The next day, Anna strolled confidently into Gabriel's house. She found Camella in the living room, who was surprised to see her but didn't let it show."Hello, Camella. I heard you got discharged yesterday. I hope you're feeling better," Anna said, her voice dripping with exaggerated concern.Camella nodded, her expression guarded. "I'm good.""Great," Anna replied, looking around as if searching for something. Then, she started calling out, her tone playful and slightly flirty, "Gabriel! Gabriel, are you here?"Camella's eyes narrowed. "Why are you calling for Gabriel?" Anna turned to her, a bold look in her eyes. "Why else would I call him if not to see him?"Camella rolled her eyes, annoyed. Before she could respond, Marie, who had overheard the conversation from the kitchen, walked out with a bright smile and hugged Anna warmly."Anna, dear!" Marie greeted. "So nice to see you. You came to visit?""Yes, Aunt Marie," Anna replied, returning the hug. "I wanted to check on Gabriel.
Inside, Master Russell was lounging on a lavish couch, a large cigar dangling from his lips. The smoke curled lazily in the air around him as he took a deep drag, the tip glowing a fiery red. The man in the uniform approached and bowed low."Someone is here to see you, sir."Russell didn't bother looking up. "Name?"The man hesitated, stammering. "Huh, sorry, sir. I forgot to ask."Russell's eyes flashed with irritation, and he shot the man a deadly stare. The guard quickly turned to leave, but Russell's voice stopped him. “Wait. Is it a young-looking man?""Yes, sir."Russell smirked. "Let him in."He glanced up the stairs briefly, inhaling deeply before releasing a cloud of ash-laden smoke. Gabriel's footsteps echoed loudly as he walked in, coming face to face with Russell."You must know me, Russell Walclaw," Gabriel began, his voice firm.Russell looked him over with a grin. "Ah, boy. You look just like my typical adopted son, Oliver. I know you, Gabriel. To what do I owe this v
It was early in the night, and Camella sat by Jessie’s bedside, trying to coax her to sleep. Jessie looked up at her mother with wide, curious eyes, noticing the sadness etched on her face.“Mommy, are you alright?” Jessie asked, her small voice filled with concern.Camella nodded, forcing a smile. "I’m fine, sweetheart."Jessie furrowed her brow. "You didn't look happy with Daddy yesterday before he left."Camella sighed softly. "I know. It’s all my fault. I’m sorry you had to see that."Jessie blinked, tilting her head slightly. "What happened between you two?"Camella hesitated, then replied gently, “My dear… I made a mistake. I often misjudge your Daddy.”Jessie’s face softened. “You feel sorry, Mommy. I’m sure Daddy will understand when you say you’re sorry.”Camella nodded slowly, a small smile touching her lips. "Yes. I know. I'm going to apologize to him properly when he returns."She gently tucked Jessie in, pulling the blanket up to her chin. Leaning down, Camella kissed her
Greg stood outside the mansion, his posture relaxed and his expression cool as he waited for his parents, Ruth and Leo, to approach after a car pulled up in the driveway. The sound of their footsteps crunched on the gravel pathway, and he put on a charming smile."Greg!" Ruth exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug. "It’s good to be back."Greg returned the hug lightly, his smile never wavering. "Welcome back, Mother, Father."Leo raised an eyebrow, curiosity etched on his face. "Why did you send us on that vacation, Greg? It felt... sudden."Greg chuckled softly, his tone smooth. "Just wanted you both to have some time to relax, away from all the business stress. You deserved it."Ruth smiled warmly. "Well, thank you for that. We needed it." She began to chatter excitedly, "We went to the coast, stayed in a lovely villa, and oh, the sunsets were just breathtaking!"Greg nodded, keeping up his easy demeanor. "I’m glad you enjoyed it. You both deserve a break now and then.""We should a
Later that day, Greg knocked softly on his grandfather's door. He glanced down both sides of the hall cautiously, ensuring no one was nearby, before slipping inside and gently closing the door behind him. Russell was reclining on his bed, appearing relaxed but alert. The two shared a brief, knowing look before breaking into a short, stifled laugh."My parents are confused," Greg began, leaning against the door. "I know they're dying to know what negotiation you had with Gabriel."Russell chuckled softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let them stay confused. It’s better this way. If they’re busy being puzzled, they won’t have time to think about thwarting or interfering in my plans."Greg smirked. “Seeing Gabriel here was a big shock for them, grandfather. I think they're suspicious.”“I’m aware of that,” Russell replied calmly. “But their suspicion is good. Keeps them occupied and far from the truth.”“They'll likely try to find out what’s really going on," Greg stated, moving cl
Gabriel entered the room, closing the door behind him. He looked around in amazement, his eyes widening as he took in the luxurious space—the plush carpet under his feet, the elegant drapes, and the polished wooden furniture. A wide grin spread across his face, and he blabbered to himself, "Wow… this is more like it. I’m really going to enjoy staying here."He moved around, touching everything, running his hand over the smooth surface of the dresser, opening and closing drawers just to hear the sound they made. He found a small chest and peeked inside, chuckling. "Fancy stuff… I’ve never lived in a place like this. Imagine living in such a great house every day," he muttered with a mix of excitement and disbelief.He spotted a bookshelf filled with neatly arranged books and snorted, "Books, books… who has time for these? Not me, that’s for sure." He shuffled over to the closet, opening it to see clothes neatly hung. "Seriously, they even color-code their clothes?" He shook his head
Gabriel turned sharply toward the mirror, staring intently at his reflection. His eyes scanned his face, particularly focusing on his pupils. *"My lenses are in place,"* he thought with relief. *"Phew. I thought she saw my real eye color."* He glanced back at Camella, puzzled by the dazed look on her face. *What’s wrong with her?* he wondered silently."What?" he asked softly, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Why are you staring like that? Do I have something on my face?"Camella shook her head. "No.""So, answer me then," he prompted, a bit more insistent this time.“You’re asking about a safe," she replied. "That’s why.""Huh?" Gabriel blinked, feigning confusion."I’m surprised by your question, Gabriel," she continued, her tone almost suspicious. "If we had a safe, you’d know about it. Why are you acting like you’ve never been in every nook and cranny of this house?"Gabriel quickly searched for an excuse. “Oh… I, uh, thought maybe you got one recently, you know, for extra secu
Gabriel’s patience was wearing thin. He almost dropped his spoon with a noisy clatter. “Why are you all looking at me like that?” he snapped.Camella looked at him, puzzled. “You should know where you've kept them.”Oliver, his father, added, “It’s strange you're asking us where you kept them.”Gabriel shrugged, trying to mask his nervousness. “Father, I can’t recall. It feels like I’m losing my memory slowly.”Oliver frowned. “Losing your memory? Since when?”Gabriel sighed dramatically. “I’ve been feeling off lately… forgetful, you know?”Camella leaned forward, concern etched on her face. “Well, it should be in the bank. The documents and other valuables. I recall you saying you've got them safe in the bank.”“What bank?” Gabriel asked too quickly, his voice tinged with urgency.Camella stared at him, baffled. “You really don’t remember?”He chuckled awkwardly. “I must have opened lots of accounts in different banks. I’m unsure of the exact one I kept them in.”Oliver raised an eye