Chapter 93
“Sir, what do you say? Should we cancel the contracts or approve them?” the company’s COO asked carefully, breaking the silence that had lingered far too long.
He was a tall, broad–shouldered man with dark curly hair trimmed neatly at the sides. The loose strands that fell across his forehead softened his sharp features. His rectangular glasses gave him an intelligent, almost nerdish look–one that contrasted Gabriel’s cold, commanding presence.
The boardroom was tense. Everyone seated around the long mahogany table waited for the CEO to speak. But Gabriel didn’t.
He sat there, motionless, his gaze fixed on the stack of files before him, though it was clear his mind was far
away.
Lately, the company had been suffering irregularities–contracts with inflated figures, unaccounted expenditures, and suspicious transactions. Gabriel had halted all new deals until the situation was investigated. Today’s meeting was meant to resolve the issue. Every major contractor had been summoned–including his father–in–law, Charles, Isla’s father.
Yet, even now, Gabriel’s thoughts weren’t fully in the room.
No matter how much he tried to focus, his mind drifted to Isla–his wife. The image of her, smiling faintly in someone else’s arms, that image born purely of jealousy and imagination, was tearing him apart. It was irrational of him, but it gnawed at him, clouding his sense of judgment, and twisting his beliefs.
“Sir p>
The COO cleared his throat softly, trying to pull Gabriel back from wherever his thoughts had gone. And it worked. Gabriel blinked, shifting his gaze toward the man. Follow current novᴇls on (.)net
“I was asking,” the COO said again, “what your decision is, since all the evidence is right before you.
Gabriel exhaled slowly, adjusting his posture in the leather chair. He leaned back, rubbing his thumb over his jaw as if the motion could ease the tension in his mind.
“ If I may ask,” he said, his tone calm but heavy, “what would your decision be in a situation like this p>
The COO hesitated, then offered a faint, diplomatic smile. “Honestly, sir… it would be better to cancel all the contracts–at least until further notice p>
Gasps and murmurs rippled across the room. Several contractors exchanged nervous glances, their expressions tightening.
Gabriel’s voice cut through the low noise, deep and resolute.
“All contracts are cancelled. Everyone leaves–except Mr. Charles p>
The silence that followed was suffocating. The contractors froze, disbelief flashing in their eyes. But the CEO had spoken. His tone left no room for debate.
Reluctantly, they gathered their documents and stood. Even as they filed out of the conference room, their gazes
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remained on Gabriel, as if hoping he’d change his mind. But he didn’t even look their way.
The COO, knowing his boss well enough, gave them a curt nod toward the exit. When the last man left, the heavy doors closed with a dull thud, leaving only three men behind. Gabriel, Charles, and the COO.
Charles cleared his throat, adjusting his tie. He wanted to ask what was wrong with his son–in–law, but this was neither the time nor the place for it.
Gabriel turned to him suddenly. “Mr. Charles,” he said, his tone measured. “Can you execute the contracts, alone p>
The words hung in the air.
The COO blinked. Charles‘ mouth parted slightly, stunned. Did he hear that correctly? Gabriel was about to hand over projects worth billions of dollars to him alone?
“I…” Charles began, his voice faltering. “I can, yes.” He swallowed, trying to mask the shock on his face. His tie suddenly felt too tight, and he loosened it slightly. It was clear that the old man was nervous.
Gabriel gave a short nod. “Good. Then award all the contracts to Charles Enterprise p>
The COO’s eyes widened.
“Once it’s done,” Gabriel continued, rising to his feet, “bring the documents to my office for signing p>
He didn’t say another word. He gathered his tablet and papers, then strode out of the room, his polished shoes echoing against the marble floor until the sound faded completely.
For a long moment, neither Charles nor the COO spoke.
Finally, Charles turned to him, still trying to process what just happened. “What was that?” he muttered under
his breath.
The COO chuckled softly, extending a hand toward him. “Congratulations, Mr. Charles. You’re officially a
billionaire now p>
Charles gave a stunned half–laugh as he shook the man’s hand.
“Please,” the COO added with a warm smile, “let’s proceed to my office. We have a lot to discuss p>
Charles nodded slowly, still dazed. As they walked out together, the thought of Gabriel’s action was still surprising to him.
Besides, his instinct said something was definitely wrong with Gabriel. And he was going to find out very soon.
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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.