Chapter 7
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“We’re here, sir,” the driver said politely. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
“Thanks, Thomas,” Gabriel replied flatly.
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He opened the door and stepped out without even glancing at Isla. It was as if she wasn’t even there.
Isla remained in the back seat, frozen for a moment. Her lips pressed together. Her mind was still spinning from his earlier words, from the way he had demanded that she give Delphine the lead runway job.
She let out a long, shaky sigh before finally stepping out of the car.
When they reached the penthouse, Gabriel disappeared upstairs. A while later, he returned to the sitting room, no longer in his business suit. He had changed into something softer yet beautiful. A black trousers with fitted black shirt, and a brown jacket that gave him an effortless authority.
Isla was seated on the couch, her tablet in her lap. She scrolled through new earring designs, checking preorder lists, trying to lose herself in her work. When Gabriel stopped in front of her, she looked up at him.
“There’s no need waiting for me tonight,” he said casually, “I’ll be coming home late p>
Before she could answer, he turned on his heel and left the room. The door clicked shut behind him.
Isla’s eyes followed him until he disappeared. She shook her head slowly. There was no use in arguing. Words with Gabriel always turned against her.
She exhaled deeply, forcing herself back into her work. After a while, she finished her tasks and put the tablet away.· Preparing to rest for the night.
Just then, her phone buzzed. The screen lit up with the name Bestie. A faint smile curled at her lips. It was Betsy.
She answered quickly. “Hello? ”
“Where have you been, Isla?” Betsy’s voice came through. Her voice sounded half annoyed, and worried. “I’ve been waiting for you all day p>
“I’m so sorry,” Isla said tiredly. “ Something came up and I couldn’t call. I’m home now. Please, don’t even ask me why. I’m not
in the mood to talk p>
“What? Home? You mean the penthouse?” Betsy’s tone jumped with surprise.
“Yes,” Isla replied. “But don’t worry, I’ll explain later p>
“Let’s go out tonight,” Betsy cut in.
“What? Tonight? Betsy, it’s late already p>
“Exactly,” Betsy teased. “It’s the perfect time to relax. Just like old times. Besides, I’m sure Gabriel is probably with that model right now ”
The mention of Delphine made Isla’s heart twist painfully. The thought of Gabriel spending the night with Delphine burned her chest Suddenly, the hesitation left her
“You know what? I’ll be with you soon p>
She hung up and walked straight into her room
Isla pulled open her suitcase, rummaging for something that could transform her look tonight. She found a beige short skirt and a sequined black tank top. She paired it with a brown jacket and slipped into brown knee–high boots. Her long, wavy blonde hair fell down her back in waves. She looked into the mirror and smiled to herself.
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Tonight, she promised herself to enjoy the night.
Moments later, she arrived at Betsy’s place, her best friend was already waiting outside, arms crossed dramatically.
As soon as Betsy slid into the car, her eyes widened. She gasped loudly. “What happened to you? Where’s Isla? Who’s this goddess in front of me?” she screamed jokingly.
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Isla rolled her eyes, though a small laugh escaped her lips. “Stop being dramatic and tell me where we’re going p>
Betsy smirked. “There’s this new club opening tonight. We have to check it out. But fair warning, your account will cry p>
Isla laughed, shaking her head. “Nice try. You know that’s impossible. And anyway, where’s the fun in using my card?” She
glanced sideways at Betsy, her tone playful but edged with mischief.
Betsy gasped, clutching her chest. “Oh my God. Don’t tell me you’re using Gabriel’s card again? ”
By the time they pulled up at the club, the mood between them was light and buzzing. Isla handed her car key to the valet
with a smile. Together, they both walked into the building.
The club was unlike any Isla had been to before. No loud chaos, no drunken crowds. It was elegant. Everywhere smelled of
expensive drinks. This was not a club for ordinary people. It was for the elite, the richest of Carminton.
A handsome host approached them, welcoming them with a warm smile. “Welcome, beautiful ladies. Are you here for
relaxation or a meeting appointment? I’ll be your host tonight p>
Isla and Betsy exchanged a glance and burst out laughing.
“We need a private corner, just for the two of us,” Betsy said boldly, then leaned closer with a flirty grin. “ You can also join us if you like p>
The man chuckled. “Come with me. I have the perfect place p>
They followed him through the lavish interior. But before Isla could settle into the thrill of the night, her steps faltered.
She felt a set of eyes watching her. Then she stilled.
Across the room, in another private corner, Gabriel sat with three men. Business associates, most likely. Papers and glasses of whiskey were on the table. He had been speaking, but the moment his eyes landed on his wife, his words stopped mid-
sentence.
The men followed his gaze, curious.
Their eyes landed on Isla and Betsy.
“Ah, Mr. Wyndham,” one of them said with a sly smile, “you have good taste. But if you don’t mind me saying this. I like the blonde. She’s stunning. Don’t you think? ”
Gabriel’s jaw tightened. His face darkened instantly. The glare he shot the man was enough to slice him in half.
Even though he wasn’t saying anything. The tension in the room was high and everyone could feel it.
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