Chapter 27

Gabriel walked into the mansion without slowing down. With a long stride he moved with haste. The maids.

lined on both sides of the porte–cochère, immediately his car arrived, greeting him. But he did not acknowledge them. His face was set like stone.

When the butler saw him, his eyes widened in shock. Gabriel’s simple wear, his bare neck and the slippers on his feet. This was not the polished, composed Mr. Wyndham they were used to seeing. A trace of fear crossed Stephen’s face as he bowed slightly.

“Good morning, Mr. Wyndham,” the butler said quickly. “What a pleasant surprise.

“Where is Grandfather?” Gabriel’s voice was low, but hard.

“He is having his break-

Gabriel didn’t let him fin

him finish. He was already moving, his steps echoing down the marble hall. He headed straight for the family dining room.

When he reached the door, four maids were standing there, serving as attendants. As soon as they saw him approaching, they lowered their heads in respect. One of them announced his arrival in a soft voice.

Gabriel pushed the door open. He entered quietly and shut it behind him.

Anna, sitting at the long dining table, lifted her head in surprise. “Son, what are you doing here? You just got back. You should be resting p>

Gabriel didn’t give a reply, but his eyes swept across the room. His brothers and their families were not there. Only his grandfather Alfred, his father John, and his mother Anna. He gave a polite greeting first to his grandfather and to his father, then his gaze finally locked on his mother. He wanted to speak, but before he could open his mouth, Alfred’s commanding voice cut through the air.

“Why are you dressed like this? Where are your manners, Gabriel?” the old man snapped, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

Gabriel inhaled deeply, controlling himself. “Grandfather, I am sorry. But this is serious. Isla is not at home, and I couldn’t reach her on her phone p>

Alfred calmly lifted his cup, took a sip of coffee, and placed it back down before answering. “She must be busy somewhere. And why are you looking for her? Were you not together in your house p>

Gabriel’s lips parted, but he pressed them back together. His throat tightened. He wanted to speak, to tell him everything, but something inside told him to hold back.

Instead, Alfred’s eyes hardened. “I hope you are aware tomorrow is the launch of a new collection. You should be checking on your staff, making sure everything is in place, not running around looking for your busy wife like a boy p>

Gabriel remained standing, his jaw tense, his hands curling slightly at his sides. He knew something was wrong, but here in front of his grandfather, he couldn’t argue. He couldn’t question his mother or Alfred directly.

Without another word, Alfred picked up his phone and dialed a number. He set it on speaker as it rang. Gabriel’s

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heart began to pound.

The line connected. A feminine voice came through, gentle, almost too calm. “Grandfather p>

“Yes, Isla,” Alfred said with a firm voice. “Why bother your husband so much that he had to come all the way here from your home to look for you in just” He paused, his grey eyes flicking down to Gabriel’s slippers and clothes. He shook his head. “Never mind. I am just checking on you. Where are you p>

“In the office,” she said. “I still have a lot to do p>

“You should rest,” Alfred said sternly. “Take care of yourself and make sure you look your best tomorrow night. Bye for now.

And just like that, he ended the call.

The old man set the phone aside and looked straight at Gabriel. “You heard her. She is in the office. Working.

Gabriel’s stomach twisted. His face grew hot. He was embarrassed. And right in front of his grandfather. He felt like a child being scolded, yet beneath that, a stronger fire was building inside him. And it was anger.

Anger at Isla. Anger that she had put him in this position. Anger that she hadn’t answered his calls, yet had time to answer Alfred.

Even his parents were watching him differently now, as though he were some stranger who had lost his way. Read complete version only at.net

“Son,

on, come and join us for breakfast,” Anna said softly, but there was no warmth in her eyes. Seeing her Son worried because of Isla, didn’t sit well with her.

Gabriel clenched his teeth so tightly that his jaw hurt. He forced himself to breathe and then spoke, his tone flat. “Thank you, Grandfather. I must have overreacted. I should take my leave now p>

He turned politely to his parents. “Father. Mother.” He gave a stiff nod, then turned and walked out of the гоот, his chest heavy.

The moment he stepped outside the dining hall, he pulled his phone out again. His fingers moved fast, dialing Diana.

“Mother,” he said as soon as she picked up. His voice was calmer this time, but low. “I am sorry for earlier. My wife is in the office p>

“Oh, it’s fine, Gabriel. I already spoke to her. I’ll see you tomorrow at the event p>

“Okay, Mother. Goodbye p>

He ended the call, his face unreadable. As he reached the main entrance, his bodyguard Ted rushed ahead to hold the car door open. Gabriel slid into the back seat, his head leaning slightly against the leather as his eyes turned to the window.

“Back to the penthouse,” he instructed, his tone sharp.

The convoy moved. Engines roared softly, pulling away from the grand estate.

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Gabriel’s reflection stared back at him from the glass. His jaw flexed as he muttered under his breath, “What game are you playing, Isla p>

His heart raced faster than before. Why had her line been busy when he called her earlier? Who could she possibly have been talking to for that long? And why hadn’t she called him back?

As the car sped through the city, Gabriel tried calling her again. This time, the line connected. He pressed the phone to his ear.

“Hello,” a voice answered.

Gabriel froze. It was not Isla’s voice. It was a man’s voice.

His blood boiled instantly. His grip on the phone tightened, “Who the hell are you,” Gabriel roared, “and why are you answering my wife’s phone p>

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Florence

Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.