he couldn’t quite pinpoint Mr. Mac's true intentions. The friendliness felt genuine, yet there was an underlying motive he couldn’t ignore. Deciding to cut through the pleasantries, he leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Mac, I appreciate the flattery, but I sense there’s more to this meeting. Please, speak
Mr. Mac's face tightened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Gabriel, I appreciate your directness. However, I urge you to consider the potential here. This isn’t just about business; it’s about creating a legacy that will be remembered for generations."Gabriel admired Mr. Mac's resilience and down-to-earth approach. He couldn’t help but be impressed. "You make a compelling case, Mr. Mac. I will give it serious thought."Mr. Mac leaned in slightly, his tone softening. "Please, Gabriel, consider our proposal as soon as possible. The patriarch holds you and your work in the highest regard. This partnership could redefine the industry standard."Gabriel nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I will. But understand that I need to ensure this aligns with the values and direction of Greenovation Gardens."Mr. Mac smiled, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "That’s all I ask, Gabriel. Thank you for your time and consideration."Gabriel offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Mac.
Gabriel chuckled. "Well, I'm here now. How about we spend some quality time together?"Camella brightened up. "I made a different meal for Jessie earlier because she wanted it. Let me make something special for you."Gabriel shook his head gently. "No need, love. You've done enough today. How about I cook for us instead?"Camella protested, "But you must be tired."Gabriel smiled, giving her a playful wink. "Nonsense. I enjoy cooking for my beautiful wife. Besides, it’s my turn to pamper you."Camella laughed, her heart swelling with affection. "Alright, but I'm keeping you company."Together, they went to the kitchen. Gabriel prepared a simple yet delicious meal, with Camella assisting and chatting with him. Their laughter and conversation filled the room, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.As they sat down to eat, Camella looked at Gabriel with admiration. "You know, you're amazing. Not just in business but in every little thing you do."Gabriel reached across the table, taking h
Later in the week, Gabriel informed Camella about the upcoming birthday party for the patriarch of the Springfield family. She immediately offered, “Let me get you a suit befitting the occasion, Gabriel. You should look your best.”Gabriel shook his head with a smile. “No need, Camella. I’m going with my simple suit. It’s not about what I wear but who I am.”Camella sighed but nodded, admiring his humility. “Alright, but you better be the most charming man there.”He laughed softly, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “I will do my best. Thank you for always looking out for me.”She squeezed him tightly before stepping back. “You will do great, Gabriel. Just be yourself.”As he prepared to leave, Camella walked him to the door, a mixture of pride and concern in her eyes. “I wish you all the best tonight. Make sure to enjoy yourself.”Gabriel gave her a reassuring smile. “I will. Don’t wait up for me, though. It might be a late night.”She nodded, watching him walk down the driveway. “
Zendaya's face flushed with anger. “You think you can walk in here with that cheap suit and pretend you belong? You’re a nobody!”Gabriel met her glare steadily. “A suit doesn’t define a person’s worth. Perhaps you should look beyond appearances.”“You have no idea who you’re talking to,” she spat. “People like you don’t get to mix with the elite.”Gabriel smiled faintly. “Respect is earned, not bought. And it’s clear you have a lot to learn about that.”Zendaya’s friend whispered, “Maybe he’s just pretending to be humble. Look at him, acting all high and mighty.”Gabriel sighed softly. “I’m here for the birthday celebration, not to argue. If you have a problem with that, take it up with your family.”Zendaya’s fury only grew. “How dare you talk back to me! You’re just trying to leech off our family’s success!”Gabriel remained unflappable. “I don’t need to leech off anyone. I’m here on my own merits.”Zendaya’s friend looked between them, sensing the tension. “Let’s just go inside, Z
Walking to his designated seat, Gabriel felt the weight of the party’s superficiality, but it didn’t bother him. He knew his value and purpose extended far beyond the glitz and glamour of the event. Tonight, he would show them all that true worth wasn’t measured by outward appearances, but by integrity and character. With a quiet confidence, Gabriel took his seat among the regular guests, ready for whatever the evening would bring.Some elegantly dressed guests glanced in Gabriel's direction, their whispers growing louder. "Who is that man?" one woman in a sequined gown sneered. "He looks so out of place here."A gentleman in a tailored suit chuckled, "Probably some nobody who managed to get an invitation. Look at that suit—so plain."Gabriel maintained his smile, pretending not to hear their demeaning comments. He focused on enjoying the evening, despite the condescending remarks surrounding him.Later at the banquet, Gabriel noticed a group gathered around a gambling table at the