Chapter 21
0021
Gabriel’s day was no different from that of his wife. He had been buried in work all day. Since morning, the moment he stepped into the office, he had been signing cheques, reviewing reports, and going through documents without pause. Thɪs chapter is updated by.net
His desk was piled up with work, and his pen kept moving across the papers. It was almost time for him to call it a day, but he was still working.
Suddenly, the door to his office opened without a knock.
Gabriel didn’t even bother to raise his head. Only one person dared to walk into his office like that–his elder brother, Wyatt. And if Wyatt was here, Gabriel already knew he wasn’t here to chat. He was here to cause trouble, the way he always did.
“You won’t even look at your brother?” Wyatt teased, walking straight to the chair in front of the desk and sitting down comfortably.
“I’m busy, as you can see,” Gabriel replied flatly, his eyes still fixed on the paper in front of him.
Wyatt leaned back in his chair with a grin. “I need some money,” he said casually. “The usual. You know Sia and Mia? They’re planning a fun cruise. It’s been a while since the last one. Even the kids are whining. A little party could ease the tension. So, what do you say p>
That made Gabriel pause. He finally lifted his head, his eyes meeting Wyatt’s smug smile.
“I’m very sure everyone in this family already received their allowances today,” Gabriel said. “So why are you here asking me for more p>
Wyatt leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. His tone shifted. And was more serious now.
“Don’t act like you own this company. I’m asking for what belongs to everyone in the family. You splash money around on your mistress, shower her with expensive gifts. And your wife? I still can’t believe she’s managing the clothing company now. She can spend as she pleases, just like you. But the rest of us? We have no choice but to come begging for scraps p>
Gabriel’s jaw tightened. He stood, glaring down at his brother with cold eyes. “You’re crossing a line, Wyatt. You know very well I don’t touch company funds. I have my own business, and I work for what I own. Maybe you should try doing the same instead of barging in here, asking for handouts. And for what? A fun cruise?” scoffed, shaking his head.
He
Wyatt opened his mouth to reply, but Gabriel’s words cut him off. “As for my wife–she is disciplined with money, just like me. Grandfather chose her to manage that company because he knew how reckless you and your
“Gabriel stopped himself. “Never mind p>
He sat back down, rubbing his forehead in frustration.
Wyatt’s fists clenched on his knees. He hated being reminded of his failures. He hated that Gabriel always sounded like the responsible one.
Gabriel’s tone softened slightly, though his face was still frowned. “How much are we talking about p>
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Wyatt smirked, victory glinting in his eyes. “Well… a few million dollars p>
“Be specific,” Gabriel demanded.
“Twenty million, to be precise p>
Gabriel blinked. Twenty million was a lot of money by most standards. But for him, it wasn’t something that could shake him. He could sign that amount away without even flinching. And sometimes, keeping peace in the family was easier than fighting each other.
Without another word, he pulled out a cheque, signed it swiftly, and slid it across the desk.
Wyatt snatched it up with satisfaction and left the office almost immediately.
Barely two minutes after the door closed, the intercom buzzed. Gabriel pressed the button. “ Yes p>
A tense voice came through. “Sir, you just signed a cheque for your brother p>
“Yes. It’s urgent,” Gabriel replied calmly, cutting the call. He didn’t need anyone questioning him.
By the time he retired for the day, his body felt drained. He just wanted to go home.
At home, everything fell into the usual routine. He ate dinner with Isla in their silent way, then went off to rest.
Later that night, Isla sat in bed, her back against the headboard. Her A**le Pencil Pro moved smoothly across her ip*d screen as she focused on sketching her new jewelry design. She was deep in concentration when the door opened.
Gabriel stepped in quietly, dressed for the night. Isla’s eyes lifted in surprise. Just like the night before, he climbed into her bed without hesitation. But unlike last night, he wasn’t trying to sleep.
She stilled, her pencil still in hand. What is he doing? Why now?
For over two years of marriage, they had never truly shared a room together–not unless they were at her parents‘ house or with his family. So why this sudden change!
Just like yesterday, he hadn’t gone out to his friends or to Delphine. Could they be fighting?
Her heart raced as he suddenly shifted on the bed and turned to face her. His eyes were heavy with something she couldn’t understand.
“Can I touch you tonight?” he asked.
Isla’s hand stilled, her mouth parting. “ What?” The word slipped out in shock.
“I want to make love to my wife,” Gabriel said, his voice deep and steady. “ Can I p>
Her mind spun. This is too good to be true. After years of distance, was this really happening?
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.