Chapter 26
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Gabriel dialed Diana’s number, and the line connected almost immediately.
“Mother,” “he breathed, his volce tense yet trying to sound calm. “I’m sorry to disturb you this early morning, but… can I please talk to my wife p>
There was a long pause on the other end before Diana finally spoke, her voice filled with panic. “Gabriel, what are you talking about? Shouldn’t your wife be with you p>
His heart sank. He rubbed his temple. “Oh? I… I’m so sorry. I thought she was with you. You see, I just got back from a business trip, and she wasn’t home. I’ll check with Grandpa. Regards p>
Before Diana could say another word, he ended the call. His chest tightened as frustration started bubbling inside him. He wasn’t just annoyed, he was scared. Somehow, her disappearance bordered him.
He immediately dialed his grandfather. Isla sometimes stayed with Alfred when he wasn’t feeling well. She was the only granddaughter–in–law who took time to care for the old man. The others were too busy chasing new wardrobes, yachts, and vacations. They only cared about his money. But Isla… Isla was different. She cared with her whole heart, often more for others than for herself.
The phone rang. But no response. Gabriel’s jaw tightened. The silence was louder than any words. Why can’t he get through to his grandfather?
With no other choice, he called his father. The phone rang and he picked up instantly.
“Son,” John’s familiar, calm voice came through.
Gabriel swallowed hard. “Hi, Dad. Um…. is my wife by any chance with Grandfather?” His voice cracked slightly, betraying the desperation he was trying to hide.
There was a long silence, and Gabriel’s pulse raced until John finally spoke, “No, she’s not p>
“ Damn it!” Gabriel snapped, slamming his fist lightly against the wall.
“What is it, son? Are you okay?” John’s voice sounded worried.
Before Gabriel could explain, another voice echoed in the background. Anna’s cold voice.
“Just tell him the truth. The leech has finally gotten the message this time p>
Gabriel froze. His chest tightened in anger. He had heard every word. But before he could reply, the line went dead.
For a long moment, Gabriel stood in silence, his breathing heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. He dragged his hands across his face, then through his hair, pacing Isla’s bedroom like a restless lion that was trapped in a
cage.
Something made him pause. A thought crossed his mind. Slowly, he turned toward her walk–in closet and pulled open the door. His stomach slumped, instantly.
Her closet was almost empty.
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Yes, a few things were left behind, scattered here and there. But most of her office wear was gone. Her shoes, her bags and wristwatches. Even her jewelry, everything, gone.
A hollow laugh broke out of him. It was the kind of laugh that comes from disbelief, from pain pressing too hard against the chest. He sounded like a man already on the edge of losing his mind.
“No… no, no, no,” he muttered, his voice cracking.
He screamed out, raw frustration pouring out of him. Without wasting another second, he stormed out of the penthouse. His movement, fast.
When he reached the garage, his three bodyguards straightened immediately. Jake, Tim, and Ted stood attention the moment they saw their boss approaching.
“Sir, are you going out dressed like that?” Tim asked carefully, his eyes pointing to Gabriel’s clothes and the slippers on his feet.
He was dressed in a black joggers and a simple white sweatshirt.
Normally, Gabriel was the image of perfection. A man of honor. His appearance always spoke of sophistication, precision, and power. It was one of the reasons Alfred had trusted him above all the others to lead the Wyndham empire.
But right now, none of that mattered. His heart was louder than his reputation. He had no plans to go out today. He had wanted to stay at home with Isla, talk about tomorrow’s launch, maybe even have a quiet dinner together. Just like they used to.
Gabriel glanced down briefly at his clothes, then past them, at the garage itself. His piercing eyes caught something that made his blood run cold. Several cars were missing. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ. voice came out low. And it was dangerously low. “Where are the other cars p>
They followed his gaze instantly. “Oh,” Ted spoke casually, as if it were nothing. “We received information that Mrs. Wyndham’s cars were seen going into the Wyndham Skyline Avenue p>
Gabriel’s heart slammed against his ribs. “Wyndham Skyline Avenue…” he muttered under his breath, piecing everything together.
Then his voice rose, firm and commanding. “Take me to the Wyndham Estate, now p>
His men hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances.
“Sir, what about your clothes?” one of them asked nervously.
Gabriel turned slowly, his green eyes flashing and his voice like steel. “Do I look insane to you p>
The three men straightened immediately those words left his mouth, they hurried into action.
One of them opened the back door of the SUV, and Gabriel slid in, his face set with determination, his chest heaving with so much emotion. Another climbed into the driver’s seat, while the other two followed in a second
car.
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The engines roared to life as the cars drove out of the parking lot.
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.