Ruth still wasn't convinced. Her skepticism was clear as she crossed her arms over her chest, narrowing her eyes at him. “You don't want Odell to be found but you suggested to your father that they could get him through his maternal cousin, Natalie.Leo sighed heavily, running his hand through his hair in frustration. “I know she wouldn't know much about Odell, which is why I suggested it to him. I am trying to play submissive to my father so I don't get on his bad side.”“So, you want to kick licking your father's ass, huh?" Ruth's voice was laced with bitterness as she glared at him.Leo met her gaze, his expression pained. “I can't do anything else. I am doing this to keep us safe from my father's wrath. I sincerely have nothing against Oliver, and I don't want either him or his son to die. But if I don't act like I am supporting my father, it can be tragic for us. He sees me as a useless son, and when he decides someone is useless, he discards them. Do you understand that?”Ruth's
Gabriel’s emotions churned within him, a mix of confusion, fear, and a deep sense of responsibility. The idea that his father might be closer than he thought, silently watching over him when his life too was in danger, was almost overwhelming. “Master Gabriel,” Butler Moore's voice wavered slightly, “I don’t know much about your father’s family, but I know your father well. He loves you dearly and won’t think twice before risking his life for you. It was unfortunate that he couldn’t save your mother, but if things get worse, he will offer himself to his father, Master Russell, in exchange for your life.”Gabriel felt a knot in his throat as he absorbed the weight of Butler Moore's words. “Thank you for telling me this. Please, keep trying to find him. I think we should be together rather than apart.”“I think so too, Master Gabriel. I’ll let you know if my spy in the capital finds anything.”“Thank you,” Gabriel replied before ending the call. He sighed deeply, his hand tightening in
Louis huffed, wiping the blood from his hand. “He was really a loyal one to give up his life for his boss. I guess he felt it was better to die than to say anything about him.”Gabriel’s eyes burned with determination. “This is severe. But I won’t back down, Louis.” The two men stood there in the flickering light, the room heavy with the stench of death and unspoken resolve. The battle was far from over.Louis called out sharply, summoning two of his masked subjects who stood nearby. "Take this body away," he ordered, his tone cold and unfeeling. The men moved quickly, lifting the lifeless form from the iron chair and carrying it out of the room without a word.Gabriel watched them leave, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. Louis, noticing the tension in Gabriel’s posture, approached him.“Don’t worry about this,” Louis advised, his voice steady and calming. “We’ll find another way. There’s always another way.”Gabriel’s brow furrowed with worry, his thoughts drifting to th
Zoe leaned in closer, her voice gentle yet firm. "Gabriel, we’re friends. We shouldn’t lie to each other. If you’re hiding something, you need to be open with me. It’s the only way we can get through this together."Gabriel met her gaze, feeling a wave of guilt and trust. He had always considered Zoe a true friend, someone he could rely on. After a moment, he sighed and decided to confide in her. “It’s true, Zoe. I’ve been living in this city under a new identity, but I’m not trying to deceive you or play with your intelligence by asking for your help. Honestly, I’m just as surprised as you are about this connection to the woman.”Zoe’s eyes softened, and she asked, “Who are you really, Gabriel?”He hesitated before answering, “I used to be Odell Lux Wellington, but now I’m just Gabriel.”She nodded slowly, taking it in. “And you’re no ordinary man. You’re behind Greenovation Gardens and other big businesses in this city, aren’t you?”Gabriel raised his eyebrows in suspicion. "You’ve
Anna nodded and stepped aside, allowing them to enter. As she closed the door, she turned to them. “Is everything all right?”Gabriel’s eyes were serious. “I wanted to see the woman.”Anna started to speak, “Gabriel, I don’t think—” but her words trailed off as she caught sight of Magdalene standing, her face a mask of shock.Gabriel followed her gaze to Magdalene, and his eyes widened in disbelief. “Mother?”Zoe turned to look at Magdalene, who was staring at Gabriel, her jaw slack with shock. Magdalene took a shaky step forward, attempting to speak, but then she collapsed, fainting.Gabriel rushed forward as Anna and Zoe gasped, their eyes wide with concern and confusion.Gabriel knelt beside Magdalene’s unconscious form, his heart pounding in his chest. His hands trembled as he gently lifted her into his arms. “Mother, wake up. Please, wake up,” he called out, his voice thick with worry.Anna hurried over, her own face pale with shock, but before she could reach them, Gabriel turn
Gabriel’s heart tightened. “But how did you come to the city? And… how did you survive? I thought… I thought you were dead.” He hesitated, his voice breaking. “I didn’t even attend your funeral because I was so angry, so heartbroken. I’m still in shock.”Marie reached out and gently patted his cheek, her touch warm and comforting despite everything. “I understand, my son. But I never died. It was all part of your father’s plan to save me from Russell Walclaw, your grandfather.”Gabriel’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What? I don’t understand… why would Father…?”She nodded slowly, her expression pained as she recalled the events. “Yes. Russell had his thugs ambush me and create a staged accident. Your father reached me just in time and saved me. The body at the funeral wasn’t mine. Your father made it look like I had died in that car accident. After my fake funeral, we argued. I was furious that he didn’t expose his father sooner. He left in anger, and I… I was captured by foreign human
Back in the capital, Master Russell sat in his grand leather chair, his sharp eyes narrowing as his grandson, Greg, approached with hesitant steps. The room was steeped in an air of authority, the weight of their family's legacy pressing down on every word spoken within these walls.Greg bowed slightly, a sign of respect, before glancing briefly at his father, Leo, who stood on the opposite side of the room. Leo’s expression was unreadable, but the tension in the air was palpable.“Grandfather,” Greg began, his voice measured yet strained. “We lost the guy who was keeping tabs on Odell.”Master Russell’s eyes darkened instantly, a storm brewing behind his cold gaze. Without warning, he slammed his hand down on the armrest of his chair, the sound echoing like thunder in the room. “Speak coherently, boy!” he demanded, his voice gruff and filled with impatience.Leo’s gaze snapped to his son, his brow furrowing with concern. “What exactly do you mean by ‘lost’?” he asked, his tone a mix
The following morning, Gabriel stepped out of the bathroom, water dripping from his hair and torso, with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. His muscles were defined, the water glistening off his skin as he moved. The door creaked open, and without turning, he spoke, "Mother, I asked you to start having breakfast and I will join you…”"No, it's me,” came Anna’s voice, soft yet startled.Gabriel turned, his brows lifting in surprise. Anna stood frozen, her gaze locked on him, trailing from the droplets cascading down his chiseled chest to the towel at his waist. She couldn’t help but feel a rush of heat, her breath catching as her eyes traced the defined lines of his abs and the strong curve of his shoulders."Anna, good morning,” Gabriel greeted, his voice breaking through her trance, but she didn’t respond, lost in the sight before her.He took a step closer, his brows furrowing in concern. "Anna?" He reached out, snapping his fingers in front of her face, jolting her back to