The General Manager, keenly observing the reactions of most people and sensing the unease in the room, sought to alleviate any discomfort. "Please, everyone," he began, "understand that Mr. Wells values his privacy and prefers not to engage in direct interactions. Hence, the mask."Mark, seizing the opportunity to impress the new shareholder, quickly jumped in. "Absolutely," he affirmed, his tone authoritative. "Let's all respect Mr. Wells' preferences and focus on the agenda."Addressing Gabriel directly, albeit unknowingly, Mark continued, "Mr. Wells, we want you to feel at ease here. If there's anything we can do to accommodate your needs, please don't hesitate to let us know." Gabriel, hidden behind his disguise, simply nodded in acknowledgment, observing the dynamics of the room with keen interest. Despite Mark's attempts to curry favor, Gabriel remained guarded, wary of revealing his true identity just yet.As the General Manager respectfully invited Mr. Wells to address the ro
Mark, feeling the sting of Gabriel's remark, attempted to defend himself. "I've done a lot for this company," he protested, his voice tinged with defensiveness. "That's why the General Manager values my contributions." He glanced at the General Manager. However, before he could continue, the General Manager intervened, his tone firm and commanding. "Let's focus on the matter at hand, shall we?" he interjected, effectively silencing Mark and redirecting the conversation back to the agenda. Mark, left to simmer in his wounded pride, reluctantly complied, knowing that his attempts to impress Mr. Wells had backfired.After the meeting agenda had been completed, Camella approached the General Manager, seeking permission to discuss the task assigned to her by Mark – negotiating a deal with the Wellington Group, a task that seemed daunting and nearly impossible. With the General Manager's consent, she turned to Mr. Wells for advice, explaining the challenges she faced.Mr. Wells listened a
Gabriel arrived at Baigh company with Jessie in tow, both of them wearing bright smiles. "Hey, Camella," he greeted Camella as they met in her office."Hi, Mom!" Jessie exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "Look at all the cool clothes Dad got me!"Camella couldn't help but smile at her daughter's enthusiasm, but she also couldn't ignore the pang of concern in her chest. "They're very nice, sweetheart," she said, examining the clothes. Leaning into Gabriel, she spoke softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Gabriel, you need to be careful not to spoil her with knock-offs," she murmured, her eyes flicking towards Jessie. "We don't want her to become too focused on material things."Gabriel, not one to dwell on small details, simply nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed Camella's advice. "You're right, Camella. I'll make sure to remember that next time," he promised, his voice steady and reassuring.Jessie's excitement remained palpable as she nodded e
Chapter 40Camella's initial shock quickly turned into frustration as she regarded Gabriel with narrowed eyes. "Gabriel, this isn't about bragging. We need to be practical," she lectured, her tone firm.Gabriel's brow furrowed in confusion, his expression earnest as he attempted to explain. "I understand, Camella. But I just want to make this special for your father," he protested, his voice tinged with sincerity.However, Camella's resolve remained steadfast as she shook her head decisively. "We can't afford to splurge like this," she insisted, her tone unwavering.Sighing in resignation, Gabriel nodded in understanding, realizing that Camella was not going to budge on her decision. “We can get something else similar or…”"No, let's go to the antique shop then," Camella acquiesced, her voice tinged with disappointment.Gabriel sensed Camella's disbelief in his ability to afford the expensive cups. Wanting to avoid any tension, he agreed to her suggestion without protest. Together, th
They arrived at an antique shop and they all started looking out for something. As Camella and Jessie browsed through some items with modest price tags, Gabriel's keen eye caught sight of a seemingly ordinary antique tucked away in a corner. With a curious glint in his eyes, he approached it, his interest piqued. The shop owner noticed Gabriel's intrigue and approached him with a polite smile. "Ah, that one catches your eye, sir?" he asked, gesturing toward the antique. Gabriel nodded, examining the piece with a thoughtful expression. "Yes, it does. It seems rather unassuming, but there's something about it that intrigues me." The shop owner nodded knowingly. "Indeed, sir. That piece may look ordinary, but it holds a significant value, both in terms of its history and craftsmanship." Intrigued, Gabriel listened as the shop owner shared the story behind the antique, detailing its origins and the skilled hands that crafted it. Meanwhile, Camella and Jessie wandered over, curious abo
The antique dealer's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he noticed Gabriel's reluctance. Sensing an opportunity, he leaned in closer and made a tempting offer. "I understand if you're attached to it, but I assure you, I can offer you a substantial sum of money for this antique," the dealer said persuasively, his tone laced with confidence. Gabriel's gaze flickered between the antique, the dealer, and Camella, weighing his options carefully. The promise of a significant sum of money was enticing, but he couldn't shake the feeling of attachment to the antique. He liked the antique and would have loved to keep it to himself if not that Camella had brought him to pick a gift for her father whom he wasn't on good terms with. Camella's expression mirrored Gabriel's internal conflict, torn between the allure of financial gain and the need to get the antique. She bit her lip anxiously, waiting for Gabriel's decision. After a moment of contemplation, Gabriel finally spoke, his voice tinged
The shop owner's regret was palpable as he realized the true value of the item. He hesitated, his fingers trembling as he clutched the antique tightly. "I... I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice filled with remorse. "I can't sell it to you."Gabriel's brow furrowed in confusion. "But we agreed on a price," he protested, his tone tinged with disappointment.The shop owner shook his head, his eyes downcast. "I can't let it go," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not when I know what it's truly worth."Camella's heart sank as she watched the scene unfold. "What are you going to do with it then?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.The shop owner hesitated before casting a wary glance at the antique dealer, who still lingered nearby. "I have... other plans," he admitted cryptically, his gaze flickering with uncertainty.The antique dealer's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he overheard the conversation, a sly grin spreading across his face. "I'd be happy to take it off
Gabriel glanced at Camella, a silent plea in his eyes. "Please, Camella," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart. "Trust me."Camella hesitated for a moment, torn between her instinct to protect her husband and her fear of what the shop owner might do.Sighing with reluctance, Gabriel motioned toward their daughter, Jessie, who stood nearby, her innocent eyes wide with concern. "We've got Jessie here. You need to leave with her now."Finally, Camella nodded reluctantly, her heart heavy with worry. She had no choice but to leave with their daughter first. "Okay," she conceded, her voice barely above a whisper.She took Jessie's hand and, with a heavy heart, Camella turned and hurried out of the shop, casting one last worried glance over her shoulder at Gabriel before disappearing into the crowded street outside. Gabriel watched her go, his heart aching with the knowledge that he had sent her away to protect her. Turning back to face the shop owner, he squ