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
Gabriel was about to drive away when he got another call. Seeing it was from Mr. Mac, he exhaled and cleared his voice before answering."Hello, Mr. Mac.""Gabriel, I need you to go to The Opulent Lounge," Mr. Mac said without preamble.Gabriel recognized the name immediately. "The Opulent Lounge? The high-end club in the city?""Yes, that’s the one," Mr. Mac confirmed. "It’s one of my clubs, and right now, only esteemed guests and relatives are there to celebrate the post-birthday festivities for the patriarch of the Springfield family."Gabriel nodded, even though Mr. Mac couldn’t see him. He remained silent, contemplating his next move."Please, Gabriel," Mr. Mac pressed, sensing his hesitation. "I would really appreciate it if you could join us."Gabriel hesitated. "I really need to go home. There are things I need to settle."Mr. Mac's tone softened. "Is this because I didn’t welcome you personally at the banquet? If so, I apologize. It was an oversight on my part."Gabriel shook
Gabriel took a step closer, his voice low and menacing. "I’m done with your threats. Now, either let me in, or you’ll be joining your guards on the ground."At that moment, Zendaya, Mr. Mac's younger brother's daughter, whom Gabriel had met earlier at the hotel, stepped out of the club and saw the security guards wriggling in pain on the floor. She shot a glare at Gabriel as she approached him."What's the meaning of this?" Zendaya demanded, her eyes blazing."They tried to throw me out," Gabriel replied sharply, dusting his palms. She chuckled darkly. "Seems like you've just purchased a load of trouble."Jackson, feeling emboldened, stepped up behind her. "Young miss, this man caused a nuisance."The butler chimed in. "Miss Zendaya, he went against me."Zendaya silenced them with a wave of her hand and sneered at Gabriel. "You’re done for. Do you even know who you’re dealing with?"Gabriel stood gallantly, asking softly, "And who might you be?"She smirked and introduced herself. "I
Anna turned back to Gabriel, her tone softening. "Please, come inside. My father is eager to meet you."Gabriel nodded, the tension in his posture easing. "Thank you, Anna."As he took a step forward, Gabriel stopped. "Anna, the butler needs to be punished for his disrespect."Anna's face hardened. "I agree. I will handle it right now." She reached for her phone, ready to call her father, but a voice interrupted her."What's going on here?" Chris, her elder brother and heir of the Springfield family, strode forward, his presence commanding immediate attention."Chris," Anna started, "there was a misunderstanding, and—"The butler, seizing the moment, interjected, “Young master Chris, this man—Gabriel—caused a commotion. He disrespected us and assaulted our guards."Chris's eyes narrowed. "Is that so?"Gabriel, maintaining his composure, said, "Your butler and guards attacked me first. I was invited here by Mr. Mac, and I expect to be treated with respect."Chris sneered. "Invited or n
Mr. Mac shifted slightly. "I had some urgent matters to attend to, but I made sure my daughter, Anna, went to welcome him."Master Chen nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "That was the right thing to do. The young man is remarkable, beyond his age. I am eager to meet him."Mr. Mac smiled, though still feeling uneasy. "I'm sure you will be impressed by his presence, Master Chen."Master Chen's gaze softened as he looked around the opulent surroundings. "Greatness often hides in the most unexpected places. A true master recognizes potential, regardless of its guise."Mr. Mac nodded, feeling the weight of Master Chen's words. "Indeed, Master Chen. Gabriel's potential is undeniable."Master Chen placed a hand on Mr. Mac's shoulder, his voice carrying a tone of finality. "Let us go inside and see how the evening unfolds. I have a feeling tonight will be quite revealing."As they moved further into the lounge, the celebratory atmosphere seemed to pause, sensing the presence of the rever