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
Gabriel looked at his mother-in-law, his heart heavy with the weight of the situation. Mikelson and Aliyah stared at him, their eyes pleading. "Please, Gabriel," Mikelson urged. "Think about the family."Aliyah added, "We can't let her lose everything. Please help."Gabriel took a deep breath, his mind racing. “Look, she already lost everything."“So, what? Give me what I ask to regain them!" Nora barked in frustration.Gabriel shook his head, causing her jaw to drop. He knew what he had to do, but it went against everything Nora demanded. "I'm not giving you the money, mother-in-law," he said firmly. "But I will play this round and try to win back what you lost."Nora's eyes widened with a mix of anger and disbelief. She had no other choice but to let him gamble. "You better win," she hissed.Gabriel nodded, turning to face the table. The room fell silent, everyone waiting to see if he would succeed or fail under the intense pressure. However, Gabriel had made an underlying decisi
Nora’s eyes filled with tears, her rage subsiding into a defeated silence. Mikelson placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "It’s over, Nora. Let us go home."Aliyah stepped closer to Gabriel, her voice softening. "Thank you for trying, Gabriel."He nodded, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It’s all right. Some lessons are harder to learn than others."As they prepared to leave, the room's atmosphere remained heavy with the consequences of the evening’s events, a stark reminder of the perils of greed and the value of humility.Pointing at Gabriel, Nora declared, “It doesn't end here, Gabriel." With that, she left feeling highly disappointed with her family. Gabriel's phone rang and he went aside to answer the call from Camella."Hey, Gabriel. How are you holding up?" Camella's voice was soft but concerned."It's been rough," Gabriel replied, running a hand through his hair. “Your mother just left, and she seemed so hurt.”“What do you mean?"Gabriel exhaled and explained. “I saw your
Brock's true intention wasn't just to gamble and win; he wanted to get back at Gabriel for the humiliation he had suffered at the antique fair. He hadn't forgotten the slap Gabriel had given him.Gabriel saw the intensity in Brock's stare and mocked, "Still feeling the mark from my great hand on your cheek, Brock?"Brock rubbed his cheek with his thumb, the memory still fresh, but he shrugged and denied it. "You wish. Your slap didn’t leave any mark on me."Gabriel laughed, a sharp sound that cut through the tension. "Come on, Brock. Accept the truth rather than denying it, as if your tiny manhood will disappear if you do."Brock's face reddened with fury. "Don't annoy me further.” He pointed at Gabriel's face. "My balls are huge, Gabriel. Incomparable to yours."Gabriel caught Brock’s pointing finger, twisting it sharply. Brock winced, but Gabriel's voice remained cold and calm. "My balls are far bigger than even your head."Brock managed to free his finger from Gabriel's grasp, pre
The room fell into a tense silence as Brooke and the dealer awaited Gabriel's response, their faces etched with anxiety and fear of Gabriel’s impending retribution.Gabriel’s gaze remained unwavering as he declared, “I won't take 2.5 billion dollars."Brooke’s frustration boiled over. "I have nothing left!" he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation.In one swift motion, Gabriel grabbed Brooke by the collar, lifting him until his feet dangled. "Do I look like I care, idiot?" Gabriel’s voice was cold and unforgiving. "You owe me 6 billion. Pay up."The dealer attempted to intervene, but Gabriel’s glare silenced him, forcing him to step back.Begging for mercy, Brooke pleaded, "Let me go. I need to make a call for help."Reluctantly, Gabriel released his grip, watching closely as Brooke fumbled for his phone and dialed his father, Jackson, for assistance.“What's wrong, Brock? Are you at the party…?”"Father, yes, I need your help,” Brock said impatiently, glancing sideways in pan
Jackson started throwing more threats and shades at Gabriel, desperate to save face and protect his son from further humiliation."This is outrageous, Gabriel," Jackson seethed, his voice low but intense. "You're playing with fire here. Do you even understand the consequences?"Gabriel met Jackson's glare with steely resolve. "He made a bet. He lost. Now he owes me."Jackson's fists clenched at his sides, his frustration palpable. "You’re ruining us over a gambling debt? This is beneath you."Gabriel’s expression remained impassive. "It’s about principle.""You think you can strong-arm us like this?" Jackson’s tone turned accusatory. "There will be consequences for this, Gabriel. Legal consequences too."Gabriel’s gaze didn’t waver. "Handle it however you see fit. But Brock owes me, and I intend to collect."Jackson’s jaw tightened as he weighed his next move, his mind racing. "You’re making a grave mistake."Gabriel’s voice remained steady. "The mistake was betting what you couldn’t
The butler's face turned crimson with rage as he yelled at Gabriel. "You want to go against me, the butler of the great Springfield family?"Gabriel stood his ground, unfazed. "With all due respect, you shouldn't have taken sides with the wrong ones. Regardless, I'm not going to budge." He turned his glare towards Brock. "Brock made me gamble with him. He lost and now he's offering me half of the 6 billion to let go, as if I look petty. I won't stand for it."The butler's eyes narrowed. "You don't understand who you're dealing with. The Springfield family is powerful. We can ruin you."Gabriel didn’t flinch. "I'm not afraid of your threats."The butler pointed a gnarled finger at Gabriel. "You dare defy me? The Springfields have ruled this city for generations!”Gabriel met the butler's gaze evenly. "I'm not looking to start a war with the Springfield family. But I won't be messed with, either." He turned to Brock, who was shrinking back, his father's iron grip on his arm. "Brock, yo
The butler turned to Jackson, his expression resolute. "Your son, Brock, has incurred the debt. He has to clear it."Jackson furrowed his brows, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Have you lost your mind? Has Gabriel charmed you or something?"The butler shook his head firmly. "No, Mr. Springfield. This is about doing what’s right. Brock made the bet, and now he must face the consequences."Jackson started to protest, but the butler raised a hand to stop him. "Enough, sir. It’s time to settle this matter properly. You should just write an IOU since you don't have the money now to pay."With reluctant agreement, Jackson turned to Gabriel. "Fine. I will write an IOU."The butler produced a piece of paper and a pen, handing them to Jackson. The room watched in hushed anticipation as Jackson scribbled down the details, each stroke of the pen a testament to his frustration and resignation. He handed the IOU to Gabriel, his expression a mixture of anger and defeat.Gabriel took the paper, h