Chapter 79
Isla and Gabriel sat quietly in the back seat of his car. The tension from earlier still stayed with him and neither
of them said a word.
Gabriel’s jaw tightened as he stared out the window. He was furious with his brother. Wyatt had always been manipulative. Always twisting things, and changing figures in company documents just to benefit himself. Gabriel had ignored it for years for the sake of peace, but this time, he had reached his limit. He was done tolerating Wyatt’s greed.
He turned slightly, studying Isla beside him. She seemed lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the passing busy
streets.
But her silence wasn’t about Wyatt–it was about her own worries. Her company needed her attention, but there was no way she could leave Carminton at the moment.
Though she had been managing things remotely, her presence was needed especially now that the pink diamond she had paid for has not been supplied yet.
That rare stone meant everything to her project. The pendant design she had planned could make her brand soar to international recognition. Not getting it would be a huge blow.
Gabriel’s deep voice broke the silence. “What are you thinking about?” he asked gently.
Isla blinked and smiled. Now that she has his attention. She adjusted in her seat and also gave him attention. She preferred this version of him–the calm, warm Gabriel–not the cold man she’d seen earlier in his office.
“Nothing serious,” she said softly. “Just… thinking about everything. What led to our marriage, and how fast everything happened.” She shrugged lightly, her eyes falling to her hands.
Of course, that wasn’t the whole truth. She didn’t want him to know about her company issues yet. Not until she was sure she could trust him. Not until she was certain their marriage–forced or not–had a real chance of working. She wanted it to work out and so did Alfred Wyndham. Even her mother would give anything for it to succeed.
Gabriel’s eyes drifted on her face, as if reading the thoughts she wouldn’t say aloud. “I have a lot to tell you, he murmured. “And a few surprises too. But not now. I don’t want to ruin the moment. Just wait a little longer.
He took her left hand and his thumb brushed over her ring finger. The diamond on it sparkled faintly. He lifted her hand and pressed a slow kiss to the ring.
“Right now,” he said with a teasing edge in his voice, “I just want to spend the rest of today—and tonight with my wife. No interruptions. And don’t expect me to be gentle p>
Isla’s breath caught. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink. She looked away quickly, though a small smile curled at her lips. She understood what he meant, and though she would never admit it aloud, she wanted the same thing.
The car slowed, then came to a stop.
Gabriel looked out the window and turned to her again. “Let’s continue our discussion after lunch,” he said quietly.
1/2
The door opened. Thomas, his driver, stood outside holding the door open for them. Gabriel was the first to step out–he turned back and extended his hand to Isla. She placed her hand in his, and he helped her out with a quiet kind of care that made her heart flutter.
“Thank you,” she murmured with a small smile.
Gabriel placed a hand at the small of her back, guiding her forward.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wyndham, welcome to Tropicana,” the maître d‘ greeted them warmly, “Your reservation is ready. This way, please.
They followed him to the elevator, which took them up to the top floor. When the doors opened, a breathtaking private dining suite came to view its glass walls offered a perfect view of the glittering ocean. The room glowed under the soft warmth of the afternoon sun.
A head waiter stood by the table, smiling professionally.
“Welcome to Tropicana, ” he said politely, stepping forward to pull out Isla’s chair–but Gabriel raised his hand slightly, stopping him.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said with a calm voice. “I’ll take it from here p>
The waiter nodded and stepped back.
Isla smiled. She was touched by his gesture. It wasn’t about control; it was about care. The little things he did today made her chest feel warm.
Gabriel pulled her chair out, and she sat down gracefully. “Thank you,” she whispered.
He smiled faintly and took his seat across from her. After a brief exchange with the waiter, he placed their order. Isla let him choose their meal–lobster and steak paired with fine wine.
A sommelier soon appeared with a wine menu, offering it to Gabriel. After a quiet discussion, the man nodded approvingly and walked away.
When they were alone again, Gabriel leaned back slightly, his gaze fixed on her. “So,” he said with a teasing grin, “about what I said earlier in the car–I mentioned I wouldn’t be gentle tonight. You didn’t say anything to
that p>
Isla choked slightly on her breath, her eyes widening. She wasn’t expecting him to bring that up again.” Gabriel,” she coughed softly, embarrassed, “must you say that here p>
He only smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief and affection. Thɪs chapter is updated by Fip>
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.